By: A student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, as part of Heather Nelson's Service Learning class.
8 Tips of Using Your Friend Network to Get a Job
Are you hunting for a new job? What’s the best way to start a job hunt, look to your friends for support and inspiration?
Here are eight ways your friends may support you during the various phases of your job hunt.
Identify potential Job Listings
You might get job postings from your friends that they believe could be a good fit. It may seem bothersome if there were a steady stream of emails. But when I was hunting for a job a few years ago, my closest buddy did this, and it turned out to be a really helpful source of support. First, there were a lot of alternatives; I would apply if I saw an interesting listing. I didn't pay it any mind if it didn't catch my interest. In any case, my friend never pressed the issue with me (Did you apply? "Why not? I was encouraged by the quantity of jobs, many of which she truly believed I had a possibility of obtaining; meanwhile, there was no need to win her approval. She only wished to assist.
Self-assessment of Skills/Abilities
You want to be an excellent job hunter? Knowing your ability indicates that you are focused and have a solid understanding of who you are, which is the same strategic edge that makes you so good at what you do. It's the characteristic you take the greatest pride in, the one that distinguishes you from the competition. Talk about this with your friends; they might be able to see qualities in you that you'd never think of after watching how you behave in different settings. To help you identify your skills, they could provide concrete instances of your special talents, like your ability to work under pressure.
Good Resume/CV for Job Applications
Want someone to offer their opinion or correct spelling mistakes? Both your cover letter and resume should be proofread. Friends and parents can assist you with this, but having a friend in the profession do it may benefit you as they may be more knowledgeable about how the job market functions at the moment. Accept their advice, but keep an eye out for little differences in custom.
Sign up for Professional Blogs/Sites
A blog or online portfolio may be beneficial when trying to break into a certain industry, including reporting, fashion, or publishing. You can urge your friends to share your material on their social media pages if this relates to you. You can also get innovative ideas from your friends. For example, if you run a book blog, your friends could recommend books for reviews that you never would have considered.
Tips on managing your online reputation
Be in a Network
Your buddies can introduce you to a possible employer or recruiting manager or suggest you to one. They could introduce you to important people, invite you to socializing events or even open company gatherings, or even introduce you to influential people. It should be noted that many businesses offer job seekers who have been recommended by current workers more consideration. Besides, your buddies might be able to arrange for you to do some job shadowing if they know people working in the industry, you're interested in. You get a fantastic chance to network with their staff, gain knowledge about the business, and ask questions.
Build Confidence for Interview through Mocks
Making a mock interview is among the finest strategies to be ready for a job interview. Someone you know who has conducted interviews before might be able to assist you. Such interviews will get you to improve confidence, check out on important things and practice improvising when answering interview questions. To learn what relevant questions, they may check relatable section such as common interview questions and interview questions. That’s it ! As you practice, you'll get better. And now that you have your friends' backing, there is no longer any reason for you not to. Good luck!
Attend Freedomtainment's Level Up Career Fair
On Saturday, September 3rd from 11am-3pm at the Gene Leahy Mall, Freedomtainment will host the Level Up Career Fair for individuals that are ready to "level-up" or step up to a next level job, connect with Omaha are employers and resource providers. For more information and to register for the event, go to: www.tinyurl.com/LevelUpCareerFair.
The family-friendly event will include free lunch* and a Tailgate Watch Party at 2:30pm to cheer on the Nebraska Huskers as they play North Dakota.
*while supplies last