The Power of Networking: Unlocking the Hidden Job Market and Building Lasting Relationships

Networking is more than a buzzword; it's a vital strategy for career growth and professional success. While traditional job markets are well-travelled paths, the hidden job market—a realm where opportunities are not publicly advertised—holds immense potential. Strategic networking can open doors to these hidden opportunities and foster long-lasting professional relationships that go beyond immediate job needs.

Navigating the Hidden Job Market

The hidden job market comprises positions that are filled through internal recommendations, referrals, and personal connections rather than through open advertisements. Tapping into this market requires building and nurturing a robust network. The key is to develop genuine relationships with professionals across various industries, who can offer insights and recommendations when opportunities arise.

Networking within the hidden job market is not about quick wins. It's about cultivating long-term relationships based on trust, mutual respect, and shared professional interests. These connections can become invaluable allies in your career journey, offering support, guidance, and opportunities that might never reach a job board.

From Networking to Long-Lasting Relationships

Building a strong professional network is like tending a garden. It requires time, effort, and genuine interest in the people you connect with. These relationships often transform into enduring friendships that provide both personal and professional support. My own experiences have underscored the value of these connections.

Reconnecting in Calgary

During my most recent visit to Calgary, I attended my youngest daughter's high school graduation. This unforgettable occasion also provided an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen my network. Sharing a coffee meeting, breakfast, birthday celebration, BBQ, and brunch with old, recent, and new friends was a testament to the lasting bonds formed through networking. Here are some highlights:

1. ALNOOR DAMJI : We met in 2010 through the Human Resources Career Network (HRCN). Over the years, we've cultivated a lasting friendship, sharing the highs and lows of life during my nearly decade-long stay in Calgary.
2. Emiro Efren Tenias Sanchez : A coworker in Maintenance from PDVSA in Venezuela. We reconnected in 2008 when I landed my first job in oil and gas in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
3. Jenn Lofgren CPHR, MCC, ICD.D : I met Jenn in 2010 during the Tactics for Success , a six-week course program designed to help experienced professionals thrive. She was my first career coach and has been a valuable informal mentor and very estimated friend since then.
4. Rina Alvarado León , MBA, CPHR Candidate and Beatriz O. : Talented young HR professionals at Bow Valley College and CPHR AB Ambassadors, we connected online through LinkedIn.
5. Miroslav Relji? : A talented professional I met at an immigrant event in Calgary and during coaching sessions. His lessons, advise and chats has been very valuable for my career specially in between jobs.
6. Josip Nogic, BTech : both newcomers from Venezuela, met him Montreal in 2007 and then again in Fort McMurray in 2008. Now close friend to his family. A truly example of progression going from Operator to Director.
7. Diana Rojas : talented technician in Drilling field. We shared a coffee at Bow Valley College in 2016 while attending to an event for job seekers. Since then, we have been in touch and became good friends even though I moved to British Columbia in 2018
8. Luis Cossio : A referral from an MBA friend, a newcomer that recently landed in Calgary and who is actively seeking job opportunities as an IT professional.

Starting as a newcomer with zero contacts, I developed my networking skills despite being an introvert by nature. Since 2010, I've expanded my network to nearly 5,000 contacts, predominantly in Alberta and British Columbia.

Addressing Current Challenges

Recent readings have highlighted rising concerns post-COVID, such as workplace loneliness, youth unemployment, and the generational shift in the workforce:

1. Workplace Loneliness: Melissa Rayworth's article in BIV discusses initiatives like "10 Minutes to Togetherness" to combat workplace loneliness.
2. Youth Unemployment: Craig Lord's article in Global News highlights the challenges Canadian youth face in the summer job market.
3. Generational Workforce: Nicholas Pearce's piece in Harvard Business Review discusses managing a workforce that spans six generations for the first time in history.

These challenges emphasize the need for robust networks that provide support and opportunities across different career stages and personal circumstances.

Networking is a powerful tool for accessing the hidden job market and building lasting relationships that can significantly impact your career and personal growth. By investing time and effort into developing genuine connections, you can navigate the hidden job market and create a support system that endures beyond immediate professional needs. My experiences in Calgary serve as a testament to the transformative power of strategic networking and the enduring value of these relationships.

Look forward to my next visit to Calgary and the opportunity to meet again in person with other valuable members on my network.

Once again, thank you sincerely for investing your time reading my new article . I hope you found it enjoyable and insightful. Your feedback is always welcome, so please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Finally, if you believe this content could benefit others in your network, I encourage you to share or repost it.

#jobseeker #networking #frienship #hiddenmarket #jobmarket #newcomer #immigrant

?ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edmundo Cardenas is a Human Resources Professional with +20 yrs. of experience in different sectors including Mining, Oil & Gas, Construction, Forestry, Consulting and Education.?? He is an active member of the HR Association in Vancouver, British Columbia (CPHR British Columbia), former member of HR Association in Calgary, Alberta (CPHR Alberta) and HRIA in Calgary, Alberta and a Certified Human Resources Professional (CPHR) in Canada since 2014. He has a Bachelor in HR and a MBA Master of Business Administration from IESA School of Business - AACSB, AMBA, EFMD, EQUIS.

Has been involved with Mentoring Programs in a Mentor and Mentee capacity supporting young talented HR professionals and recent landed newcomers in Calgary, Alberta and most recently Vancouver & Coquitlan, British Columbia. Most recently, joined in 2024 the IEC-BC Immigration Employment Council - British Columbia to contribute and support talented young professionals.

He is also a former Venezuelan National Champion Swimmer and multiple record holder, International Master Competitive Swimmer, Swim Alberta certified Official and Open Water Swimmer.

Dedicated father to Sabrina graduated from high school at National Sport School in June 2024 and starting at Victoria University, BC in September 2024, and Samantha graduating from Post-graduate in Public Policy at the University of Calgary in November 2024 and pursuing in the near future her professional career .