How to get your Foot In The Door without the right network

You must have heard the sayings, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”?

Or “Your network is your net worth.”

Well, there’s a reason why everyone emphasizes networking. According to Jacquelyn Smith at Forbes, “80% of available jobs are never advertised”. A survey by the Adler Group claims an even higher statistic, stating that 85% of jobs are secured through networking.?

While it might not be entirely true, having a connection at a company certainly doesn’t hurt. If you have an “in” at a specific company you’re interested in working for, it can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door for a job that you really want.

But here’s the deal:

While having corporate contacts in your network might help you secure an interview, you're not entirely out of luck if you don't know anyone who can place your name on the table. It is possible to create new contacts or even acquire a job without them with some simple research and asking around.

Here are five steps for getting a job when you don’t have any connections:

1. SPREAD THE WORD THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB.

After you've done some research for your job, it's time to let everyone know that you're looking for a new job. Call or contact your college pals, and post a job hunt announcement on your LinkedIn or Twitter pages. When people know you're searching for a new job, they may be able to supply you with some great leads or recommendations.

While you’re at it, go ahead and bring up your job hunt with your friends and family. Good old Uncle Frank might have an “in” at a company that you were never aware of. You never know who could help you out in your job hunt, so it’s always a good idea to spread the word.

Remember this: If you don’t ask, the answer is always NO.

2. SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS ONLINE

The internet has made this world a global village. Anybody from anywhere can connect with people around the world. And you can use this to your advantage. Showcase whatever you’re good at. If you’re good at writing, start writing content online. If you’re good at editing videos, post your edits online. If you’re good at designing, post your designs online. You don’t know someone somewhere who might find your work interesting and hire you.

A very good example of this is a boy named Avkash. He is a 3D Product Designer and wanted to be an intern at Cred. But rarely do people get that opportunity. So, he made a 3D Motion Design Video get hired by Cred.

Check this out here.?

3. STAY UP TO DATE ON COMPANY NEWS

If your network is unable to provide you with leads and your attempts to build new connections have failed, it is not the death sentence you may believe it is. Simply remain up to date on the company's latest initiatives and activities, as well as everything going on in the industry.

This means that you’re going to have to do some homework. Read press releases, check out any articles written about the company, and see if any of the company’s managers show up in the news. If the company or any of their employees have any big achievements in the press, bring it up in your pitch.

If you can show a company that you’re well-informed on their current projects, it will show them that you’re passionate and motivated to work with them. If anything you find in your research can be applied to your own experience, make sure to bring it up in your cover letter or your email to a company representative. These details will make you stand out as a memorable candidate.

4. DON’T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT

So many people are afraid that other, successful people won’t want to help them that they don’t even put in the effort to talk to them. Paula Harvey says that “that’s the problem. People get daunted and worried. But most of us who are successful realize that it’s helpful to help others. Always live by that pay-it-forward philosophy.” Just send a quick email, requesting 15 minutes of time for an informational interview. It’s hard to turn down anyone, especially someone who you’re affiliated with by university or organization, for just 15 minutes.

5. JUST APPLY ANYWAY

If you’re not able to make any new connections, don’t let it hold you back from applying for a job. Even if you know all the right people, it’s not a sure guarantee that you’re going to get the job. A well-crafted resume with a solid list of qualifications can get you much further than just an address book full of connections.

The hiring process itself is a networking experience. The people you meet and the conversations you have may not directly translate into a job offer, but think of them as long-term investments.

As long as you maintain a positive attitude, stay in touch with the people you meet in a professional way, and make it known what you’re looking for, job opportunities will start trickling in.

Do you have anything to add to this list? Please let me know in the comments below????