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JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES & TOOLS
Networking: How to Identify and Build a Personal Network
Networking is the process of making connections and building relationships. These connections can provide you with advice and contacts, which can help you make informed career decisions. Networking can even help you find unadvertised jobs / internships.
Some sources report that 85 % of all jobs are filled through private contacts and referrals. In other words,“ who knows you” can be as important as“ what you know” when hunting for that professional opportunity. It has also been reported that over 70 % of jobs are not advertised.
Candidates are only skimming the surface of the actual job market when they job search online.
How Do I Start Networking?
Brainstorm to think about who your connections are and who they might know. Write down the names of people already in your network. Consider people you know:
• Eastern Florida State College professors and staff members
• Parents’ friends
• Classmates and club / organization members
• Recent alumni
Think of past jobs you may have held. How did you find those? More than likely, it came from someone telling you about it or giving you the name of someone to contact. That’ s how networking works. So why should you network? Review the graphic below:
The Value of Networking
Advertisements / Websites
Recruitment Agencies
Professional Organisations
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Most people start looking for jobs from here
Employers hire in this direction
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Networking / Word of mouth
Contacts from existing staff
Internal Promotion or Lateral Move
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