Networking – To Infinity and Beyond!
When we teach the AIM module of the Job Search Boot Camp, Jay and I stress the importance of networking. Why do we stress the importance of networking? Because it’s not answering postings on the job boards that gives you the best chance of landing your dream job – it’s networking. Over 80% of jobs landed in the U.S. are because someone knows someone… and one thing leads to another.
Psst… there’s something else you should know…
You’ve probably heard all this stuff before. Jay & I can’t be the only ones urging you to beware the sweet allure of answering online job postings. And maybe you’re even listening. Maybe you’re getting off your duff and getting out there to talk to people. If so, that’s awesome!
There’s something else you should know. The economy is improving. Jobs are slowly – ever so slowly – coming back. This means that you could be working very soon in a decent job. And I don’t mean one of those garden variety survival jobs (like beating the streets for the Census Bureau). I mean a real job that you might even possibly love. What will do you do then?
Networking should NOT end when you land!
Will you go back into your cocoon once you start your new job? Maybe you’ll “hang out” with your co-workers at occasional happy hours and call that networking. Okay, so, yes, that is networking, but I’m talking about creating and maintaining the kind of connections that will last your whole career.
Please tell me you’re not naively thinking that once the economy rebounds that it’s going to stay permanently on the upswing. Hey, the market goes up and down every so often, and we adjust. It’s just a fact of life.
Did you know that the typical college graduate today will have more than 14-16 jobs during their career? They might have as many as 3 career changes, too. This is the new reality. These youngsters know they need to network with each other, and so they do. The market has even responded to this demand with tools to help like Facebook, Twitter and iPhone apps.
Create a career maintenance plan
Once you land, follow up with your network. Thank them if they’ve helped you along the way. Be sure to put a strategy together in which you’ll touch them at least every 6 months. How you do this is up to you. It might be as simple as sending a mass email, sort of like a newsletter, to let them know how you’re doing. Or you might use LinkedIn to do rotational little notes to check in. The best way to keep in touch with someone is to say, “Hi, how are you? I was thinking about you. Is there anything I can do for you?”
Networking is not rocket science, but we know it’s not always easy to do. But do it you must if you want to stay ahead in the changing market.
If you find yourself faltering, just ask yourself this question: “Do I really want to start from scratch with my network during my next job search?”
Angela Loëb is an author, speaker and career coach. She and her partner, Jay Markunas, help people make successful career transitions through workshops, webclasses and 2×1 individualized coaching services. Listen to them on The Job Search Boot Camp Show. Find out more about their programs & services at www.greatoccupations.com.
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Tags: Career, career maintenance, career strategy, career transition, job search, Job Search Boot Camp, networking, Volunteering