Finding The Best Job Vacancies

The job market is more competitive than ever. With fluctuations in the worldwide economy, companies have lost money and positions are being cut at an alarming rate. For those with jobs, the struggle to hang onto them is fierce. For those who have lost their jobs, the struggle to find another might seem grim. Don’t worry. It is still possible to come out on top.

A Current Market Snapshot

When the job market does not have enough vacancies to go around, companies have the power to reevaluate their corporate structure and determine what and who is working and what and who should not be. During woeful economic times, those who were once high up in the corporate food chain may find their company asking them to take a pay cut or lose their position altogether. New graduates, formerly “guaranteed” better opportunity upon graduating from university, are now competing with field experts to obtain even an entry-level salary.

Who You Know

The expression “It’s who you know”, has been a part of our culture for years. This sentiment suggests that sometimes, in spite of merit, personal connections can make a difference in whether or not you get or keep a job. As much as corporations might deny this sentiment, it’s basic human nature. We want to spend time with people we know. When we work with people we know, we feel a sense of trust and comfort. Choosing to work with people we know seems like a safer investment.

Job Search Networking

If you are seeking a new job in the UK market - or even trying to keep your old one - it is critical for you to build relationships with those people who can help you. Sure, this sounds easy to see but sometimes, can be difficult to do. If you are serious about developing your career, networking must, must be a priority.

Let’s start with the basics:

Where to Network

Determine where the players in your company or industry spend their time. This may be at charity events, golf clubs, private lounges or even a local deli. They may belong to certain organizations or networking groups. Everyone spends time somewhere... your job depends on figuring out where.

Once you determine who is doing what where, ingrain yourself in that scene. This may feel uncomfortable at first. The people you want to connect with will most likely have friends and connections that they will spend time talking to. Do not be shy. Say hello, make pleasant small talk about what it is you do and would like to do, then move on. Do the same thing the next week and the next. This is how friendships and relationships develop.

Follow Up

Networking is something that can only be accomplished through repetition. Meeting someone once at a mixer does not a relationship make. Instead, it is only possible to build a history with a person if you meet up with or communicate with him on a frequent basis. With time, you will become a regular in the scene where the players hang out.

Keep your ears open for job opportunities or topics that interest you. Whenever you hear a lead, make a point of saying something like, “Oh, wonderful. I’m actually in that field. Can I get your card? I’d be curious to learn more about that.” Once you have the business card, follow up with a monthly email reminding the contact who you are and your interest in a particular field.

End Results

Typically, networking in this fashion is a long term process. Yet, once you become a part of a particular networking and social scene, the contacts involved will feel that they know you. Remember, that type of endorsement will make a difference when the time comes... and it always does.