How to stop missing out on opportunities when job hunting

Want to know how to stop missing out on opportunities when you’re job hunting?

All this week, I’m sharing 5 common mistakes to avoid when job hunting. And how to stop making those mistakes.

Everything I’m sharing in this series, is based on my experience of taking 100s of women through my LinkedIn training, career coaching or redundancy transition programmes.

These are the tips and tricks that I also share in my Career Conversations group on Facebook.

Today I want to tell you how to use the power of your network to stop missing out on opportunities when you’re job hunting.

How to stop missing out on opportunities when job hunting

There is GOLD in your network.

And you are missing out on SO many opportunities if you don’t harness the power of your network.

Sure, in the current situation, with lockdown restrictions starting to ease, there’s not much face-to-face networking taking place.

However there’s a whole heap of networking that you can do ONLINE. Besides it’s not just the actual networking … it’s how you leverage that network.

Yes OK. You might be thinking that ‘leverage’ seems a bit underhand or manipulative. But what does it actually mean?

Here’s one definition of leverage:

power to influence people and get the results you want

Whoops and there’s another dirty word, “power”.

How about this definition instead …

use (something) to maximum advantage

How to use the power of networking to speed up your job search

There are lots of elegant ways that you can use (leverage) your network to speed up your job search.

1 – the absolute basic thing you should be doing is TELLING everyone in your network that you are actively job hunting.

Don’t want your current employer to know? Fine – don’t do a big public announcement on LinkedIn, instead email or private message selected connections.

You don’t have to say “I’m desperate to leave” if you’re worried that word will get back to your line manager but you could suggest “I’m always interested in exploring new opportunities”.

Ask them to bear you in mind if they hear of new opportunities. Be specific. Tell them what roles you’re looking for. Make it easy for them to recommend you.

And remind them from time to time.

2 – Before you apply for a specific role at an organisation, check your LinkedIn connections (look at your 1st and 2nd connections).

Who do you know who works there or used to work there? What insights could they share with you?

3 – Research WHO you want to work for.

Create a GOLD list of your top 10 employers.

Now go back to your network on LinkedIn (look again at your 1st and 2nd connections) … who do you know who works at one of those top 10 employers? What insider information can they give you? Who could they introduce you to?

Finally, when it comes to networking, it pays to be helpful and friendly. But if you don’t use the power of your network, you’ll be missing out on job opportunities.

5 mistakes to avoid when job hunting

Today was the fourth in a series exploring the 5 mistakes you need to avoid to be successful in your job hunt.

Yesterday we looked at how you might be ruining your chances and missing out on opportunities because of your social media presence.

Come back tomorrow when I’ll tell you the biggest mistake of all! And it’s one that will really and truly scupper your chances.

For more tips like this, join my Career Conversations group on Facebook.

p.s. if you’re actively job hunting, facing redundancy or going back to work after a career break, you’ll love Job Search Confidence, a 12 week structured job search programme. Get crystal clear in your job search goals and become the stand out candidate for your dream job – before you even apply! Find out more HERE.