Find Your Next Job While Networking Over a Round of Golf

Every winter, I wait with bated breath for the arrival of spring. Spring begins the countdown to the start of golf season. The benefits of golf go beyond hitting a few great shots during a round. For me these benefits include:

• Exercise – When walking, golf is a quick way to reach 10,000 steps
• Relaxation
• Spending time with friends

Additionally, golf provides you with the opportunity to meet new people and work on relationship building.  That is important if, like me, you’re currently a jobseeker looking for referrals. For some, the game of golf is a seldom-utilized job search tool. Golf provides a non-traditional job-seeking approach. Often, when it comes to obtaining a new job, it is not what you know but who you know.

The reality is that you don’t always have to be the most qualified candidate if you know the ‘right people’ or receive a ‘key referral.’ Successful networking begins with relationships. Relationship building can start at the driving range, on the course, in the clubhouse or while volunteering at an event. Bottom line – it’s about networking, networking and more networking.

Ivan Misner defines the concept of networking in this way: “The process of developing and activating your relationships to enhance your knowledge, expand your sphere of influence or serve the community.” Relationship building, meanwhile, involves an interactive give-and-take engagement among two or more parties.

BusinessDictionary.com expands on the definition of networking to encompass – “Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit. Networking is based on the question – how can I help? And not what can I get?”

So, whether you are job networking through golf or attending a networking event, bring your ‘A’ game. Remember to put your best foot forward.

Industry experts and recruiters agree that an effective job search must include networking. It has been estimated that 60 – 80% of time spent or at least 20 – 30 hours per week should be devoted to networking. An end result of effective networking is referrals.  Quality relationships are more important than the quantity. Studies have shown that you are 5 – 10 times more likely to be hired if you’ve been referred by someone. Those new contacts that you meet could be your gateway to the hidden job market.

Let me pause for a station break. You may be saying to yourself, “That’s all great, but I don’t play or have never played golf.”  Have no fear and don’t despair. You have several options at your fingertips.  I’ll share a few that have worked for me in the past.