I read an article recently that said 80% of jobs were found through professional or personal
networking. I could not find a statistic that showed what that number is as it applies to medical coders only. But what it boils down to–that number is high, so it is worth talking about.
So, 80% is a lot, right? This means that only 20% of jobs are found by a job seeker simply by replying to a job posting. But isn’t that what a lot of us do? Right off the bat- just search job postings and apply? That sounds like looking for a needle in a haystack. So networking is super important. It might feel a little weird at first, but doing it should be a no-brainer. Here are 4 tips to help you get started.
- Focus on giving. If you feel awkward about asking for help, remember that networking is mutually beneficial. Think about what you can give to your contacts. Even if there’s nothing you can offer them, most would be flattered to know that you value their opinion.
- Be Respectful- Treat others with respect, whether they’re a receptionist or a CEO.
- Alert your references. Let others know if you plan to use them for references. This way they are prepared if they get a phone call from someone from a company asking about you.
- Shine online. Take a look at your social media profiles and ensure you come across as professional and courteous. Many companies research candidates online, and they could be checking on you before you even go on an interview. So something to think about–Do you have any people you can network with?
Where can you find people if you don’t have any contacts yet? Feel free to post in the comments 🙂
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