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Network for Results
Hi, Female Settlers!
Welcome to the FS community; advice for education and career opportunities to integrate and thrive in Canada.
While searching for that career opportunity, you must have heard and read from countless sources to network- connect through LinkedIn, email professionals to chat, join networking groups, and go for coffee and networking events. While adding new professional networks can pay off in the long run (after spending a lot of time wooing the contact), it is less effective for more immediate results.
As a newcomer to Canada, you are likely looking to start a job in your field immediately so you can start making money and providing for your family. Trying to network with someone you don't know personally is not going to get you that job you are looking for right away for three reasons:
You don't know if/when a job will be posted.
To effectively gain a new network, you must put in the time to help the person on their professional journey.
There is no guarantee that you will get the job or interview, even if you are referred.
Let me give you a personal example.
When networking to find a new job in my field, I networked and connected with a few people through LinkedIn who referred me to their company for their Project Manager position. Still, I never even got an interview to move to the next touch, much less the job. I have not kept in touch with those contacts. When my spouse was looking for a new job, his network landed him an interview but not the actual job because the hiring manager also had someone else in mind.
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Now, does this mean you should stop networking? No!
It means you should be more strategic with how you network. If you are looking for a job now, access your social circle!
Make friends with like-minded people. It is easier to discuss professional troubles with them and more straightforward for them to help you rather than someone you barely know. When I was looking for a job, my friends referred me to the companies that they worked at.
Be friendly to your neighbours, the hairdresser, or the cashier at the grocery stores. Spark conversations with them, ask them about their lives and tell them about yours. You never know who they know. Do not discount their connections.
If you are new to Canada and still looking for a social circle, try cultural associations and professional cultural associations and get involved. So many immigrants to Canada join these associations and are always eager to help others.
Make Friends with other races and cultures. It is tempting to stick to cultures you are familiar with but expanding your social circle beyond communities you are familiar with gives you a holistic view of Canada and other contacts you might have yet to access in your community.
Make sure to help others in need. Even if you don't have that job, introducing others to potential job opportunities goes a long way. Others will be more inclined to help you on your journey.
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If you are playing the long game. where you want to expand your professional contacts and are not looking for an immediate job, contact professionals more formally. But be prepared to cultivate that relationship-help them find solutions to problems. Don't just be a taker. Be ready to give your time and resources to help them grow professionally and
when you have unlocked that relationship stage, you can ask them to refer you to the job you are looking for.