career networking

The Hidden Job Market

Managing your career can seem complex

Managing your career can seem complex as we are talking about the unknown!  Where to start?  How to start?  Remember, it is a journey - it will take time.  Do not feel you have to have all the answers straight away!  Make a start and make the connections.  Start networking - it's a way of preparing for the unknown.

Social Media has all the answers we twit, Instagram, facebook, email, message, all of which makes it easy to connect with others.  For what purpose?   To have the most connections, to share information, to say I am proud and good at what I do, all of which is connecting with 'like people' by profession, age, hobbies, interests............... 

The act of networking is to connect.

Networking is about building 'casual' business relationships without any expectations of each other.  It is the voluntary process of people sharing information, leads, referrals, advice and counsel.  

A career development context

There is a hidden job market and by proactively networking you position yourself to access this market, with the potential of progressing your career or transitioning into another career discipline.

Networking provides you with the opportunities to:

• Investigate new industries
• Explore the feasibility of changing careers
• Target organisations that appeal to you
• Meet people who can influence others in their own company and create opportunities for you
• Increase your exposure 
• Gather critical career information
• Uncover realisitic job possibilities

Who to connect with to build your network

• Colleagues, peers, team members
• Mentors
• Coaches
• Managers
• Direct reports
• Customers and clients
• Vendors, suppliers, consultants
• Professional associations
• Competitors