Networking is the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. We’ve all heard that networking is necessary to a variety of careers, but this is especially true in recruiting. I want to share my personal story of how networking got me to where I am today and the ways I see it impact jobseekers every day in my role as a recruiter.
My Personal Journey Through Networking:
Prior to my current role with Recruiting Experiences, I was deeply soul searching for the right fit for me. I’d tried social media, countless Google searches, and endless (and time-consuming) application completions. There were a few interviews. Some were not what I was looking for. Some didn’t see me as a fit. Others were the right position, but the wrong employer.
Finally, I immediately connected with the Director of Talent for a tech company. The initial conversation went well, but I lacked experience in a few areas that her company really needed. In the end, the recruiter was able to find someone better suited for the role. BUT! She shared that she really enjoyed my personality and experience and wanted to be a mentor and help to guide me through my job search. I was thrilled for the help.
Over the next few weeks, I had received messages and invites to apply to positions that this amazing recruiter had found. I’ll be honest, there were a few more disappointments. One interview did not have an existing position available for another 3 months out. A connection to a Facebook group where recruiters can post jobs, led to a dead end. I was afraid I had reached another stopping point and was beginning to feel desperate.
My Network Leads to a Breakthrough!
Within a few days, the recruiter sent me a message to contact a friend, Amy. She informed me that Amy had been an amazing mentor to her and that she loves the business she is in and has had great success. I reached out, and, within a day, I was scheduled to have a phone call with her. After about 10-15 min of chatting, I realized the skills I had developed in my current role would add great value to this team. Amy invited me to come in. I met and interviewed with the entire team within about 1.5 hours. By that night I had a job offer! Better still, I realized the reasons I was leaving my old job didn’t define recruiting in this new space.
Networking Becomes Part of Every Day:
Now, in my daily life as a recruiter, I see such successful outcomes from networking. Sometimes candidates aren’t the right match for a specific position but might be right for another. Often, I know of other positions that can correlate with a candidate’s experience. I am also able to connect a jobseeker with my team to be considered for similar positions. Even recruiters with other companies can be a helping hand. The candidate gets a role, the recruiter fills a role, and I almost always find they remember to return the favor.
According to HubSpot, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. It’s not always about who you know but rather, just getting to know others and their stories. We live in a world where we can connect with someone 5 miles or 5,000 miles away with a keyboard. Choose a social setting, social media, or simply an in-person conversation. By just taking a chance or just giving someone a chance to connect, you can learn about many opportunities or be approached about things you never knew existed. Get out there and connect.
Word of mouth opened a huge door for me. I am now in a workspace where there is professionalism, opportunity, growth, and family. Just think, if I did not keep in touch with a recruiter, who knew someone, I wouldn’t be happy where I am today. I can’t wait to pay it forward to someone else!
Is that someone you? Reach out on LinkedIn!
