networking

So, you have graduated. Congratulations! The hard slog is over, or is it? The whole purpose of your studies is to find a job within your area of interest, but this can be tougher than it sounds. The job market is highly competitive and graduates all find themselves entering the fray at the same time – after they graduate. Utilising the professional services of a recruitment agency is highly advised. They have many years’ experience in the recruitment industry and are highly conversant with the approach you should take to job seeking. Agencies exist all over the country, Randstad jobs in Melbourne is a top notch service for Melbournites. Ranstad has an excellent reputation and have agencies all over the country, but there are a plethora of agencies to choose from. The important thing is to find a service you are confident with, engage them and put their expertise to work for you.

To distinguish yourself from the pack you need to get noticed. Here are a few tips to help.

Network, network, network!

Building your professional community is critically important to job seeking. Even in today’s digital world, who you know is still a major factor in gaining employment. By all means network online, it is a vital part of your community engagement strategy, but make sure you get out there amongst it. Spend at least half of your networking time with real people. Go to networking events, conferences, anywhere and everywhere that will put your face in front of possible employers.

Another important networking activity is to empower your own network – family, friends, anyone within your circle of influence. Let them know that you are looking for work and ask for their help. Tell them what it is you do and what type of employment you are looking for, and ask them to keep an ear out on your behalf. Have a conversation with them, tell them your strengths and your goals, and be personable and memorable.

Networking is a real challenge for some of us. In networking, like everything else in life, practice makes perfect. You can learn to speak with confidence. You may not be perfect, but neither is anyone else. Believe in yourself and others will too.

Provide Solutions

Employers highly value employees who have initiative, the ability to problem solve. Many employers believe graduates are inexperienced in the real world, that they have head knowledge but no actual ‘know how’, so it is up to you to prove them wrong.

Promote Yourself

Don’t be afraid to be your own personal relations agent. Keep your resume, business cards and portfolio on hand and hand them out! Market yourself. Let people know what benefits you can bring to the table.

LinkedIn

To be taken seriously you should have a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn has over 200 million members. You need to be one of them!

Don’t Box Yourself In

Don’t be afraid to take a risk; to expand your comfort zone. Think outside the everyday and grab at opportunities that may seem beyond you.

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Mike

Mike

Mike, aka The Dividend Guy, authors The Dividend Guy Blog since 2010 and manages portfolios at Dividend Stocks Rock. He is a passionate investor.