By Justine Eden, Director, Eden Ritchie Recruitment

You work hard, you study hard, but yet the person sitting next to you gets the promotion…..  Had this happen to you?

It is a common occurrence – but often the act of establishing and maintaining professional connections and networks are overlooked by many.  It’s also easy in this COVID climate to neglect building your networks – with many of us working remotely it is even more important that you connect and keep in touch – even virtually.

Ask yourself – when was the last time you attended a professional networking forum, or made a new business contact outside of your organisation? How many new LinkedIn connections have you added this week?

It is easy between the demands of work and home to ignore this aspect – but yet it has a significant impact on our career and how high we rise up the ladder.  The hidden job market is alive and well, with many people appointed to key roles because of the professional connections they have.

As the old saying goes “its not what you know – but who you know”.

If you have ever employed someone – you will know there is a great degree of comfort employing someone you know or know of through a trusted source.

Social media now provides an avenue to establish new contacts and renew others you may have lost.  You can ask for endorsements, recommendations and referrals.

Professional associations hold training and networking sessions that you can attend.  Conferences often provide the opportunity to meet new people within your profession or industry – COVID permitting of course.

On another scale – community based involvement with schools or associations opens up access to a range of individuals often outside of your normal working life.

Sitting back and waiting for a promotion or new opportunity is a thing of the past.  In this climate – only the proactive survive and thrive.

Think about it.  How much more effective would you be in securing that key promotion if instead of applying – you were recommended?

To meet the team at Eden Ritchie, visit us at Eden Ritchie Recruitment