Networking: high time you fess up & just go for it
Note: This article is specifically directed to job seekers, but even if you’re only looking for career advancement strategies, please heed the message below…
If you’re a job seeker, I’m guessing that you spent some time this week looking at postings on the job boards. So tell me, how’s that going for you?
If you’re like most of the job seekers I know, it’s not going so well. Maybe you’re getting some bites, but mostly it seems like your resume is disappearing into a black hole.
There’s a piece of advice I want give you that I’m pretty sure you’ve heard over and over again – at least I know I say it a bunch. Want to guess what it is? That’s right. Push yourself away from the computer, get out there and network.
What’s that you say? Sounds reasonable, but there’s a problem? Let me guess. It feels really awkward to get in touch with former colleagues and old friends you’ve lost touch with. After all, you don’t want them to think you are only contacting them because you need a job, even if that’s the truth of the matter. What do you do?
You know the old adage “honesty is the best policy”? Well, that’s what you do. Tell them the truth. Fess up. But do it gracefully. Tell them that you’ve gone to a class, read a book or subscribed to a career blog that says that the only way to get ahead in your career is through networking and that it’s never too late to start. Tell them that your recent career transition has jolted you awake to this fact and that you are committed to putting this into action in your own career immediately. Tell them about how much you enjoyed working with them/knowing them/hanging out with them in the past and that you’d like to get caught up.
You should be getting the point.
Remember that networking has 2 purposes:
- To build/develop relationships. Relationships are two-way… you help them, and they help you.
- To exchange information. This is also two-way. Tell them, “Because of all the networking I’m doing, I’m bound to come across information or people that would be of benefit to you. What can I do for you – how I can be on the lookout for you?”
It’s high time to let go of the “problem” that’s holding you back from doing what it takes to be successful in your job search. Realize that your old colleagues and friends are human, too, and are likely to be understanding if you approach it well. Realize that it’s not just you who lost touch with them… they also let the relationship slip. Maybe you’ll reduce the awkwardness for them, as well, by taking that first step toward renewing their acquaintance.
Oh, and one more parting thought. Don’t get yourself in this bind again. Be sure to keep the lines of communication open by setting up a tickler or alert on your calendar. Maintenance your network by reaching out every 6 months. Even a simple, “You popped in my mind today. How are you doing?” email would be effective.
Got it? Good. Now, push yourself away from the computer and go for it!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jay Markunas, Angela Loeb. Angela Loeb said: Networking tip - getting in touch with old acquaintances you’ve lost touch with. http://twurl.cc/32t5 [...]