Career Networking - What Is It And Should I Do It?
I remember first hearing the term networking as it applied to looking for a job. My company was being purchased and I was fortunate enough to have six months to look for work. Well, I called recruiters, answered some online ads, and sent my resume all over the planet, but with limited luck.
I was bemoaning my plight to the janitor one day and he said "are you using your network?" I said "my what?" And he smugly smiled and said - "you know, all those bigshots you know".
Well, I was a bit embarrassed at his expose of my shortcoming since I was the educated, white collar professional and he was just the lowly janitor (arrogance aknowledged), but I realized he was so right.
Networking is like asking your sister if she will introduce you to that hot blond by the pool, and "oh yeah, tell her how great I am". You see, you could walk right over to her yourself and strike up a conversation on your own, but you would have about three minutes to pass the first impression test or you have take that long walk of shame back from whence you came. But, having your sister set it up means you get by several layers of female defenses that you would have otherwise had to penetrate (that is only time I will use that word today, promise) without her help.
Networking for a job is much the same. You could send emails, cold call companies, answer ads, beg, plead, borrow and walk around with a "hire me" sign in the hopes that maybe someone will give you an interview. But, what if just one of the hundreds of employed people you know are aware of any opening at a company for which you are just perfectly suited? Well, all those defenses, namely the evil HR gatekeepers are completely cut out of the loop. It's like your sister made the introduction.
When you are faced with being out of work, tell everyone, I mean everyone that you know. Get them to tell everyone they know. By the time you send out 30 emails, each of them can send 30 more. I think that is 30 * 30 which equals 900 emails (actually 930) in a matter of minutes!! That is 930 people around the world are now actively looking for a job for you! What a great network!
Yes, you must realize how great a tool communication is when trying to find a new job. Whether you are unemployed and looking or are currently employed and looking for a new job (or a new girlfriend), network, network, network.
Hope this helps!!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me your questions
I was bemoaning my plight to the janitor one day and he said "are you using your network?" I said "my what?" And he smugly smiled and said - "you know, all those bigshots you know".
Well, I was a bit embarrassed at his expose of my shortcoming since I was the educated, white collar professional and he was just the lowly janitor (arrogance aknowledged), but I realized he was so right.
Networking is like asking your sister if she will introduce you to that hot blond by the pool, and "oh yeah, tell her how great I am". You see, you could walk right over to her yourself and strike up a conversation on your own, but you would have about three minutes to pass the first impression test or you have take that long walk of shame back from whence you came. But, having your sister set it up means you get by several layers of female defenses that you would have otherwise had to penetrate (that is only time I will use that word today, promise) without her help.
Networking for a job is much the same. You could send emails, cold call companies, answer ads, beg, plead, borrow and walk around with a "hire me" sign in the hopes that maybe someone will give you an interview. But, what if just one of the hundreds of employed people you know are aware of any opening at a company for which you are just perfectly suited? Well, all those defenses, namely the evil HR gatekeepers are completely cut out of the loop. It's like your sister made the introduction.
When you are faced with being out of work, tell everyone, I mean everyone that you know. Get them to tell everyone they know. By the time you send out 30 emails, each of them can send 30 more. I think that is 30 * 30 which equals 900 emails (actually 930) in a matter of minutes!! That is 930 people around the world are now actively looking for a job for you! What a great network!
Yes, you must realize how great a tool communication is when trying to find a new job. Whether you are unemployed and looking or are currently employed and looking for a new job (or a new girlfriend), network, network, network.
Hope this helps!!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me your questions