How Does Online Networking Create More Job Opportunities?

Are you looking for a new job and aren’t exactly thrilled by the available options? Do you find yourself wishing for more opportunities to choose from? You’re not alone. Most positions aren’t openly announced or listed.

In Switzerland,  firms fill 70% of all job openings without ever publicly announcing them. This highlights the importance of being active and up-to-date on platforms likes LinkedIn or Xing, so that you can be found by these firms and their HR personnel.

In most cases, HR looks for suitable candidates on online platforms or in their own network of relationships. This is a much more effective strategy than listing an open job position and waiting for the right candidates to trickle in. HR departments carry out searches on these platforms in the same ways that we approach Google searches – using keywords. That’s why it’s essential to build a detailed profile that reveals all of your specific skills. Instead of broadly listing your experience by stating things like “completed administrative tasks” or “coordinated marketing campaigns”, it’s much more interesting to relevant employers to learn about the types of programs you know how to use, or whether you conducted an online or offline marketing campaign.

Well-trained skilled professionals are particularly sought after. Think, electricians, carpenters, computer specialists, engineers or qualified nurses or caregivers. Instead of applying for a job, create the opportunity for the job to come to you.

In my work with clients, I’ve often found that their CVs are peppered with valuable skills and experiences. It’s important to share this information online so that it’s easily searchable and accessible. Additionally, these platforms give you the opportunity to build your own relationships and networks, so that you too can connect with your own contacts when you embark on that job-searching process.

Want to dive deeper into the job-creation process?

Check out this blog post if you want to learn more about the ins and outs of information interviewing.

Source: Echo der Zeit vom 10. Januar 2018, SRF