By Guest Blogger Nanette Harty, Senior Recruiter
If I were looking for a new job I would... make connections and network for success.
So far in the connections bracket I’m holding my own. As a recruiter, I see the benefits of connecting with people and know that being “connected” literally has its advantages. For job seekers right out of school, memberships in clubs or organizations can provide networking opportunities that can lead to a multitude of potential career networking opportunities. For those of us with a few years of experience, professional organizations and social media sites such as LinkedIn can literally connect us to countless individuals.
Another venue that connects all job seekers is Twitter. I find this to be a quick and easy way to stay informed and meet other professionals. And, for me, I love its 140 character limitations – it keeps my long winded messages brief and to the point! You can find me at @HCFoodRecruit.
So, what about these opportunities to connect? Do they really help job seekers find jobs? Yes. I recently worked with a candidate and wanted to share her story. Let’s call her Mary.
Mary learned about Sodexo through her sister, who happened to work for the company. Through the Star Finder referral program, her sister was able to suggest different jobs to Mary. This was Mary’s first step at connecting with Sodexo.
Next, as a member of NSMH, Mary found out about the Sodexo Future Leaders Internship program. After applying and being selected, she completed a paid summer internship. Her connections through her membership in NSMH helped her prepare for and land an internship slot.
When Mary returned to school, she signed up for Sodexo’s Reconnexions program – an alumni network of former Sodexo employees and interns that includes access to job postings. She learned about a management position through her contacts in the Reconnexions program. After applying and interviewing for the job, she was selected as the best qualified candidate for the job. By maintaining her contacts with Sodexo, she was able to join the company as a retail manager.
If it weren’t for Mary’s connections with different opportunities at Sodexo, she may not have learned about the management position she now holds. So, don’t wait. Get out there and start connecting! Opportunities are out there and available. Get connected. If I were looking for a new job, I would.
Nanette is a Senior Recruiter in Sodexo's Talent Acquisition Group. She currently recruits for management positions in the Health Care client segment in the southeastern United States.
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