My dad worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Company for over thirty years. A lot of the hiring was done within. An employee recommended a family member or friend and management looked at them before going public with an open position. It seems that we are returning to this practice.
If you are looking for a new job, no one has to tell you how difficult it is to find one. Statics can indicate that the employment rate is going up, but we all know that the market isn’t where we’d like it to be. And it is so difficult to contact potential companies. Sending your resume out online, which most employers require, is like dropping a grain of sand in the ocean.
One of the most effective ways of reaching employers is also one of the oldest – through connections. Since so few good positions are available, many are filled in-house. You need a personal connection to someone at a company of interest to open the door of opportunity.
Networking is key to making those connections. Join groups related to your business. Ask around and let peers know you are in the market for a new job.
Keep your resume current and in hand. Email it to yourself so you can forward it from your phone no matter where you are.
Also, think about friends who are suited for positions that you are aware of. Let them know about the openings and assist with getting their resume in the right hands. You never know when you may need that assistance yourself.
©Mary K. Doyle
Comments