Almost no one stays with the same employer for their entire career as they used to. Especially not employees in the unpredictable and sensitive hospitality industry. Therefore, it's important to utilise your own contacts when looking for a job. You're a hospitality pro, so your smooth talk will serve you well! Use it strategically for your own career.
Jobs are not easy to come by. Only if you are willing to work extremely hard on a flexible basis and for little money, can you easily find a job in hospitality on your own. Many people need to use their network to find a suitable job. That's why it's wise to invest in a network throughout your working life. This way, you have a better chance of landing your dream job.
Networking is… Knowing the right people
Networking is about establishing and maintaining contacts that can benefit you. After all, two heads (and connections) are better than one. It's essential in networking to know what you can do and what you want to do. Also, consider how you maintain and expand your network. Invest in your network. The greater the diversity of hospitality contacts within your network, the more likely they are to help you when you need it. If you have a good network, you always have someone to fall back on.
Tips for starting your network
If you work in hospitality, you meet many people, but how do you build a network?
- Build contacts, but be selective. Networking takes time and energy. Non-relevant relationships detract from the quality of your network. So think about which contacts can help you when looking for a job. Where do they work and in what role?
- Seek contacts through your own contacts. This is often a good basis for gaining someone's trust. Don't be afraid to make contacts with people you don't know but who do the work you want to do. Be interested and proactive.
- Invest in work relationships with your colleagues, the restaurant next door, the suppliers, etc.: they are the ones who know when a new job becomes available in the field. Focus first on developing the relationship so you can benefit from it in the long term.
- Networking is about trust. Handle the information you receive carefully and be honest and reliable with the people in your network.
- Let people you know be aware that you are looking for a job. They know you, know who you are and what you offer, and are therefore a good reference.
Want to read more about finding a job and how to do it through networking? I highly recommend the book Jobmarketing by Aaltje Vincent.