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The most powerful way of discovering the hidden job market is by talking informally with a lot of people and gathering your own market information. This is called “networking”. Some experts agree that informal conversations are the single most effective way of locating appropriate new employment. The benefits of networking include the following: 1. Getting your message out. The more people who know you are qualified and available, the better the chances that the information will get to the right person at the right time. 2. Gathering marketplace information. The more information you gather on your target market, the more effective you are likely to be in your search. 3. Gathering information on your target organisations. In addition to information available online and in print media, talking with people may provide you with more detailed and specific information on your target organisations (information about key people, the organisational culture, organisational plans for future, contact details of relevant people etc). 4. Getting advice and ideas. You can get a valuable career advice from someone more experienced than you. 5. Locating sponsors or mentors. Someone may take a particular liking to you that can be of personal or professional nature. You may find new friends or people who will promote you within their organisation. 6. Getting referrals. A referral is an introduction to a new contact, which increases the size of your network and your chances of early success. A stranger is more likely to be willing to meet with you if you have been recommended by a mutual acquaintance. The best place to start having such information conversations is with the people with whom you are most comfortable: your friends and acquaintances. Whenever possible, conduct networking meetings fact-to-face, not on the phone. Personal exposure makes a far stronger impression than a voice on the telephone. So get started with building your network plan. Download your Networking Tracker. Ensure to include all of the following people:
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