If you are just starting out in the world of work or contemplating a career change, it’s important to be aware of the best way in which you can find a job. The majority of jobhunters rely on classified ads or online job boards. But these are actually bottom of the pile when it comes to effective ways to find a job

You’re probably very aware of the expression “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”, which has become a bit of a cliché, but is nonetheless true when it comes to finding work. You may be surprised to learn that employers are now actively encouraging employees to recommend their friends for jobs and sometimes even rewarding them when a position is filled.

This technique is a good deal for both parties; the company doesn’t have to fork out large sums of money for advertisements or devote hours to interviewing a string of candidates. And the jobseeker is in the fortunate position of being able to suss out the job in advance.

Think about it, you can ask any question you like – I’m sure you can think of plenty which would definitely be very out of place at an interview, but could give you a much better picture of the culture and the people you’d be working with. That’s important information which could help you decide whether or not the job is right for you. If you are interested in the post, you’ll be well prepared before the interview and should feel a lot more relaxed than otherwise.

Of course, not everyone has a best mate working in the company which is top of their list of dream employers. So what can you do if haven’t got friends in influential places?

The trick is to network. Whatever you are doing right now, you should start building your network immediately. Don’t forget that all of your contacts know people who know people. Just because you can’t immediately think of anyone who might be able to help, doesn’t mean there isn’t someone close by who can put you in touch with a prospective employer. It’s important to let your friends and family know what you are looking for. You could get some business cards printed which they can pass on to anyone who might be in giving you a job or advising you about your chosen career.

There are plenty of other ways to get started on building your network. One of the most useful is the local job fair. Career fairs often focus on recent graduates, but keep an eye out for general job fairs. You’ll find them listed in the local press, your local employment office and you can also search online to see what’s happening in your area.

There are many websites specifically designed for networking, although most of them involve a small fee. It’s worth investing in the chance to extend your network to people who have the same interests or who run their own businesses. You can also check out local networking events, where you’ll get the chance to meet new contacts face to face, which in turn gives you the opportunity to build rapport and make an impression.

It’s also very important to keep your résumé up to date!

Volunteering Your Way to a Job