Professional networking is one of the most effective (and underestimated) ways to secure your next career opportunity.
Most job seekers waste hours browsing online job boards, submitting dozens of applications and waiting for a response that never comes. But here’s the problem…
That strategy rarely leads to success.
The statistics confirm this. HubSpot research indicates that 85% of jobs are filled via networking, not traditional applications. This means that a mere 15% of positions are obtained by those applying online.
Quite a revelation, right?
In this article we’ll cover:
- Why Networking Trumps Traditional Job Hunting
- Unlocking the Hidden Job Market
- Crafting Connections That Work
- Harnessing Online Networking
- Leveraging Your Network
Why Networking Trumps Traditional Job Hunting
Networking is an effective way to land your dream job because it is all about earning trust before even applying for the position.
It makes sense, from a recruiter’s perspective, that they have hundreds of resumes sitting on their desks. It is a much easier decision for them to hire someone that they already know or have been recommended by a trusted colleague.
That is the reason why referrals are so impactful. They represent 2% of all applications yet they translate into 11% of total hires. In other words, they have about a 10x higher conversion rate than untargeted applications.
But that is not the only perk.
When searching for careers in Tucson Arizona or anywhere for that matter, networking with local professionals is a massive advantage when applying for vacancies in the local market.
Businesses, including Afni careers, are more inclined to hire candidates who are recommended by professionals, i.e. via networks. A solid and reliable network will unlock all sorts of doors that job boards just will not.
Unlocking the Hidden Job Market
There are thousands of reasons why some jobs never make it online…
Welcome to the hidden job market.
It is big. In fact, some 70% of all vacancies are never publicly advertised on job websites. These roles are internally filled by employees or through referrals, before they are ever made public.
Here’s the key for anyone looking for career opportunities:
- Employers will always save time and money on hiring by using referrals
- Recommended employees are viewed as lower risk and, therefore, preferred
- Internal employees hiring is always faster than public applications
The hidden job market is not some exclusive club. It is, in fact, the way most companies operate, these days. Businesses trust their existing employees to refer the best talent for any new role that becomes available. When a position is about to be opened, the very first question that comes to mind is who do we know.
This is also the main reason why building your network should be your utmost priority.
Crafting Connections That Work
Networking is not just about collecting business cards and having hundreds of LinkedIn connections without any relationship behind them.
It is, in fact, all about curating the right connections that can help propel you forward.
Quality over quantity, every single time.
So, how do you build connections that work and can, one way or another, lead to opportunities? Here’s what:
Prioritize value first. Don’t ask anything before thinking about what you can offer. This can be an introduction to someone else. This can also be sharing valuable information on the industry. It is always better to give than to take, when it comes to effective networking.
Stay consistent. Reaching out for support and connections only when a job is needed looks desperate and needy. A consistent check-in, even if it is just a quick message saying how are you doing, will keep the network at your back all the time.
Be crystal clear with your goals. Vague requests will only receive vague replies. Instead of an “if you see anything let me know” approach, try being more specific. This is not the time to be shy about companies or roles of interest.
Attend industry events. Research also found that 78% of conference attendees see in-person events as the best way to network with professionals in the field. Offline connections are important and they do build trust faster.
Harnessing Online Networking
Online networking has gained significant traction in recent years.
Platforms such as LinkedIn have more than 1 billion members worldwide, and it has become the go-to platform for both professional connections and job searching. However, most people are not leveraging it properly.
Simply creating a profile is not enough, active engagement is.
LinkedIn research also suggests that 35% of professionals are finding new opportunities via casual conversations on the platform. It is important to note these were not formal job applications but simply messages that led to bigger things.
This is how online networking on LinkedIn should be approached:
- Update the profile regularly to include current skills and achievements
- Engage with posts from industry leaders and connections
- Share valuable content to demonstrate expertise
- Send personalized connection requests (avoid default message)
- Join industry-specific groups and actively participate in discussions
Consistency is key. Spending just 15 minutes each day engaging with content on LinkedIn will, in the long run, build a much more solid network than irregular spurts of activity.
Leveraging Your Network
A network is useless if not leveraged.
This is something that most professionals are often embarrassed by. It seems a bit awkward, at times, to reach out and ask for support.
In any case, most people forget that, when it comes to human interactions:
People want to help.
If you connect with someone, in the first place, asking that contact for an advice or an introduction is not a burden. It is often flattering.
The very first step is to create a list of everyone who can potentially be of help when looking for a new job. The list can include:
- Former colleagues and managers
- College classmates and professors
- Industry contacts from conferences or events
- Friends and family connections
- Online connections from LinkedIn groups
Then, it is all about reaching out systematically. A simple message, such as asking to catch up for coffee (or a virtual call), will be all it takes to reactivate a dormant relationship.
The professionals who secure the best career opportunities, oftentimes, are not those with the highest qualifications on paper. They are those who not only maintained their network but also were not afraid to use it.
Wrapping it all up
Professional networking is by far the most effective method to spot career opportunities that most people fail to see.
Statistics do not lie. Most vacancies are filled through connections. The hidden job market is real. And those professionals who invest time and energy in building and maintaining genuine relationships, have a huge advantage over the rest of the pack.
Let’s quickly recap the above:
- 85% of jobs are being filled via networking
- 70% of positions are never advertised on job boards
- Referrals have a 10x higher conversion rate over non-targeted applications
- Relationship building is better when performed consistently over time
Building a network that is primed and ready to work for your next career move will take time and effort, at first. But, most certainly, it will be worth it.
It goes without saying that every connection you make today can be, tomorrow, the introduction that will lead to the next great job opportunity.
Start building your network now. It is never too late to begin and build that network. The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
