#JobSearch : How To Do The Impossible And Land A Job Without Contacts. Start Building Your Network Now! A Must REad!

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You’ve probably heard the famous catchphrase, “It’s not what you know but who you know.” Many people think it’s impossible to get a job without contacts. While referrals are generally four times more likely to be hired than other candidates, it is still possible to land a role without any connections. It just takes a bit of additional planning and preparation.

First, remember that it’s never too late to grow your network. You don’t need to be one of those people with an enormous list of contacts. It’s more beneficial to focus on the quality of your network than the number of people in your virtual Rolodex.

To get a job without contacts, approach your search strategically. That means leaning into your skills, qualifications and personality. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, these practical approaches will help you get noticed and hired at a top company.

Focus Your Job Search

Your job search needs to be well thought out and intentional. So, the initial step is to have a specific idea of the role you’re looking for. Narrow your selection down to a list of companies and job titles. Because job titles vary across organizations and industries, you may need to broaden your search parameters to include additional roles. At that point, you can set up job alerts to receive ongoing notifications for relevant positions.

 

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Article continued …

Start Building Your Network

If you just graduated from college or are thinking of changing careers, building your network from scratch might be necessary. To begin, start with who you know, including family and friends. A great way to meet new people is to join your local college alum group. Some additional places to connect with individuals to add to your network include:

  • Trade shows
  • Athletic events
  • Volunteer gatherings
  • Seminars and conventions
  • Professional association meetings

Of course, in-person events are not the only place to expand your network. For online networking, LinkedIn is the ideal platform. Start by optimizing your profile and connecting with people who share mutual interests. Join LinkedIn groups and participate in virtual events. Finally, once you gain traction, create content to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. You will set yourself apart in a crowded professional marketplace by positioning yourself as an expert.

Leverage Professional Services

When you’re struggling to get a job without contacts, it helps to seek professional help. A career coach specializes in helping you on your journey of self-discovery. Many people wait to hire a coach until they are middle managers. But having a coach early on can help accelerate your career. To find someone reputable, coaching associations like the International Coaching Federation or International Association of Coaching are great resources. You also might explore a virtual coaching platform like BetterUp or CoachUp. In the end, take your time to find the right person. Most coaching engagements last several months, and you’ll want to find someone trustworthy to whom you feel comfortable opening up.

Lean On References

A professional reference is someone you trust, like a manager, co-worker, client or vendor, who can attest to your expertise and integrity. Don’t overlook recommendations from people at volunteer organizations you’ve been involved with. Even someone who worked for you might be a good choice. Once you have a list of references, contact them early in your job search to ensure they are willing to recommend you. If they agree, give them specifics about the role and remind them of any achievements you would like to highlight. Be sure to prepare them before being contacted by the employer. Afterward, don’t forget to thank your references and inform them of the outcome.

Use A Storytelling Approach

Unlike a traditional bullet-pointed resume, a storytelling or narrative resume communicates your experience and qualifications more effectively. The format is creative and engaging because it uses paragraphs and descriptive language to make your value to an employer come to life. A key advantage to a narrative resume is that it helps the recruiter better understand your competencies while illustrating why you would make an ideal candidate. Not only is the format more memorable, but it also does a better job of communicating your career history and achievements cohesively.

Don’t let a lack of connections discourage you from applying for a position. While it can be intimidating, it’s not impossible to get a job without contacts. Sometimes, taking the initiative, knowing your worth and using a focused strategy is enough.

 

Forbes.com | August 18, 2024 | Caroline Castrillon