Referrals Part 2 - Building Your Network!

Previously, in Part 1 of this blog series, we  discussed how U.S. News and World Report stated that two-thirds of the candidates employees refer get hired and how companies benefit by hiring those employee referrals. Today, we want to address how to build your own personal network.

By creating a network, you expose yourself to unlimited opportunities to have doors opened for you when searching for a new position. And, in turn, you may be able to open some doors for others. So, how do you get started?

It’s easy: start by getting social! Create your profile in LinkedIn and/or Facebook.  Depending on your area of expertise, a Twitter or Pinterest account may also be beneficial. Now start connecting with everyone you know! Here is a list of Top 10 Places to Find People to Grow Your Network:

1. Associates in your current and past places of employment
2. Customers/Clients (both current and past)
3. Friends, family, friends of friends, and neighbors
4. Professional organizations or associations
5. The Alumni program at your alma mater
6. Do you have children? If so, reach out to other parents, teachers, coaches, instructors, and scout leaders
7. Fellow members of any clubs, organizations, church and community groups
8. Get involved with your civic association or homeowners association
9. Do you have a gym membership? Get to know some of your fellow gym members!
10. Include those whose services you use, your hairstylist, mail carrier, doctor, house cleaner, pet sitter, baby sitter, repairman, etc. They all have built their businesses on referrals so they are a great resource.

The network you build will give you the ability to use these contacts to help you find your next position.  Now when you apply for a new job you will use your network for a connection to get your foot in the door with a referral – remember the saying “it’s all about who you know”!

At CC Pace our Referral Program is open to everyone. It’s simple: refer someone to us for a position and, if they get hired, you get a referral bonu$!  So take a minute, and check out our job postings and refer away!  While building a network can seem like a lot of work, in the end the opportunities and professional gains that come your way will be well worth it!