You’re struggling to find a new job. How can you use your existing network to help?

Define your network: Identify individuals within personal and professional circles, including colleagues, classmates, mentors, friends, family members, and acquaintances. Utilize online platforms: Leverage LinkedIn to review and expand your network, connecting with former colleagues and industry contacts. Review contact lists: Assess email, phone, and social media contacts for potential job search resources. Assess personal relationships: Inform friends and family of your job search. Engage with professional associations: Participate in meetings and conferences to connect with peers and potential employers. Join online communities: Participate in forums and groups relevant to your industry.

El primer mensaje sobre el cual debemos reflexionar es, que el "network" es siempre clave, y que no sólo debemos pensar en cultivarlo cuando estamos buscando su ayuda. Este es un trabajo del día a día, así cuando toque pedirle ayuda no sentirás, ni pena, ni culpa, ni vergüenza... Luego leyendo el título, si estamos "luchando" para conseguir un nuevo trabajo, eso nos pone en un estado mental de necesidad que puede jugarnos en contra. Más bien transmite seguridad, confianza para que te vean como la mejor opción para el cargo que buscan. Contacta esas personas que sabes que serían felices de tenerte en su equipo, por lo que sabes y por la manera como trabajas en equipo. Muchas suerte!

In my experience, reaching out to former colleagues, friends, supervisors and mentors and sharing your job search inquiry. Another way is utilizing a professional platform this can be at a conference to discuss how to connect with people in your industry. Try alumni networking groups from schools or former employers.

First of all, we need to decide in which domain we are looking for a job, then accordingly we can communicate with our network on LinkedIn...may they be connections or recruiters. Later we can ask to our batch-mates, classmates or alumni from our educational institute and they may help with references. Next, if you are targeting any specific company, then try reaching out to current employees from there. They may provide valuable insights about recruitment process.

Starting an entry to your network is through a personalized message. Try mentioning your specific experiences that will connect you with your network. When reaching out keep it concise and respectful. Remember to clearly articulate on the purpose. Offer your value like industry insights or other help in challenges that your network might be facing.

Attend networking events can help you meet like minded professionals on your industry. Joining professional organizations can help you make new associations, sparring and rediscover relationships that may not have been present previously. Lastly, be proactive try to seek out new connections and opportunities where you can.

In a competitive job market, tap into your professional network for testimonials. For example, if a colleague praises your problem-solving skills, request a testimonial and strategically include it in your resume or online profile. This reinforces your credibility and highlights your impactful contributions.

After connecting with individuals in your network, be sure to follow up regularly to maintain the relationship. Stay connected through email, social media, or occasional meetups to keep your network informed about your job search progress and to continue nurturing relationships for future opportunities.

Networking is a perpetual game, and not a one-off thing to do to find a job. Here's what I'd suggest when job hunting: - Definitely identify your close knit network who wouldnt need much explanation as to why you need help or referrals. For example, friends, colleagues, relatives. - Engage with people on professional networks like linkedin and slack channels. Make your presence felt so when there is an opening at any of the companies it easier to get a foot in the door. - Ask for coffee chats!! Get to know people who are working in your field of interest and just get to know them and build a connection from there. - Keep an eye out for professional events, conferences, and meetups in your area or online

Know and understand your network and identify what domains can each individual help you enter- accordingly. Gently follow up the leads you get from your network for next steps( Job hunt can be a long process at times). Be open to upskill/ reskill as per the leads you get from your network. Be open to exploring new job profiles that fit your skills. Most important- Be patient and honest- results will follow automatically.