Are you looking for employment in Ontario? Looking for work on your own can be frustrating and tedious, especially if you don't have any network connections.
Networking is important in the job search process. Employers are more likely to hire those in their immediate circle of contacts rather than an outsider/stranger. That's why most employers hire within their own company if there's an open position available.
Recent graduates, people entering into the workforce for the first time, and professionals looking to make a career change, face the issue of having limited to no network connections. So how can you get your foot in the door if you have no professional contacts? What can you do?
Liberty Staffing Services would like to provide you with some tips on how to expand your network.
1. Reach Out to Your Immediate Contacts
When you're looking for a job, always start with people you already know. Those in your immediate circle can be a great job searching tool.
Ask friends or family members if they know of anyone, or any company, currently hiring. You may be surprised the strong connections that your friends and family have.
Also reach out to your LinkedIn connections. Whether you have a handful of connections, or over a hundred followers on LinkedIn, always reach out. Haven't created a LinkedIn profile yet? You should! The great thing about LinkedIn is that you can private message individual connections, asking if they have any job openings available, or you could post publicly to all of your followers stating that you are looking for work. It's easy and quick to do, and gets the word out that you are looking for employment to many people. So spread the word that you're looking for new opportunities, and looking to grow professionally, through LinkedIn.
2. Attend Job Fairs
You can never go wrong with job fairs. Search online and in your local newspaper for job fairs in your area. The more job fairs you attend, the larger your networking circle will become, and the greater chances you have of obtaining employment.
Not sure what to bring for a job fair? Here are some tips to help you prepare. Be sure to make a good first impression.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering your time is always a great way to meet new people, and make strong professional connections. First, you must discover what you're passionate about. Then, find an organization that specialized in that field, and is in your geographical location. Ask the organization if they require any volunteers. Schedule some time out every week to volunteer.
You can add volunteering work to your resume, and you can ask someone employed at the organization if they would be a reference.
4. Join Groups
It's always a good idea to join groups and clubs when you're on the hunt for work. If you've recently graduated, join an alumni group with your school. Have a hobby? Join a group that specializes in your hobby. Often, groups/organizations are usually attended by people who work in the same or similar field.
Joining groups will connect you with like-minded individuals, and will bring you one step closer to finding employment.
5. Apply With a Staffing Agency
Last, but certainly not least, apply with a staffing agency like Liberty Staffing Services. When you apply with an agency, you instantly open yourself up to multiple new opportunities. Some of these opportunities are hidden from the public, because agencies don't need to post job advertisements when they already have a pool of candidates who are ready to work. This is great because you'll have a leg up on the competition.
Also, by registering with a staffing agency, you will be connected to a group of professional recruiters who's job is to find you suitable work. Instead of doing the job hunt on your own, and applying to job after job, you can register with a staffing agency, then sit back and wait for the jobs to come to you.
Liberty Staffing Services offers general labour, warehouse, industrial, and office jobs in temporary, temporary to permanent, and permanent opportunities. If you're looking for work, come in to a Liberty Staffing branch location nearest you and we would be happy to help you. We connect great people with great jobs!
Need more networking tips? Contact Liberty Staffing Services today!
