Did you know that up to 75% of jobs are unadvertised?  How can you be a competitive candidate for these jobs that are a part of the hidden job market?  NETWORKING!  In a difficult economy, or at any time, networking is not only  the way to identify unadvertised jobs, but it is also a great way to learn more about your area of career interest.  

Where to Begin:

1. Increase your network through people you know formally and informally.
   
   • Consider the following: family, friends, friends of friends, mentors, colleagues, supervisors, former bosses, neighbors, contacts from professional organizations, SNC alumni.
2. Utilize the Career Contact Program.
   
   • Career Contacts (friends and alumni of SNC) provide students and alumni the opportunity to interact with professionals from a variety of career fields.
   • To gain access to the Career Contacts, you must first register for Career Connections, through the Career Services web site.
   • Please contact Career Services if you have questions.
3. Identify professional associations associated with your area of career interest.  To find professional associations:
   • Go to your favorite search engine
   • Type: <your field> association      Example: marketing associations
   • Look for words like: career, employment, jobs
4. Attend meetings for a Young Professionals Network in your geographical area.  The intention of these networks are to provide professional development and networking opportunities for young professionals (typically ages 21-40).  To locate a Young Professionals Network near you:
   • Go to your favorite search engine
   • Type: <location> young professionals      Example: Green Bay young professionals
5. Join an online professional networking site, such as LinkedIn.  You can utilize professional networking web sites to discover inside connections when you’re looking for a job or new business opportunity. 
   
   • Request to join the St. Norbert College LinkedIn Group
6. Social networking sites can also prove beneficial in making new professional connections. Consider Twitter, Facebook and blogs to meet new contacts or to search for a job.   Connect with Alumni via the St. Norbert College Alumni Facebook Group.
   
   • How to Find a Job on Twitter
   • Can You Facebook Your Way to a New Job?

Please see our Networking and Informational Interviewing Guide for more information on networking and questions to ask a potential contact.  Every time you network with someone, be sure to ask “Do you know two more people I could talk to regarding this topic?” as this is how your network will grow. Good luck in the networking process! 

If you have questions, please contact Career Services.