In today’s competitive job market, landing your dream job requires more than just a great CV.
You’ve got to be proactive in putting yourself out there! It may sound terrifying at first but once you’ve made a start, your confidence will grow.
At GoGecko, we are firm believers in building connections both personally and professionally. Meet Jace and then check out our key strategies to help you on your journey.
Meet Jace:
I met Jace at The Network my Club networking event at The Amex Stadium Home – Network My Club. Jace’s Dad knows Bradley who is the MD of the Club so asked if they could come along.
It is a well-attended event with lots of business owners and decision makers. I was immediately struck by their confidence and willingness to connect with people, and I know they did not find this easy.
Jace did not have any office experience, but I knew I wanted to keep in touch with them and see what I could do to help. Not long afterwards a temporary role came up at Clarity Environmental in the Account Management team. Helping at a particularly busy time of year, they needed someone unflappable with good attention to detail who wasn’t afraid to ask for assistance from the team. I thought it might be a long shot but spoke to Clarity about Jace and what they were looking to do. Long story short Jace aced the temp role and has now been working permanently as an Account Executive since May of this year.
Completely transitioning to an office environment with no office experience because they dared to be different and look for opportunities by making connections.
Tips to help connect with the right people..
Build your online presence:
In today’s digital age, you need to actively represent yourself. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by this and think you have to be everywhere, but you don’t. You just need to be somewhere.
LinkedIn is a go to choice. Building your profile shows off you, your career journey, your interests, and your achievements. You can even upload your CV to help recruiters and businesses find you.
Other forms of social media can be useful to create and share your professional persona. Instagram and TikTok are becoming a more visual and interactive platform for you if you want to be looked at as “on-trend” thought-leaders.
Have a look at our blog on LinkedIn.
Another option, and one that is worthwhile if you’re a creative, is having a portfolio or a website. Showcasing your best work and providing context and allows potential employers to get a holistic view of who you are and what you bring to the table.
Make the first move:
Sometimes, the perfect job isn’t posted online; it’s discovered through proactive exploration.
Consider reaching out to companies directly, even if they don’t have advertised positions.
Take the initiative to express your enthusiasm for the role and company. Remember to use cover letters, emails, or even video introductions to convey your passion.
Getting in contact with recruitment agencies and attending industry events will also help you gain insights into potential job openings. It’s just a matter of getting involved, being brave and getting yourself out there and connected.
Maximise networking opportunities:
Networking is a powerful tool for job hunting. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and local networking events to connect with professionals in your field.
Building relationships with individuals who share your interests can open doors to hidden job opportunities and even provide you with direct referrals.
Career fairs are another great example of networking events. Three ways to find them are through:
- University or college websites
- Professional Associations like UK Careers Fair.
- Local Authority Websites
By incorporating these strategies and going beyond the traditional boundaries of submitting a well-crafted CV, you’ll increase your chances of not just finding a job but finding the right job for you.
If you need help looking for work contact us at team@gogecko.org.uk or check out our website.
