Networking Bootcamp for Job Seekers Part I

March 21, 2010 By 1 Comment

Networking is a word that often strikes fear in many job seekers. You might feel especially nervous if you are one of those people that claim you don’t know anyone. The point of networking is to develop your community and gather information. It’s about being genuine, authentic, and building trust and relationships with the idea that some day you will be able to pay-it-forward and help others. It’s not about asking for a job.

Here are some strategies for getting started:

  1. Ask yourself what your goals are in developing networking relationships so that you can seek out individuals that will help you gather relevant information.
  2. Have a plan. Be well organized as you develop your network. Track the people you meet with on a spreadsheet or calendar and plan for timely follow-ups.
  3. Know your personal brand. Have a clear understanding of what you do well and what makes you special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must be able to articulate what your special sauce is to others.
  4. Know what you want. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you.
  5. Look to your existing contacts first. The best place to start is not with cold calling or a blind email campaign. Reach out to the people you already know! These people form the base of your networking foundation and will lead you to referrals.
  6. Tap into your online networks. Let your contacts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn know that you’re job-hunting and update your online profiles regularly.
  7. As you gain momentum, move from the people you know in-person and online to people you haven’t met before. Reach out to referrals you collect from your existing contacts. Ask for an informational interview or job shadow opportunity and be sure to thank the new contact as well as the person who referred you.
  8. Make a phone call whenever possible. Distinguish yourself by connecting in a more personal way than with an introductory email. Be prepared to leave an articulate message that includes your contact information. The objective is to eventually meet in-person.

The most important piece of advice is to get out there and start meeting people. You will gain confidence as you continue to sharpen this skill but there is no time like the present to get started. May the networking force be with you!

Filed Under: Career Wisdom Tagged With: , , , ,

The Invisible Job Market

March 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Years ago, before the internet became mainstream – networking was an expected ritual for the job seeker. Candidates pounded the pavement and reached out to those they knew to develop leads for job opportunities. It was the norm to get out and meet people and talk about what you were looking for, what you did well, and how your strengths could serve an organization well.

Today, too many people are hiding behind technology and waiting for the myriad of jobs they apply for online to turn into an offer. In reality, 80% (yes, it’s true!) of jobs remain in the invisible job market. They are never posted publicly because organizations look to their extended networks to hire people whom they know and trust.

So if you are spending the bulk of your time on the web you need to get out more! Start meeting with people in-the-know in your circle of trust and get the inside scoop about what organizations are looking for. Ask your warm network for referrals to build new relationships that may be closer to the industry in which you are seeking employment. In a competitive job market this more important than ever.

Dress the part and get out and dust off your verbal communication skills by meeting with people. Visibility and knowing what your personal brand is are your two best strategies in the job search. I’ve been on the recruiting side of the equation and I would much rather hire someone who came highly recommended by someone in my network than someone who blindly submitted application materials.

I’ll be talking about Networking Boot Camp in future posts since I know this concept paralyzes some people with fear. Trust me – it’s not that difficult and it works.

Filed Under: Career Wisdom Tagged With: , , ,

What Are the Rules for Networking?

March 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Q:  I’m looking for a new job because I was recently laid off. Everyone has told me I need to network but I am panic stricken about doing the wrong thing because I’ve never networked before. What are the rules and guidelines for good networking?

A:  Think of networking as building your community and as an opportunity to develop professional relationships. The number one rule is not to ask for a job when you network. This puts your contact on the defensive and can make for a very uncomfortable conversation.

The key is to ask for information from your contacts and be prepared to talk about what you are looking for when it comes up in the conversation. Even in a thriving job market, 90% of jobs are filled by referrals because employers hire who they know and trust. Building and stewarding your network will make you visible to people who may be able to recommend you for a position at some point in time.

Here are some basic rules to networking:

  • Do your research and ask relevant questions of the people with whom you connect. Seek out people in a field or organization that interests you and do your due diligence to learn something about them before you meet. Start with warm leads and ask for referrals.
  • For your initial contact try calling instead of emailing and be prepared to leave a brief and articulate voice mail with your contact info and the reason for your call.
  • Don’t stalk your contacts, some people will not respond due to lack of time or interest. Move on if they don’t reply to your first 2-3 attempts and don’t take it personally.  There are other people out there who will be helpful – find them.
  • Steward the relationships you build and be sure to keep in touch and thank them for sharing their time and expertise.
  • When you do land a job, be sure to tell the people who have helped you along the way. Offer to be of assistance if they need information down the road.  Willingness to pay-it-forward is a great quality in a networker.

Networking isn’t just for job seekers. You can network to find information about a variety of things such as a great restaurant, feedback on a childcare provider or insight about a neighborhood where you are contemplating a home purchase, for example.  Build your community and you will find a wealth of information at your disposal.

Filed Under: Ask Caroline Tagged With: , ,
Newer Posts »