Photo credit: Senivpetro
It’s been said time and again that your network is your net worth. While this is true, what happens to those who have little to no connections? Let’s start by defining what a professional connection is.
Definition
Life is built on different types of connections. From friendships, relationships to workmanship. What is a professional connection? When it comes to work, a connection is having the right people who can help you in your career by giving you advice on where to look for jobs and provide in-depth information on job market insights. They can be a past or present boss, work colleagues, clients, or friends.
Truth is that the use of technology is on the rise and the new phrase is “who knows you.” Having an online presence is essential now more than ever. This means that even if you have few or no connections, there is still hope for you to get your dream job. Here are some helpful tips:
Search and apply for the right jobs
Most times family and friends can forget or just ignore your requests. Don’t be discouraged and feel out of place because of it. Even with good connections, securing a job isn’t guaranteed. Instead of randomly sending your resume, you need to have a strategy. Start by doing extensive research about the companies and positions you want to apply for. Make sure to be specific about what you are looking for and consider if you fit the position. The last thing you want is to spend your time and energy applying for a job when you are not sure if you are the best candidate. Do you have the right skills? How do you compare with other candidates? You can easily find this out using Fuzu’s Instant Feedback.
To get more detailed information on how to become the best candidate for the job read this Fuzu Article. Remember that as you apply you need to customize your resume and cover letter to the job description.
Get headhunted
Headhunters are the recruiters who work on behalf of a company to fill open vacancies with highly skilled workers. Recruiters deal with thousands of candidates when looking for the right person to fill the role. To get headhunted, you need to stand out. The way to do that is how well you present yourself. As said earlier, having an online presence is important because it helps you get headhunted by recruiters. Look for a credible professional site that suits you. For example, you can register on platforms like Fuzu and create your profile. Increase your chance of getting headhunted by updating your profile with skills and experiences that are in high demand. Don’t forget to click on the notification button to receive personalized job recommendations when and as they get posted. For a more comprehensive guide on how to use the new Fuzu platform, click here. Even if you are not immediately approached by recruiters, be consistent and keep updating your online profile. It will pay off in the end. When you are headhunted, it's easy to get too distracted with excitement. Pay close attention and ask questions to get more clarification on the offer.
Apply for roles not being advertised
Sometimes some positions don’t get advertised. The recruiter may just want to hire someone within the company instead. You still have a chance to apply for it. How? You can reach out to your existing network. People you already know who can give you a heads up on vacancies in certain companies.
If that doesn't work out. Make the first move and contact the recruiter in the company. All it takes is for you to know how to sell yourself and your skills to the employer. This means you need to write what is known as a cold cover letter. It can feel a bit intimidating at first to approach them but you won’t know what might happen till you try. Start by introducing yourself and explain in detail why you are the perfect fit to join the company. Take into account, it’s not about what you want from them but what you have to offer.
In conclusion
The reality is, connections are important but they can only get you halfway in your job search. The rest of the work is fully up to you. As you begin, it will seem difficult. You might even want to quit while you still can (but don’t). There is a silver lining. If you remain committed, consistent, and work hard, it is possible to secure your dream job without connections. When you do, you will realize that all the time and energy put in was all worth it.
So what are you waiting for? Take the initiative, apply the steps provided and turn your dream job into a reality. All the best.