How can I network to find jobs in Alberta?
Categories: Job Hunting
There’s a secret about job hunting in Canada: the real job market is hidden. The vast majority of jobs are never advertised. Unless you know where to look, you will never even see most of the jobs that are available.
So, how do you access the hidden job market? What’s the secret password that will let you in? The answer is “networking”.
What is a network?
A network is who you know. Chances are you already have a network, you just don’t know it. Your network is your family, it is people that you know through previous jobs, people you went to school with or know from professional associations. Your network is your friends, your friend’s friends, and their friends. You are connected to all of these people by who you know. They are the secret to accessing the hidden job market.
There are two kinds of networks: personal networks and professional networks. Personal networks are made up of your friends and family, people who know you, but who may not know you in your professional life. Professional networks are made up of people who know you and your work. They are your former coworkers, clients and members of your professional association.
Why are networks important?
Networks are important because employers do not like to take chances. Most employers prefer not to take a risk on an unfamiliar worker. Employers want to know and trust the people they hire. This is why employers usually hire through personal of professional networks. They can find people that they already know and trust. When employers have a job to offer they will first seek out contacts. They will look for colleagues, friends and people who have been personally recommended to them. A good resume is almost never enough. Having the right contacts through your network will help make sure that your name gets mentioned to the right employers. If you work hard on your network, this can happen without even asking!
How do I build a job network in Alberta?
You might already have a network! Before you even start your job search, make a list of people you know in your field who have Canadian work experience, especially experience in Alberta. Get in touch with them and start asking for their advice. They do not need to be close friends, or even people you know very well. They just need to be willing to share a few minutes of time with you. A good contact will sometimes be willing to share their own contacts with you.
If you do not have any direct contacts in your field you can start to expand your network. As your family, your friends and your colleagues if they know anybody in your field with Canadian work experience. As to be introduced, of if they would mind if you contact them.
If you have no network at all, do not worry. Building a new network can be a fun social experience! Personal contacts can be made through getting involved in your community. Joining your local ethnic community group, taking a class, joining a club or a child-parent program, even going to a parties are great ways to build your network.
The best way to build a professional network is to volunteer in your community. When you volunteer, other people get to know you and how you work. When the know of jobs that fit your skills, they will be more willing to help you if they already know and trust you.
Any social activity where you meet other people is a chance to expand your network. Many business experts recommend carrying business cards with you at all times. You can have business cards printed at any large office supply store. You never know when you might meet a new contact!
Networking is the key to the hidden job market. The internet and newspaper classifieds are a great place to start your job search, but the real job market is invisible. Your network of contacts can help you see it.
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