Getting hired: it’s all about who you know…

Posted on 01. Sep, 2010 by Emmanuelle Archer in Blog, Working Abroad
3 comments

When It comes to getting hired in Vancouver, it’s all about who you know – or perhaps more accurately, about who knows you.

The reason is simple: most jobs never make it to Monster.com or the help wanted ads.
Remember how we said Canadians want to hire people they know, like and trust?

Well, rather than place an ad, most employers will first ask their staff if they know someone who’d like to apply. In some companies, employees even get a bonus for referring a new hire.

The obvious downside is that if no one knows you, no one is going to refer you. And that’s how better-connected newcomers go on to be gainfully employed after a few weeks, when you’re still sitting at home sending dozens of applications and getting nowhere fast.

Depressing? Not really. It’s never too late to start making connections. Sure, some people are natural-born networkers, but you can still make useful contacts even if you don’t see yourself as an extrovert extraordinaire.

Put social media to good use

Don’t know anyone in town? That’s what social media is for!

• Use LinkedIn to find the movers and shakers in your field
• Use Twitter, Facebook and blogs to connect with Vancouverites and find out about local events of interest
• Use InterNations.org, Meetup.com or any other online group that organises in-person get-togethers. Become a regular at these events, and you’re well on your way to becoming part of a ready-made network of like-minded people.*

* Four hyphenated words in the same bullet point. I think it’s a record.

Ideally, you should start making these connections before you even move to Vancouver. But because this is a step many of us skip (I’m guilty as charged!), here are a couple more tips to help you get on an employer’s radar, fast:

Use the double-branding rule

You’re much more likely to think favourably of something (be it a new movie or a job applicant) when you hear about it through two different channels.

Think about it: you’ve been reading online about the latest blockbuster, but you’re not sure yet if you want to see it. Then you overhear someone at the supermarket say they’ve just seen it and loved it. Wouldn’t you be more likely to go see it now?

It’s the same thing when you apply for a job. Faced a whole pile of applications from perfect strangers, wouldn’t a recruiter be more likely to interview you if your name already sounded familiar?

That’s what you’re aiming for: becoming a known quantity.

You don’t need to know everyone in town or be exceptionally popular to achieve that. A shared LinkedIn connection, a great blog post that gets strategically re-tweeted, or a mutual acquaintance who’s willing to let you use their name in your cover letter can be enough to set you aside from other applicants.

It’s a game of give and take

Give something before you start asking for help. Volunteer with an organisation that interests you. Join an association and serve on a committee. Offer to teach or write an article about something you know well.

The more engaged you are, the more willing people will be to get to know you and help you if they can. So find an organisation you can really get excited about, and show them how committed, reliable and dynamic you are! That’s how you get great references and build great referrals.

Also, never burn your bridges. While Vancouver is a big city, it’s also a small world business-wise. Make every effort to stay on good terms with everyone – not just potential employers, but also fellow association members or volunteer supervisors.



What other networking strategies have you successfully used when arriving in a new city? Do you have some tips to share? Let us know in the comments!

Was this post helpful? Do you need more personalized networking advice? Contact me to schedule a one-on-one consultation.

Emmanuelle

Image by mattingham, via Flickr Creative Commons