Final answer:
Building a network for career investigation involves connecting with acquaintances like professors and family, and making new connections through LinkedIn. It's crucial to tap into the hidden job market through networking activities and maintaining relationships for future opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
When investigating careers and building a professional network, start by reaching out to those around you such as professors, family, friends, and colleagues. These individuals may not have direct job opportunities, but they can offer valuable information and introduce you to others in your field. Joining LinkedIn is another powerful tool where you can connect with professionals in occupations you are interested in. Students at the University of West Florida (UWF) could use The Big Interview to improve their interviewing skills.
To cover all bases, list people from various areas of your life in a job search action plan, as they could provide leads, information, or further connections. Combine this with accessing both visible and hidden job markets. The hidden job market encompasses jobs not advertised publicly and is often penetrated through networking involving social media, informational interviews, attending professional events, volunteering
For enhancing your career and job search, develop skills necessary for both in-person and online networking. Create a resume and cover letter designed to pass through applicant tracking systems. Learn to utilize tools like Big Interview for interview preparations, and build a professional portfolio to showcase to employers. Remember to maintain connections with former employers and colleagues using platforms like LinkedIn, as they can be valuable for future references and opportunities.
Touching upon the importance of the hidden job market, it’s crucial to not only connect with known contacts but also to establish new ones. Learn how to effectively network, create a compelling 'elevator pitch', conduct an email campaign, navigate online job postings, and tailor your applications. Understanding these elements and being resilient in your job search strategy will increment your chances of success.