Many teachers use job search networking to increase teaching job leads and receive more job interviews and offers. When it comes to job searching for education jobs, or any other position, the internet has become the super information highway. Because of this practical way to job search, many job seekers have forgotten about or choose not to use the traditional job searching method.
Don’t rely solely on the internet when conducting your job search. Old-fashioned networking is a valuable job search tool to seek out teaching or other educational career opportunities.
Some job seekers have abandoned networking to secure a job because they don’t understand how it works or doesn’t think it helps. Networking is much more than sitting at a computer and applying for a job online.
What Defines Your Network?
Career networking is not as scary as it sounds; it is quite user-friendly. Your network is everyone you come in contact with daily, weekly, or yearly. Whether in person, by phone, e-mail, forums, or groups, whoever you see or talk with is part of your network.
Your network may include colleagues, neighbors, family, college associates, friends, store clerks, or your mail carrier. Simply put, networking is just talking to those around you.
Use your network to get the word out that you are looking for a new teaching gig. By simple conversation with those around you, you may get a career opportunity you would not have gotten otherwise.
Any time you meet a new person, decide if they would be a worthwhile addition to your network. Networking isn’t a one-way relationship, so if you know someone in your network is interested in an opportunity you think would be a good fit, share it with them. Working together will build trust and create a mutual feeling of helpfulness between you.
Networking Can be Tough – Read These Tricks
Any career goal you aspire to achieve requires persistence and hard work. Networking is an essential component for anyone looking for a new position. It will help keep a small folder with your resume and relevant job search documentation with you wherever you go.
Ask for a business card whenever you meet someone. Keep track of where and when you met the person. Documenting your first point of contact with a few notes will remind you who that person is should you need to connect with them.
Write the information about them on the back of the business card. When you reach out to this contact, be sure to mention when and where you last spoke to make a great impression. Ask a question about something you talked about during the first meeting to build the relationship further.
A business card can come in handy when you are given a job lead. If appropriate and agreed upon by your networking contact, you could mention the person in your cover letter. For instance, “I spoke with John Smith, he mentioned there is an elementary teaching position opening up at ABC School District.”
Don’t misspell the person’s name – if you can grab a business card, it will come in handy. If you are competent at networking, your business card collection will increase quickly.
If you have a viable teaching job lead, do not be shy to follow it. A job opportunity may spring up when you least expect it.
Networking via social media can be an excellent method to connect with people who may have suggestions on where to look for knowledge of who is hiring.
If you land a job because of a lead, make sure you thank the person who referred you. A nice gesture such as a small gift (coffee at Starbucks or the latest education book) or a thank you card would be appropriate.
When to Whip out Your Credentials
Career networking is not as instant as sending out your resume to hundreds of employers online, but it can be more effective. If you have ever tried posting your resume online, you should get responses if your documents are top-notch, including making sure you have the right keywords.
Thousands of other teachers are competing for the same job. Job search networking will ensure you are not met with such a voluminous amount of competition.
Being referred by someone will help your chances of landing the job, provided they have an excellent reputation. They can put in a positive recommendation for you, while your online application without a person’s name can’t.
Even if you are happily employed, you should keep your network up-to-date. You never know if or when you will need to get in touch with a particular person. Keep in touch with such simple gestures such as an occasional email, birthday wish, or holiday card. When possible, be accommodating and thoughtful by offering what you can from your area of expertise to them. By helping them, they will be more apt to help you if the need arises, plus it is the courteous thing to do.
Happy Job Search Networking!
Could you use some assistance to learn how to build a network or online presence? Reach out to Candace today via calling toll-free at 1 877 738 8052 or send an email! Learn more about her experience helping job seekers.
