Top 5 Networks That Will Help You Get A Job

The unemployment rate in Kenya is at an all time high and it is important that as a job seeker you equip yourself with things that will set you apart from the rest and eventually help you get a job.

Networking is a great way to increase your chances of getting a job because it creates an ‘in’ for you in your industry. If you have contacts in different companies you get to learn of job openings even before they are advertised and the contacts can even push for you to be given an interview.

Therefore, it is important that you take time to create networks that will be beneficial to you in your job search.

Here are 5 Networks you can use to your advantage in order to get a job

1. Former employers

This will only work if there is no bad blood between you and your former bosses. Former employers can be very helpful in terms of being able to recommend you to some of their friends who are looking to hire.

This means that even if you are quitting a job, you should ensure that you do not do it in a manner that destroys your relationship with your boss. This way even if you contact that person they will be willing to help you.

2. Recruitment Firms

Nowadays most companies use recruitment firms to fill positions they have. So this is a great place to start networking.

Go to their websites, call them and subscribe to their email alerts. This will ensure that whenever they post a job you get notification because being the first to apply increases the chances of having your CV looked at.

Not only that, but recruitment firms can even assist you with CV and Cover Letter writing, Interview Coaching  as well as Career Coaching where you get tips on how to apply for and get jobs.

3. Companies you have interviewed with

Even if you did not get the job, you should use the contacts you made to better your chances for getting the next job you qualify for. Sometimes it is because that particular position doesn’t fit you so you could ask to be notified if another one comes up.

These contacts will also be able to tell you why you did not get the job and give you pointers on what you can improve on for the next time.

SEE ALSO >>> 5 Reasons You Should Always Ask for Feedback After Getting Rejected

4. People you have met in your life

Your friends, former co workers and even relatives can be good contacts to have. All you have to do is maintain a relationship with them and let them know you are looking for a job.

Whenever they come across an opportunity they will be inclined to recommend you or tell you about it. Take time and go out to network attend conferences and events relevant to your industry you never know who you will meet.

5. Lectures

It is important to remember that lectures have a lot of contacts in the field they are teaching in. Therefore it is good to create a relationship where they can recommend you to some of them.

The mistake most people make is assuming that after you finish your studies you will not need to talk to or see your lectures again so what’s the point of even trying to create a friendship.

Keep in mind that these people have met or personally know some of the CEO’s in the country and a recommendation from them after you finish school will be a great help in getting you through the door.

RELATED ARTICLE >>> Networking 101: Utilizing Internal Networks

No matter where you are it is important to leave a good impression that is what will make people remember you and want to recommend you to their contacts. No one is going to recommend someone who will end up making them look bad.

By Michelle Wanjiku