Since managers tend to hire people they and their colleagues know, networking should play a major role in any job seeker's process in Sydney.
However, don't go blindly to every holiday party you are invited to network seeking to find a job in Sydney. Be picky and develop a strategy.
Ask yourself the following when you plan to network to find a job: • What type of people are attending • Are they likely the type of people you want to meet?
For a trade association or professional group gathering, ask the organiser to forward you the list of people who are attending.
If you are attending a gathering organised by a professional, look up the name of the group's board of directors before the event. Those are the people you want to meet, and shake hand with! They are heavily involved in the industry and likely have a lot of useful contacts. The party's hosts are key attendees. They know most of the guests and can introduce you.
Memorize the names well, Remembering someone's name goes a long way.
If you want to find a job in Sydney, get there on time. Sydney professional gatherings are punctual. By arriving when there are fewer people makes it easier to get time with the party's hosts and the board of directors. They usually attend first to greet everyone.
If you are shy about meeting strangers, getting there while the crowd is small is much easier to manage than entering a room full of 100 partiers already having a good time.
Ask the hosts to help you meet the right people. Try this phrase as a help: "I don't know anyone in this party. Are there people you think I should meet and do you mind introducing me?"
talk to people, don’t wait for them to talk to you. This is the art of finding a job in Sydney by networking.
Pick a subject for conversation
NEVER start a conversation by saying you're unemployed. And certainly don't say that you're at the party to find a new job. Networking is an investment that pays off in the future.
Build the trust as you exchange information and resources. That's what makes people want to hire you or refer you. They want to see your character and competence.
Have your topics ready for your discussions. Usually, start with the weather comments, followed by talking about sport. This is what Sydney is famous for. Cricket is the Sport in Sydney. Now you are at a point when you have to ask the person in front of you “what do you do for living”
Remember to give and take during the “finding a job in Sydney” conversation!
You will be asked: What do you do for a living?
Have a succinct answer prepared. If you're employed, make a short introduction about the job you're in. If you sell software, for example say, "I sell software that helps computers talk to each other." Make it simple and to the point. First tell them what you do, then mention the firm’s name.
If you're unemployed, don't blurt that out. They don't know you well enough to help yet. You've got past work experience, so discuss that. Mention the industry you're in and a few other jobs you have held in brief and grief!!. Follow this by, "I have the wonderful prospect of finding a new position next year." Describe what you're looking for.
Always carry a business card. If you're unemployed, create a card with your name, email and phone number.
Business cards can also assist in making a graceful exit. Sometimes extricating yourself from a conversation is just as hard as getting into one. An easy way to wrap up a conversation is by saying, "It was great to meet you. May I have your business card?" Or simply try saying, 'I'm going to give you time to talk to other people here.'
If you meet someone you do want to speak more with, ask if he or she would like to continue the conversation over coffee when the holidays are over. If that feels too bold, follow up by answering some type of question that person had.
For instance, if you learned he or she is planning a trip to Europe and you recently went there, send an email with some restaurant recommendations or day-trip ideas.
The payoff on this isn't going to come overnight. Jobs aren't going to come pouring in right after the party. You have to think long term. It takes usually 3 monhts to get a job if you are unemployed! Sydney is a large City and jobs are well contested by thousands of already employed and unemployed people.
If you've been job hunting for months, Have fun when networking. You need it and maybe deserve it if you have been looking for a job in Sydney.