Suppose you lose your job and want to get back to work for another employer quickly. The first thing that comes to mind is applying for a job. And of course, creating a nice resume and appropriate letter is an effective way to find work.

But don’t forget to network! In fact, it has been shown that if you combine applying for a job with conducting exploratory networking interviews, you multiply your job prospects by a factor of 7. Most vacancies are never put in writing/internet at all, but immediately given away in the network.

Almost since its foundation in 2005, Dynamisch Bureau has been a ‘fan’ of the book Netwerk Werkt by Els Nijssen and Rob van Eeden. It is now a classic, but unfortunately no new editions will be published. The core of this book remains high for us: ask for advice and not (immediately) for work. Be curious about the other person and take advantage of that.

How do you go about that?

1. First, make sure you have a good objective.

An objective is to answer the questions: this is my next career step, this is my motivation for it and this makes me suitable for it. Easier said than done, this is often preceded by a period of orientation.

2. Present your objective and improve it.

Especially people close to you know you best. Present your objective to them. Do they recognize you in it? Do they have any suggestions for improvement?

3. Talk to people who do the work you’re interested in.

Satisfied with your goal? Top! Now you can start the real networking. Find and approach people through your network/LinkedIn who do the work you are passionate about. If you ask these people if they would like to share a little more about their work with you because it interests you, chances are you will be invited for an interview. An additional advantage: these people are the first to know when a vacancy becomes available. Networking can then suddenly lead to applying for a job.

4. Create a top 10 of organizations

A final step in your so-called networking campaign is to identify 10 organizations where you would like to work. As much as possible, talk to decision-makers who can give you a lot of information about the organization. And be able to show you the way of recruiting new employees within their organization.

After reading these steps, do you think, “oh dear!” You can always get to know us and see if we can do something for you in your search for the job in which you can ‘live your talent’!

If you recognize yourself in the latter scenario, you’re certainly not alone. According to research by Monsterboard, no less than 60% of Dutch people suffer from the so-called ‘after-holiday dip’. It’s perfectly normal to need some time to get used to your daily routine again. As the American writer Elbert Hubbard once said:

“No one needs a holiday as much as someone who has just had one.”

But what if this dip is more than just returning to reality? What if this moment makes you realize that it’s time to really change course? The job market is better than ever right now, and if you feel that now is the time to look for a new challenge, now may be the time to take action. Here are five tips to help you take the next step in your career:

Tip 1: Clarify your talents

The first step to a new job starts with understanding your own talents. Take the time to map out your successes. Think of things in your life that you’re proud of, accomplishments that make you think, “I did a good job.”

Divide your life into seven-year periods:

Look for successes in each period. You can translate these successes into your talents: what do these achievements say about what you are good at? In addition, you can also ask people around you what talents they see in you. A tool such as the TMA Talent Analysis can help you with this.

Tip 2: Make your goal concrete

Imagine what your ideal workday looks like. Fantasize freely and then compare that vision with reality. Talk to others about your ideas, view vacancies online and research what’s going on in the market.

Turn your vision into a concrete objective:

Write down what your next career step is, why you want to take this step and why you are suitable for it. You can use this objective as the basis for your profile on LinkedIn and in your CV.

Tip 3: Practice your pitch

When your objective is clear, it’s time to practice presenting it. Start with people you trust.

Ask for feedback and refine your pitch further. This short presentation is your basis for interviews with potential employers or clients and can also serve as a video CV.

Tip 4: Go networking!

Networking significantly increases your chances of getting a new job. It’s important to go about this in the right way: ask for advice rather than directly for a job.

A lot of work is found through the grapevine, so conducting exploratory networking conversations can help you find the right opportunities that match your talents and wishes.

Tip 5: Seek help

Although it may seem easy to clarify your talents and make a goal, in practice this can be more challenging than expected.

If you get stuck, call in a career coach. Maybe you click with one of the coaches of Dynamisch Bureau who can guide you in finding the right direction. You can always get to know each other for free to find out who you click with!

Good luck getting used to it or… Change course!

Do you choose to rediscover your current work rhythm or do you decide to set a new course?
Remember that it’s important to listen to yourself and take steps that are right for you. Good luck!