When you start looking for a job, everyone tells you networking is the key to finding a new job. But what does that really mean? Should you go to trade shows? Reach out to people on LinkedIn? Ask people out for coffee?

Those are all great ideas, but building out your professional network is actually much simpler. Take some time to think of the people you know and interact with. Who you know may not always get you the job, but it may get your foot in the door.

Friends and Family

Let those closest to you know you are interested in finding a new job, and precisely what you are looking for. Practice a sort of elevator statement that details your interests without rambling. For example, "I'm looking for a construction job where I can work outside and learn carpentry," or "I'm looking for a position in social media marketing with a growing company." This gives people an idea of how they can help with your job search and hopefully won't steer you toward completely unrelated jobs.

Organizations

You interact with a lot of people on a daily basis you might not associate with career opportunities. Consider volunteer organizations, teammates on any sports you participate in or people you've gotten to know through social media. You may have no idea where people work, but they probably know you well enough they will be eager to help. They have probably witnessed your work ethic and skills in a non-work environment, whether that means rounding up donations for a charitable event, or always getting the ball over the net in volleyball.

Work With a Recruiter

One of the best resources to add to your network is a career partner like PrideStaff. Your recruiter will get to know your experience, interests and preferences. You can tell them things you can't really tell an employer, like you'd prefer to work in a certain part of town, you do better working as part of a team or that micromanagers are your pet peeve.

They can tell you what it's REALLY like to work at a certain company or keep an eye out for an opportunity at your dream employer. They have access to jobs that might never be advertised or know about opportunities before they are public knowledge. Best of all, they have relationships with the people making hiring decisions, so your resume is less likely to get lost in a pile of competing candidates.

Want to learn more about what a PrideStaff staffing and recruiting professional can do for your career? Contact us today to get started!