As a result of the changed recruitment environment candidates seeking out their next position also have to adapt their approach and strategies.
Relying exclusively on recruitment agencies and websites during this process can be very limiting. To increase your chances of finding the best opportunity possible you will have to deploy other tactics. Be more proactive, creative and strategic. Before the age of recruitment agencies and the internet most recruitment was conducted through word of mouth. This process is now making a come back. Companies are going ‘back to basics’.
The recent changes in the market are now providing job seekers with an extra challenge They now have to draw upon a whole new set of skills they may not previously have used or even realised that they had.
Networking does work
One of the most effective ways of sourcing a new role in the current market is through the process of networking. From speaking with members on a day to day basis increasingly I am hearing that many are securing roles through the effective roll out of a networking strategy.
So how do you approach this process?
Create a target list
Draw up a list of all the people that you know both professionally and personally. This is your target list. Include current and past colleagues and bosses, current and past clients, friends, relations, neighbours, acquaintances, contacts that you know through college alumni, associations and sports and social events and clubs.
Ensure that this list is exhaustive. Taking the time to compile a comprehensive list at this stage will result in your overall networking strategy being more successful.
Motivating yourself
Networking has been proven to be effective when you are seeking your next career move. However it can be a daunting task and many people feel embarrassed or shy about initiating the contacts.
You may have to really push yourself to make the first calls. It may be something that pushes you outside of your comfort zone. The initial few calls will be the most difficult. However as you start to receive a positive response and you see the results coming through this will provide you with further motivation.in this climate it is increasingly being accepted that candidates have to be creative and to take the job search process into their own hands to ensure that they secure a role.
Once you start the process you will soon realise that not only will others be delighted to assist you, they will also respect and admire you for your drive, initiative and enthusiasm. Also being referred or recommended to a prospective employer will also give you the edge over the competition.
Set yourself a goal in relation to the number of calls you are going to make in a day. This will provide you with an objective and focus each day. You are more likely to achieve your goal when you adopt a structured approach
Getting started
Start contacting the people on your list as soon as possible. Use a direct and simple approach. Don’t beat around the bush and over complicate the process. Simply let them know that you are in job transition and that you are actively seeking your next move. Should they hear of an opportunity ask them to please contact you.
Also ask them to consider if they know of anyone else who might be able to assist you with your job search. By requesting their assistance you are broadening the scope of your networking. You will be surprised where this may lead and who the people you know will know. Relatively quickly the scope and reach of your networking will have increased improving your chances of finding a lead and ultimately a new job.
Have a system
Keep a detailed record of the calls you make and the leads you acquire. Implement a system whereby you can diarise the follow ups and actions required. This will help to ensure that you do not miss out on any potential leads and opportunities.
Don’t let the trail go cold
Keep in regular contact with your list of contacts. Even a quick email to say hello can suffice.
Personal contact is best
Ideally avoid email where possible to make the initial contact as the personal touch is always best in these situations. However should you have to use email make sure that the message that you send is professional and to the point. Email can prove beneficial when following up from your initial contact or just simply to keep in touch.
Benefits of membership
During your networking process you will really start to see the benefits of your ICAI membership. Ensure that you are using all the resources and contacts that you have at your disposal through this network. It is during these difficult times that professional memberships provide huge benefit. My experience has been that members are more than happy to provide assistance, support and advice to other members during these challenging times. In fact I would often receive calls from members specifically seeking to assist other members who are in job transition mode. This is also a mindset that we in ICAI are encouraging when it comes to recruitment.
Attend Events & CPD Courses
As part of your membership of ICAI you will have the opportunity to attend the various events and courses held all year round. As well as keeping you up to date and you will have the perfect conduit for networking. You will meet with other CAs who have contacts that you can benefit from.
Mentoring
Find yourself a mentor who can not only advise you in relation to your career development you may also be able to leverage from their contacts also.
Be Prepared!
When attending events and social gatherings it is completely acceptable for you to mention during a casual conversation that you are actively seeking a new role. When attending events have either business cards or your CV with you so that this can be passed on where appropriate. Always bring a pen and notebook with you also.
Be patient
Networking has been proven to work but it is not a process that will necessarily yield a result immediately. It can be a slower process whereby you will not see the benefits of your activities until later. Be strategic, consistent and focused and the results will follow over time.
Remember that during the networking process you may not make the contact you need straight away but you will pick up information along the way that could prove beneficial later in the process.
What you can learn
- Sectors and areas that are currently expanding or in growth mode
- Details of developments within a company or sector
- Details in relation to companies who may be recruiting now or in the future
- Contact details of the most appropriate person to contact in a company. This can provide you with the inside track. You are more likely to be successful with your application if it lands on the desk of the most appropriate person – the decision maker.
- Information in relation to a company which may be useful for interview
On Line Presence
On line social networking has grown significantly in recent times and can prove to be an invaluable tool when you are networking. Take the time to develop an on line presence to showcase your career to date. Use this opportunity to highlight your key achievements. This will help you to increase your visibility and contacts so that employers and recruiters can find you. ICAI have established a group ‘Chartered Accountants Ireland ‘on www.linkedin.com. Many members are finding this new resource beneficial in relation to networking activities.
Reciprocate
Networking is very much a two way process. If you come across information or details that you feel will be of interest or benefit to one of your contacts pass it on. They will then remember this gesture in the future and are more likely to be willing to contact you or to pass on information and a lead as they receive same.
Overview
Networking should form part of your overall career development plan and strategy. It is not just something that should be implemented when you are seeking a new opportunity. In the job market going forward all candidates will need to be more strategic as there are likely to be fewer opportunities available. With more competition for a smaller pool of positions you need to ensure that you are strategically placed to hear about these roles as they arise. There is no doubt that in the current climate the ‘grapevine’ is well and truly functioning in the area of recruitment and job hunting. You need to strategically place yourself to hear about and to take advantage of the opportunities as they arise to secure your future career progression.