#truth
The most qualified person does not necessarily get the job.
The person with the best job search skills will typically get the job over the most qualified person!
According to many experts, 70% – 80% of all available jobs are not published online or otherwise. However, a CareerXRoads Source of Hire Study debunks these numbers, suggesting a hidden job market closer to 24%. Learn more here and here.
No matter the true number, networking is key to a successful job search, so let’s break it down…
Package yourself for successful networking
- Build your LinkedIn page — FYI, this isn’t set it and forget it! (You will continue to update and edit to better fit leads and opportunities throughout your job search.)
- Build a dynamic resume and make it perfect — then customize for each position or opportunity.
- Craft a killer cover letter for your first job lead, again, make it perfect — then use as a template and customize to each position or opportunity.
- Brand yourself and curate your online portfolio website to showcase your creative work and experience.
- Give yourself a social media makeover — don’t lose out because of that one questionable photo from high school!
- Request and craft your personal and professional references. Ask permission EVERY time you use a reference, and always send a thank you note…yes, do it!
Now that you’re packaged, start networking
Phase 1: Find internships and positions listed online or otherwise and apply, then start networking your way into the position.
- Connect with the poster of each position on LinkedIn (or anywhere the lead was generated, ie: social media).
- Connect with HR team at the organization, if different than the person posting the position.
- Connect with your networks on LinkedIn and social media — do they know the job poster, HR Team, or anyone else in the organization? If so, get an introduction.
- Start posting and interacting with the organization’s social pages (ie: LinkedIn, Instagram…).
- Connect/follow and interact with personal social pages of HR Team and others from the organization (LinkedIn, Instagram…).
- The key is to get noticed by those at the organization in a position to hire you.
btw — you will read a LOT about whether it’s appropriate to message a hiring manager or LinkedIn job poster directly. The answer is absolutely YES if done right, and LinkedIn agrees.
Phase 2: Identify companies you want to work for.
- Research each company — deep dive into the products, brands and people.
- Find the hiring manager for jobs you are interested in — HR Team or individual department heads.
- Connect with your networks on LinkedIn and social media — do they know anyone in the organization? If so, get an introduction and send a letter of interest or request an informational interview.
- Start posting and interacting with the organization’s social pages (ie: LinkedIn, Instagram…).
- Connect/follow and interact with personal social pages of HR Team and others from the organization (LinkedIn, Instagram…).
- Again…the key is to get noticed by anyone at the organization in a position to hire. You want to be top of mind should a position become available.
Learn more about LinkedIn etiquette and how to connect based on account type.
Industry Recruitment Firms
As you network be sure to track down recruitment firms servicing the fashion industry, and individual recruiters at each firm. Connect, follow their posts on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter…be the first to see job posts.
Interact with individual recruiters on LinkedIn/social media (specifically recruiters located in cities you are interested in working). Build a personal relationship with a stable of recruiters and be top of mind as positions become available.
…another truth
Candidates in serious job search make 50-100 direct contacts monthly. However, these direct contacts have a much higher return rate than blindly sending your resume into the online (ATS) black hole.
Mindlessly applying to 50-100 positions using the same resume and cover letter isn’t a numbers game that pays off in any real way. Here’s an interesting read on the subject, notably the last section — less applying and more networking.
What should I say when connecting on LinkedIn or social media?
- Always send a personal note when requesting a LinkedIn connection.
- Note an “authentic” connection to the person, brand or product.
- Or, note a particular post that resonated with you.
If looking for more than a connection, whether on LinkedIn or other social sites, make the pitch short and to the point.
- Who you are
- Why you are contacting them
- Authentic connection to the brand, person or product
- What you want
- What reciprocal value you have to offer — the successful networker understands this is not a one way street!
- Give them a gracious out.
Example — personalize as much as possible. You can also expand on this, use as follow-up after applying to an open position.
Hi (name) — my name is (abc), I am fashion student at (xyz). I am a passionate fan of your brand and attended your exciting lecture at (…). Would you be open to a quick informational interview? I would love to learn more about your success in the industry. I am available to volunteer at your next event or help with social media (or?) as a thank you. I know your time is valuable, if this isn’t a good time to connect, perhaps you could suggest someone I should reach out to.
Thanks for your time and look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
abc
Your network is your net worth….make it happen!