metamorworks/Shutterstock
Are you unemployed or at a stalemate with your career and searching for a new one but frustrated by the lack of response to your applications? Does it seem like it’s harder than ever to get interviews and stand out from the crowd?
If so, you’re not alone. Hiring in April slowed amid economic uncertainty. Plus many open roles are seeing record numbers of applications, thanks to generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, which automate resume and cover letter writing, allowing job seekers to apply to more jobs in less time. It’s a perfect storm that has resulted in a job market that is frustratingly competitive.
It may be tempting to sit back and let AI do a lot of the work while you just keep churning out job applications. But while there’s no magic formula for standing out to prospective future employers in this tight labor market, experts say you may be underutilizing one of the most tried-and-true methods for landing your next role: networking.
“No amount of AI can replace a personal experience,” said Jessye Kass, a recruiter and career coach, adding that previous skills gained and industry connections are crucial for a winning job search and ongoing professional development.
Some estimates suggest that at least 80% of jobs are filled via personal and professional connections. So, if you’re looking for your next role and want to leverage the power of networking, here are some tips on how to succeed:
Think of Networking as a Long-Term Game
Some job seekers get intimidated by the networking process because they are afraid to put themselves out there or it feels awkward to be so direct about their skill sets and strengths. But thinking of networking as a part of the professional development process -as opposed to just considering it as a means to an end in landing your next role – can help take some of the pressure off, Kass said.
“You should be thinking about creating a networking strategy while also thinking of it as ‘I am building a number of connections that will have long-term benefits,'” Kass said. “People tend to focus on the short term of networking, and it’s really so much of a long game.”
There are a number of ways to build a long-term strategy, which can be useful to employ whether you are actively looking for your next role or gainfully employed. One tactic is to follow professionals in the field you are interested in on a networking tool like LinkedIn and engage with their posts. Then if you decide to later request them as a connection, they already have some familiarity with who you are, Kass said.
Know How to “Sell” Yourself and Reach the Right People
“It’s more about who you know than what you know,” according to Jim Lauckner, a Philadelphia area-based management consultant. “Looking for a new job should be a full-time job and it’s a sales job,” rooted in marketing yourself to prospective employers and leveraging the right connections.
Technological advances and applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many employers use to screen candidates mean that often, many applications don’t even get looked at because they don’t make it to the top of the digital pile. By already having connections at an employer before you apply, you can help ensure that your application gets the most consideration, he said.
Successful networking often entails talking to someone at that employer but then reaching second- or third-degree connections that can get you closer to the hiring manager. Thinking of these connections as reciprocal relationships where you develop a rapport over time and offer to share advice or information that could also be useful to them helps to build sustainable and mutually beneficial connections.
“Always ask: ‘How do I get to that right person who can get me in the door?'” Lauckner said.
Consider Virtual and In-Person Networking Opportunities
While virtual platforms like LinkedIn and online forums can exponentially increase your connections, the power of in-person networking opportunities should not be overlooked. These can be formal connections made through an academic conference you attend, for instance, or informal connections made through a neighbor or friend.
While some people feel intimidated by networking in person, making connections can be easy, Kass said. If you’re at a conference with unstructured time, listening to what conversations are happening at tables, then walking over and chiming in on what you know about the topic and introducing yourself can be a great way to get started. Bringing printed or digital business cards or having the QR code to your LinkedIn profile are great ways to stay in touch with your connections, Kass said, and continue the conversation once the event is over.
Use AI and Conversations with People to Research Jobs First
AI tools can be useful in helping you identify your goals with networking, identify transferable skills that you want to get feedback from your network about, or draft messages to people that you are looking to add to your network. Using your network to schedule short, informal conversations with people in the types of positions you’re interested in can also help clarify your career path, Kass said.
When doing cold outreach to people to interview them about their jobs, Kass said, it’s important to not necessarily ask for a conversation right away and mention that if they are not interested or do not have time to have a conversation with you, that is okay.
“Giving people the option to say no is important,” Kass said. “They are less likely to just ignore or delete the message.”
In the age of AI and an increasingly competitive job market, leveraging personal connections and refining your networking strategies can set you up for success in landing your next role. By building genuine, reciprocal relationships and strategically positioning yourself in the market, you not only improve the chances of securing your next role but also lay the groundwork for sustained professional growth and development for years to come.
