Network, Network, Network
All the experts agree. You need to have a networking strategy as part of your career transition plan. They’re right. Once upon a time I had no idea how to network and had to read books to learn. Below are my top tips for job seekers - wisdom I gained from my 15+ years in the “trenches.”
Be aware of how you project yourself.
Always be aware of your manners, your integrity and how you talk about your situation and others (and past employers). Become comfortable saying, “I’m between jobs” or “I’m exploring new options.” Be truthful and authentic. You never know who might pass your name along. Every encounter is a potential job interview or might lead to a career opportunity. “Don’t be a resume. Be a person. With a personality.” –Terri Mandell, author of Power Schmoozing.
Find multiple ways to discuss your job search with friends.
Your friends want to help, and they might not know about open jobs. Give them other ways to help you. For example, ask them, “I’ve come up with three target companies I think I’d like to work for. Do you know anyone who works in these companies?”
Enjoy yourself and have fun.
Terri Mandell suggests you “Make friends first; probe for openings later.” It might be tempting to go into a networking situation with expectations for results and specific outcomes. Networking doesn’t work that way. Instead, make your agenda about making friends, both professionally and personally. Eventually, opportunities will open. One day you will be able to look back and see how the dots connect. In the meantime, enjoy the experience of making friends.
Remember: “Life is like a cobweb, not an organizational chart.” (– H. Ross Perot)… and so is networking!
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Angela Loëb is an author, speaker and career coach. Along with partner, Jay Markunas, she helps people gain clarity and develop successful strategies for career transition. Through their company, Great Occupations, they help job seekers and career shifters by offering seminars, webinars, tele-coaching events and individualized coaching services. Listen to them on The Job Search Boot Camp Show on Blog Talk Radio. Check them out at www.jobsearchbootcamp.net & www.careerfindermethod.info.