Let’s talk about something that can make or break your job search: NETWORKING.
Crafting a strong CV is an important first step and a great accomplishment. It shows you’ve taken the time to reflect on your skills and experience. But is that enough?
Well… maybe yes. Maybe not.
You also need to ask yourself two crucial questions:
- Do you know who to send your CV to?
- Do they know you exist?
In other words, do the companies you’re interested in know about you? And do you know which companies are actually a good fit for your goals and values?
Here’s the truth: employers and job seekers don’t find each other by magic.
An employer can’t hire you if they don’t know you exist. And you can’t apply to your dream job if you don’t know the company is out there.
That’s where networking comes in: it helps to close that gap.
Why Networking Matters
Think about it:
- The people who know you best and trust you most ate the ones who most likely recommend you or introduce you to opportunities.
- Colleagues, mentors, or peers who understand your professional value are more likely to act as your ambassadors.
- Even new connections, if they get a strong sense of who you are and what you bring to the table, might be willing to help.
Now, imagine you’re a hiring manager. You have a stack of CVs in front of you. Among equally qualified candidates, who would you be more inclined to consider?
- Someone who is just a name on a document (i.e. your CV)?
- Someone whose CV you’ve seen, and whose social media shows some personality, but nothing professionally relevant?
- Or someone who came referred by a trusted colleague or professional connection?
You probably already know the answer. So, make it easier for employers to choose you.
Get Out There
Networking isn’t just about asking for jobs. It’s about being visible, building relationships, and creating opportunities that may not even be advertised. The more people know about your skills, personality, values, and ambitions, the more doors will open.
So, are you ready to get out there, make yourself known, and uncover opportunities you hadn’t even considered?
Because the job market isn’t just about who you know. It’s about who knows you.