It is Possible to Find Jobs Outside Your Network

Summary: While a network is very beneficial when searching for a job, it isn’t the only option. Hard work and extra effort can help you get hired.

At some point, we have all heard the phrase “It’s all about who you know” in regards to finding a job. While this is true, there are other ways to gain employment or internships without having to rely on whom you know.

Be sure to cover all your bases to find all the jobs that fit your criteria. If you are looking for a job that is specific to an industry or even a company, then go directly to that source to find out if there are positions at that time.

Aim for quality, not quantity, by customizing each resume and cover letter to the correct application. Going around town and passing out thirty copies of your resume may make you feel good, but you won’t get the desired results back from this effort. An employer will be impressed if you can include a couple sentences in your cover letter about what drew you to the company. Replace general titles to more specific ones that correspond to the position.

If you are still not getting any results then rethink your strategy. Maybe your resume needs to be revamped and made stronger. Or maybe it is necessary for you to take a few classes to help market your skills. Volunteering is also a great option to get your foot in the door and gain experience.

Go the extra mile in all aspects of the interview process since you don’t have the reference to rely on. Arrive to interviews early and ask thoughtful questions that can’t be answered by the company’s webpage. Send a thank-you email the same day of the interview and a handwritten card the next day. If there was more than one person in the interview, write a card for each one that is tailored to them directly. These extra steps will help the interviewer remember you aside from everyone else.

While a network is still important to have, there are always circumstances where they can’t help.

What kind of luck have you had finding and getting a job without the use of your network? Tell us in the comments below the article.