How students can find a part-time, seasonal, internship, or entry-level job by networking even during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ask someone for advice as to how to find a part-time, seasonal, internship, or entry-level job and they will almost surely include networking as something you need to do. That applies whether you were searching for a job a year ago before COVID-19, during the pandemic, or after this crisis is history.

Some career experts estimate that 70 to 80 percent of employment opportunities are part of what some describe as the hidden job market. In other words, something like 80 percent of job openings are not advertised so if you’re only applying to jobs advertised on job boards like CollegeRecruiter.com, through career service offices, and other places, then you’re missing out on 80 percent of the job opportunities. To make that even worse, most job seekers are also chasing after the same 20 percent of jobs, so you’ve got something like 80 percent of job seekers competing for 20 percent of jobs. Wouldn’t you rather be in the 20 percent going after 80 percent of job openings?

But just what is networking? According to career expert Lou Adler, “Job seekers need to realize networking is not trying to meet as many people as possible. It’s about meeting a few well-connected people who can vouch for your ability and who are willing to refer you to a few other well-connected people.” Job search strategist Hannah Morgan advises job seekers not to approach networking with a “me first” attitude. Instead, make the relationship mutually beneficial.

Note that neither Adler nor Morgan are advising that you only network with people you know. In fact, that would be poor advice. Find people who share a common interest, be that your school, where you grew up, your hobbies, friends of friends, neighbors, local small business owners, board members of non-profits, and others.

When you receive help from someone, consider them to be a part of your network. Regularly reach out to them. Provide them with updates on your professional and even personal life. And be sure that you help them. If they’re the owner of a small business, find articles or other resources that might be of help to them and send those over. You don’t want to do that daily or even monthly as they might not want to be updated that often, but quarterly is likely good timing for most.

Never, ever overlook your college career service office. There are a number of ways that students can take advantage of their career service office. Unfortunately, the reality is that only half of students use their career service offices. In my mind, every single student should, as should every single recent graduate. The employees of that office are typically well-trained and highly motivated to help their students find great career options, whether that means continuing their education, finding a job while a student, or landing a great entry-level job upon graduation. In addition, the career service office professionals have great insight into what other students have tried and can steer you toward ideas that worked for others and away from ideas that failed for others.

Finally, a word about how much time to devote to networking. In short, at least 10 hours a week if possible but, in any case, as much as you can. Why? Because networking is more likely than any other tactic to result in you landing your next part-time, seasonal, internship, or entry-level job.

Want more help? Check out College Recruiter’s Networking: A Definitive Guide for Students and Grads to Succeed in the Job Search.