Hiring agents are frequent-fliers when it comes to the ‘big box job boards.’   And while these generalist behemoths certainly have sheer numbers on their side, the competition for qualified hires has created a second-front in the war for top talent.  Making yourself visible in a membership segment makes good career sense, even if you are not currently in the job market.

 

For example, it is a poorly kept secret among recruiters that trade industry associations are a rich source of potential candidate leads.  After all, the individuals who are visible in these organizations are obviously industry-specific and have a demonstrated interest in staying current in their respective fields.  Such affiliations are win-win for everyone concerned.  First off, trade and industry groups keep you up-to-date with the latest developments in your field.  Secondly, they offer the opportunity to fraternize with colleagues which provides a forum to exchange ideas as well as keeping the organization vital.  If you check the biographies of highly successful individuals, you will often see that they have held leadership positions in such groups at some point during their career.  Corporations love the idea of hiring a person who has demonstrated a commitment to their profession by joining and growing in an industry related organization.

 

In the past few years, alumni organizations have become increasingly active in promoting their members to employers and providing greater visibility and access to bona-fide recruiters who are affiliated with the school.  In many ways, these groups represent the next generation of candidate sourcing.   Unlike the trade association, the alumni membership is not industry specific.  Of course, there is a preference towards hiring among the group.  However, this ‘flocking’ tendency has diminished as individual career opportunities have become more of a factor than just subscribing to a sense of blind loyalty in working for a fellow alumnus.  As a result, alumni groups are now ‘on the radar’ of recruiters.  Like the trade associations, active membership produces tangible benefits for everyone concerned.  If you are not currently involved in your alumni group, reconsider it.

 

The necessity of differentiating yourself when it comes to career development is obvious.  To excel, you must stand-out from the crowd.  By joining and becoming active in trade and alumni groups, you demonstrate a commitment to betterment that is extremely attractive to potential employers who are utilizing more focused sources to identify talent. Even if you are not currently looking for a new position, involvement in these types of organizations can give you new energy and focus which is always a plus!