Whether you are new to Canada or have lived here your whole life, networking is a critical part of finding a job. According to research uncovered by LinkedIn, 65% to 85% of jobs in Canada are never publicly advertised. Those who are aware of this issue refer to it as the “hidden job market.”
That’s not to say that it’s impossible to find a job in Canada, but your chances will increase if you put the time and effort into networking both before and during your job search. However, networking can do more than just help you land a job, it can also help you find mentors, improve your communication skills, and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top 5 benefits networking can have on your job search.
If you are struggling to find the perfect job, Liberty Staffing can help. Liberty Staffing Services matches applicants every day with great employers. Connect with us today to find out more information.
Discover Hidden Job Opportunities
Between Canada’s “hidden job market” and the economic uncertainty since the COVID-19 pandemic, job hunting is more challenging. When you network, however, you are more likely to learn about opportunities that you might not have otherwise heard about.
Many positions are not openly advertised, but when you connect with people in your industry, whether at events or through social media, they may give you the inside scoop. You might even learn about new opportunities that you never considered before.
Enhance Your Personal Brand
With such a competitive job market these days, it helps if you think of yourself as a winning product you are trying to sell. In other words, it’s important to develop your own personal brand as a way to sell yourself to employers. This can increase your chances of landing a job.
When you network, it not only sets you apart and shows that you are interested in your career path, but it also helps you fine-tune your personal brand. Networking requires you to put your best foot forward to make connections, which helps you be the best version of yourself. Building those connections is also like growing a loyal customer base that will bolster your credibility.
Improve Communication Skills
No matter what industry you work in, having good communication skills is always an advantage. Unfortunately, not everyone is the best communicator. If this is the case for you, networking can help you learn to hone your communication skills so that you can wow employers when it’s time for an interview.
The goal of networking is to reach out to others to connect and chat with them, which is a great way to help you move past any fears you may have about communicating with others. The more you network, the more you will build your communication skills for the better.
Find Mentors
Networking is a great way to find people who can act as a sort of mentor as you search for the right job. You can connect with others who have been in your shoes and can offer you seasoned advice and feedback. They can even help steer you in the right direction if you are feeling a little lost and aren’t sure what exactly you are looking for.
Stay Up-to-Date on Trends
Many employers want workers who will help move their business forward, which often means those who know all the latest tricks and tools of the trade. Networking helps you stay abreast of these industry trends so you can stand out to employers when you apply. It’s also just a good idea to stay ahead of trends for your career development as it’s important to your career pathing and moving up in your industry.
Ready to Find Your Next Job? Liberty Staffing Can Guide You!
Liberty Staffing Services is the leading employment agency in Southern Ontario. We help job seekers find temporary and permanent roles and shift work at warehouses, factories, and offices across Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener/Waterloo, London, Stratford, and Woodstock, Ontario.
We are proud to work with some of the region’s best companies and can help pair them with high quality candidates like yourself. If you're looking for a new role, we can help you find it quickly.
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