Getting noticed in the tough job market will require a different approach other than reading the classified ads or surfing the internet.
Networking is a critical survival skill when information about most jobs is passed on through word of mouth. It is in no way a fast cure, and it will take time and persistence to get the desired results. Few people feel comfortable with this, and choose to answer blind ads in the newspapers and on websites. They’ll compete with tens of thousands for a job.
Advertisements constitute only twenty percent of all available jobs. Eighty percent of job applicants use them. The odds aren’t that great. Networking takes nerve, but by connecting with others feelings of frustration will be replaced with confidence. The process can be rewarding, and it could be the missing piece that’s needed to solve a rather difficult puzzle.
Start with Familiar Individuals
Instead of looking for a specific job, concentrate on searching for people. Building a network from the ground up is as easy as contacting individuals who are already known. Former co-workers can be a fantastic source of job leads because not only would they be contacted, but everyone they’re connected to. Make the network as big as possible and don’t forget to include people whom you may have met but don’t see as often, such as old classmates. Go ahead and look them up because they were probably unemployed at some point and will understand what this is like. There is a strong probability that they would be willing to help.
Organizing the Network and Staying in Touch
The next step is to keep all the names, addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and e-mail addresses in a single database where they can be accessed with relative ease. Make one list for personal contacts and the other for a professional group. Add notes about when each member of the network was last contacted and what the conversation was about. Put in his or her job title, family members, interests, etc. Getting to know the individuals in a network makes sense. The key to building a strong connection is to take an interest in somebody else’s personal life.
Social media sites are a good choice for staying in touch. LinkedIn lets users set up a professional profile and join groups with similar skills and career aspirations. Facebook is handy for getting in touch but isn’t designed solely for business networking. The latter site has too many games and quizzes which are distracting. Some contacts will be delighted to get a phone call, and others will prefer a short e-mail. Either way, respect their priorities and never push them too hard.
Other Ways to Build a Network
To be more visible, attend industry events, conferences and trade shows. Think big and cast the net even wider. Even non-business functions like cocktail parties, class reunions and opportunities to do volunteer work can be excellent sources of contacts. Don’t be reluctant to ask the people who live next door, because they could be connected to a diverse crowd. Networking opportunities can be cultivated everywhere as long as there’s a willingness to look for them.
What Not to Do When Networking
Letting the network go cold will make it harder for people to remember you, and a valuable opportunity could slip by. Because networking is a two-way street, it’s critical to treat each other with courtesy and consideration. Make it simple for people to assist you by maintaining contact, and always be frank and trustworthy. Avoid asking questions like, “Can you find me a job?” Such generic inquiries will put somebody in an awkward position and it may not be possible to deliver what is being requested. Networking is mainly about meeting people and seeking advice.
