Getting a Job

By using your network

June 2015 Webinar Session

Source: U.S. B U R E A U O F L A B O R S T A T I S T I C S

80% of today’s jobs are landed through networking

Source: ABC News

 

Personal (couple with online) networking 

Existing network

Networking events

Job, a priceless activity

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

A FactThe vast majority of job openings are never 

advertised; they’re filled by word of mouth. 

Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to 

take advantage of networking because they’re 

afraid of being seen as annoying or self-serving. 

But networking isn’t about using other people or 

aggressively promoting yourself—it’s about 

building relationships.

…so let’s define what networking is aboutNetworking  is the development and 

maintenance of mutually valuable 

relationships

Networking is the #1 way to find a job

We are all living within networksFamily

School, Universities 

Activities, Teams

Society

Social media Network (new & dynamic)

Networking & Job seekingCompanies want to hire from within first

Then they seek for referrals from employees / partners

Jobseekers (all of us) have the benefit of getting known before the job is 

"officially posted”

Examples hired in my previous job:                                             & 

 Examples of my current job:                              &

Networking is not an easy taskReasons why Networking does  not always come easy:

Fear

Personality Types

Unfamiliar Territory

Getting started

Actually, it’s easier than one

may think

Everyone can do it!Personal networking means going outside one's 

comfort zone, particularly if you’re an 

introvert. Developing the attitude that “I just 

have to do it” will help you over the hump

Using your networking wisely is a muscle you 

can exercise and develop if you haven't already

Start with easy steps:

Family & Close friends

The example of a plumper

Ways to build relationshipsUse Social Media

Find Alumni

Find Friends 

Follow interesting people on Twitter

Attend meet-ups, conferences & industry events

Attend workshops & classes that interest you

Start Exploring Exeter’s Network- Several Groups with thousands of members on Social 

Media

- Alumni International contacts  in more than 85 countries

- Several Events in many corners of the world

Ways to build relationshipsThe social media evolution

You need 5’ per day to “be connected”

Example of Social Events

Be patient

It needs time and effort to cultivate long-term 

relationships to gather information, gain exposure, and 

learn about job opportunities

Do not focus only on a job:

Learn more about the day-to-day realities of 

positions

Try to meet people who can offer advice about your 

search, answer questions about career choices

Building & Strengthening relationshipsCommunicate your sincere interest for other people’s job & 

advice

Identify people who may either provide relevant 

information on your job search or refer you to others who 

can

Never underestimate anyone's potential to be a 

knowledgeable resource

Come to every meeting prepared

Personal connections land jobs 

The people in your life who you don’t know too well are the ones 

who often matter the most when time comes to find a job, (since

they have access to information that you wouldn’t otherwise come

across)

To find out about a job, it’s not enough to just be connected to 

people

Let folks in your social network know that you’re looking 

for work

Sell them on the idea that you’d make a great employee

Developing a Networking PlanFeeling nervous about making contact—either because you’re 

uncomfortable asking for favors or embarrassed about your 

employment situation?

People like to give advice and be recognized for their expertise

Almost everyone knows what it’s like to be out of work or looking 

for a job. They’ll sympathize with your situation

Unemployment can be isolating and stressful. By connecting with 

others, you’re sure to get some much needed encouragement, 

fellowship, and moral support

Do not mix things!

Do not ask without giving. People who have the 

true networking mindset realize that they should 

first help others, before thinking of themselves

Helping other jobseekers will help you. Paying it 

forward increases your odds of landing a job

The best way to find these opportunities is by 

talking to people around you

There are so many ways to help others!

Example of Harris

He acts as an aggregator of news with more that 1,000 

followers (to whom he saves time), via an online 

magazine, using Flipboard’s tools.

Flipboard has noticed that to the extent that they offered 

him a job!

Adopting a networking lifestyle by helping others!

Need a reason to network? “Succeeding in business is all about making connections.” – Richard Branson

Keeping your network alive always pays off

It becomes your social capital

It cultivates your interpersonal & emotional skills

It enriches your social life and it’s fun

Reconnecting with the people in your network should be fun!

Keeping your network alive always pays off

Be patient

It took me 3 years, but knowing that my 

cousin was willing to relocate to the Middle 

East, as soon as an opportunity arose, I 

forwarded his resume!

Remember

We are going through turbulent times, so 

you never know when you will need to use 

your network for finding a job

Networking cultivation needs time

Acting proactively pays off

To sum up!

Use of personal connections to get a job 

Identify and activate all available networks around you

“Get out of your comfort zone”

Be responsive and proactive

Think of what you can offer before asking to be helped

Don’t forget to follow-up

You never know who is going to be able to help you

Maintain your network. It pays offEveryone has both “strong” and “weak” ties. Strong ties 

occupy that inner circle and weak ties are less established. 

Adding people to your network is time consuming, especially 

strong ties. But adding new “weak tie” members gives your 

network vitality. New relationships invigorate the network by 

providing a connection to new networks, viewpoints, and 

opportunities

Take the time to maintain your network. Schedule time with 

your key contacts & find ways to interchange

Do’s

Dont’s

Be genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships

Become known as a resource to others (Hold volunteer positions)

Articulate what you are looking for and don’t be afraid to go beyond your industry

Understand the needs of the people you are networking with and offer some value to THEM

Don’t only talk to people you know

Don’t expect anything

Don’t dismiss anyone as irrelevant

Don’t take ‘NO’ personally

Don’t drink too much at evening events– obviously! 

Some extra Tips

Young Graduate

- No experience but the fact that you could be “crafted” from 

the ground up is attractive

- Seek good orientation (find a mentor/coach)

- Value the opinion of people 

- Start low and work your way up

- Keep on adding value to your skills

- Be active in your direction (blogging etc…)

- Keep the fresher's good mood

- Capitalize on your experience 

- Find a balance if you have too much experience

- It’s not easy to teach an old dog new tricks

- You have to be flexible and able to adapt

- Exhaust network

- Be prepared to embark on a new venture

- Add & modernize your skills

- Cultivate your Soft Skills (management, leadership)

Mature Professional

34

Thank you!

George Pakos 

Managing Director at Going Up 

(www.goingup.eu)

georgepakos@gmail.com 

MSc, International Management (2003 – 2004)

Anastasia Dritsa

Competition Law Partner at KG Law Firm (

http://www.kglawfirm.gr/ )

A.Dritsa@kglawfirm.gr 

LLM, International Business Legal Studies (1989 – 1991)