Looking for a job? Don’t forget to add these people to your network

Though many career advice articles on the internet tell you that your resume and cover letter are the only factors that can decide the kind of job you will get, that fact is not entirely true. More people get hired through referrals and recommendations than through a traditional hiring process. When you are on a job hunt, you should pay as much attention to networking as you pay for creating the perfect resume.

Here are the people you should network with when you are on a job search:

Peers and colleagues

Your peers and colleagues are the first people to connect with when you are on a job hunt. These people are in the industry and are always connected to the people who are hiring for new positions. They are also the first people to spot when opportunities pop up in their workplace. Send a personalized message to your colleagues and peers and ask them to inform you of any opportunities they know of. Also, tell them that you welcome any referrals and recommendations.

Alumni of your college

If you are a recent graduate, the best people to talk to about job opportunities are alumni of your college. Seniors who graduated two or three years ago are now established in the industry and are in a position to recommend someone like you for a new position. These people can also act as your professional references during hiring, vouching for your team spirit, dedication, and skills. Find a few alumni of your college on LinkedIn and send them a personalized message asking them for advice and guidance on your job search.

Those who work for your dream company

If you have a favorite employer that you would love to work with, you can try connecting with someone who already works for them. When you network with professionals in your dream company, you will get to know about potential job openings and build relationships within the business. Once you nurture a connection with someone from the company, they can provide a referral for you during the hiring process.

Friends and family

While you connect with your professional network in search of new opportunities, you should not forget the importance of your personal network. Members of your family who are working can connect you with many opportunities when you inform them that you are looking for a job. If you have a friend who works for the same industry as you, they can provide a referral for your job search. Your friends and family can also provide testimonials or quotes for your resume to vouch for your skills and qualifications.

Agency recruiters

Have you ever worked with a recruiter before to find a job? Then, you will know how easy it is to come by excellent opportunities when you work with a recruiter. These individuals have connections across many industries and are the first to know about when amazing opportunities pop up anywhere. When you hire a recruitment agency for your job search, you will have access to a large number of job opportunities with better benefits. Talk to an agency recruiter and ask them to schedule a time to speak to you about new opportunities that they know of.