You’ve heard it before, “Network in order to optimize your job search.” How exactly do you go about it? It depends on the way you build relationships and the industry you are targeting. Is the industry you seek employment in best penetrated online or offline? It is not as difficult as it seems.
We are all human and we all want to help each other. The idea is to get in touch with as many people you can (in the right channel), make a connection, gain their trust, cultivate the relationship, and earn a good lead. It is as easy as pie!
There are a myriad of ways to begin networking, whichever route you embark on keep the following in mind:
- Be aggressive but polite.
- Get your creative juices flowing — think outside of the ordinary.
- Employ all strategies available to you (in person, online), even if it makes you uncomfortable. You will soon be comfortable in your new zone.
- Value every contact you come across whether they provide you a job lead or not. Engage, listen, and help them too!
- Keep track of whom you have met, where you have met them, and keep notes on what you most remember about them.
- Follow up and thank everyone that attempts to help you.
Think positive, keep at it, strategize, and you will find a new career!
[This article was originally posted on an earlier date]
Rosa Elizabeth Vargas is the owner of Creating Prints, a professional resume writing service. She’s an Elite Master Resume Writer (MRW), Certified Expert Resume Writer (CERW), Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW), and Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW).
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8 Comments
I agree networking is one of the best ways to find a job. The advice above is great and to the point. I would like add two more tips
1. Have 1 or 2 specific focus in mind when networking. The more specific you are with your intentions, the more helpful the networking interaction can be.
2. Network for info interviews as much as for job leads. Info interviews with people who already have the job type you want to work in helps you understand the true nature (good and bad) about the job and can advise you on how to position yourself best to apply for one. It is also a subtle way to leave a good impression in case they have a job opening in the future they can refer you to.
For more details about these tips above, see my article on my career advice blog – ask a Wharton MBA – 5 Business Networking Tips Anyone Can Follow - http://bemycareercoach.com/755/career-advice/job-searching-tips/networking-tips/business-networking-tips.html
Lei
Hi Rosa,
I loved this post!
Simple and to the point! I completely agree, you should network the best way that works for you and is most effective in your industry. However, networking online yields incredible relationships and opportunities, no matter what the industry is. You many not connect immediately with someone in your industry but could meet someone who knows someone in your industry and offer you a lead.
Have a great New Year!
Great advice, especially the being polite part. It goes a long way…I always send thank you, nice to meet you, and congratutory “real” notes to folks I meet and to stay in touch. Letting others know you care does wonders, and makes me a little “stickier” too.
Great advice! It’s the little things that really help you cultivate the relationships, and I have found sending notes and cards regularly do a fabulous job at helping you stay connected and showing you care about those you meet. I also like, the reminder to be polite. Politeness goes a long way.
Thanks for the great article Rosa! I am going to share your networking tips with my clients.
Jessica Holbrook
Executive Resume Writer
Great Resumes Fast
http://www.greatresumesfast.com
Jessica@greatresumesfast.com
Thanks for the great article Rosa! I am going to share your networking tips with my clients.
Jessica Holbrook
Executive Resume Writer
Great Resumes Fast
http://www.greatresumesfast.com
Jessica@greatresumesfast.com
Thanks for the great article Rosa! I am going to share your networking tips with my clients.
Jessica Holbrook
Executive Resume Writer
Great Resumes Fast
http://www.greatresumesfast.com
Jessica@greatresumesfast.com
I have been putting together a technical note for MBA students on networking. So far, I have listed nine habits to develop your personal network:
1. Be deliberate
2. Get good at approaching and engaging people
3. Don’t wait till you need it
4. Get good at pinging (birthdays, promotions, changes)
5. Seek common ground. Be sincere. Don’t overwhelm. Be relevant.
6. Keep a list of your current/future 250 most important relationships 20 AA, 30 A, 100 B and 100 Cs (from Keith Ferrazzi's book “Who's got your back?”)
7. Multichannel – offline and online at Linked In, Facebook.
7. Send handwritten notes
8. Treat it as a 2 way street (share and receive)
More here http://www.conorneill.com/2009/10/networking-10…