Useful Tips for using your network to find a job

1. Getting a Job
By using your network
June 2015 Webinar Session

2. Source: U.S. B U R E A U O F L A B O R S T A T I S T I C S

3. 80% of today’s jobs are landed through networking
Source: ABC News
Personal (couple with online) networking
Existing network
Networking events

4. Job, a priceless activity
The Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD)

5. A Fact
The vast majority of job openings are never
advertised; they’re filled by word of mouth.
Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to
take advantage of networking because they’re
afraid of being seen as annoying or self-serving.
But networking isn’t about using other people or
aggressively promoting yourself—it’s about
building relationships.

6. …so let’s define what networking is about
Networking is the development and
maintenance of mutually valuable
relationships
Networking is the #1 way to find a job

7. We are all living within networks
Family
School, Universities
Activities, Teams
Society
Social media Network (new & dynamic)

8. Networking & Job seeking
Companies want to hire from within first
Then they seek for referrals from employees / partners
Jobseekers (all of us) have the benefit of getting known before the job is
"officially posted”
Examples hired in my previous job: &
Examples of my current job: &

9. Networking is not an easy task
Reasons why Networking does not always come easy:
Fear
Personality Types
Unfamiliar Territory
Getting started

10. Actually, it’s easier
than one may think

11. Everyone can do it!
Personal networking means going outside one's
comfort zone, particularly if you’re an
introvert. Developing the attitude that “I just
have to do it” will help you over the hump
Using your networking wisely is a muscle you
can exercise and develop if you haven't already
Start with easy steps:
Family & Close friends
The example of a plumper

12. Ways to build relationships
Use Social Media
Find Alumni
Find Friends
Follow interesting people on Twitter
Attend meet-ups, conferences & industry events
Attend workshops & classes that interest you

13. Start Exploring
Exeter’s Network
- Several Groups with thousands of members on Social
Media
- Alumni International contacts in more than 85
countries
- Several Events in many corners of the world

14. Ways to build relationships
The social media evolution
You need 5’ per day to “be connected”

15. Example
of Social Events

16. Be patient
It needs time and effort to cultivate long-term
relationships to gather information, gain exposure, and
learn about job opportunities
Do not focus only on a job:
Learn more about the day-to-day realities of
positions
Try to meet people who can offer advice about your
search, answer questions about career choices

17. Building & Strengthening relationships
Communicate your sincere interest for other people’s job &
advice
Identify people who may either provide relevant
information on your job search or refer you to others who
can
Never underestimate anyone's potential to be a
knowledgeable resource
Come to every meeting prepared

18. Personal connections land jobs
The people in your life who you don’t know too well are the
ones who often matter the most when time comes to find a job,
(since they have access to information that you wouldn’t otherwise
come across)
To find out about a job, it’s not enough to just be connected to
people
Let folks in your social network know that you’re looking
for work
Sell them on the idea that you’d make a great employee

19. Developing a Networking Plan
Feeling nervous about making contact—either because you’re
uncomfortable asking for favors or embarrassed about your
employment situation?
People like to give advice and be recognized for their expertise
Almost everyone knows what it’s like to be out of work or looking
for a job. They’ll sympathize with your situation
Unemployment can be isolating and stressful. By connecting with
others, you’re sure to get some much needed encouragement,
fellowship, and moral support

21. Do not mix things!
Do not ask without giving. People who have the
true networking mindset realize that they should
first help others, before thinking of themselves
Helping other jobseekers will help you. Paying it
forward increases your odds of landing a job
The best way to find these opportunities is by
talking to people around you

22. There are so many ways to help others!
Example of Harris
He acts as an aggregator of news with more that 1,000
followers (to whom he saves time), via an online
magazine, using Flipboard’s tools.
Flipboard has noticed that to the extent that they offered
him a job!

23. Adopting a networking lifestyle by helping others!

24. Need a reason to network? “Succeeding in business is all
about making connections.” – Richard Branson

25. Keeping your network alive always pays off
It becomes your social capital
It cultivates your interpersonal & emotional skills
It enriches your social life and it’s fun
Reconnecting with the people in your network should be fun!

26. Keeping your network alive always pays off

27. Be patient
It took me 3 years, but knowing that my
cousin was willing to relocate to the Middle
East, as soon as an opportunity arose, I
forwarded his resume!

28. Remember
We are going through turbulent times, so
you never know when you will need to use
your network for finding a job
Networking cultivation needs time
Acting proactively pays off

29. To sum up!

30. Use of personal connections to get a job
Identify and activate all available networks around you
“Get out of your comfort zone”
Be responsive and proactive
Think of what you can offer before asking to be helped
Don’t forget to follow-up
You never know who is going to be able to help you

31. Maintain your network. It pays off
Everyone has both “strong” and “weak” ties. Strong ties
occupy that inner circle and weak ties are less established.
Adding people to your network is time consuming, especially
strong ties. But adding new “weak tie” members gives your
network vitality. New relationships invigorate the network by
providing a connection to new networks, viewpoints, and
opportunities
Take the time to maintain your network. Schedule time with
your key contacts & find ways to interchange

32. Do’s
Dont’s
Be genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships
Become known as a resource to others (Hold volunteer positions)
Articulate what you are looking for and don’t be afraid to go beyond your industry
Understand the needs of the people you are networking with and offer some value to THEM
Don’t only talk to people you know
Don’t expect anything
Don’t dismiss anyone as irrelevant
Don’t take ‘NO’ personally
Don’t drink too much at evening events– obviously!

33. Some extra Tips
Young Graduate
- No experience but the fact that you could be “crafted” from
the ground up is attractive
- Seek good orientation (find a mentor/coach)
- Value the opinion of people
- Start low and work your way up
- Keep on adding value to your skills
- Be active in your direction (blogging etc…)
- Keep the fresher's good mood
- Capitalize on your experience
- Find a balance if you have too much experience
- It’s not easy to teach an old dog new tricks
- You have to be flexible and able to adapt
- Exhaust network
- Be prepared to embark on a new venture
- Add & modernize your skills
- Cultivate your Soft Skills (management, leadership)
Mature Professional

34. 34
Thank you!
George Pakos
Managing Director at Going Up
(www.goingup.eu)
georgepakos@gmail.com
MSc, International Management (2003 – 2004)
Anastasia Dritsa
Competition Law Partner at KG Law Firm
(http://www.kglawfirm.gr/ )
A.Dritsa@kglawfirm.gr
LLM, International Business Legal Studies (1989 – 1991)