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Do you get face-to-face with those who know about jobs?
In a tough economic climate, some of the ordinary and basic job search techniques may not be enough! We have all heard that networking is a good way to find jobs; but for a lot of of us networking is a scary idea so we tend to shy away from it and focus instead on more solitary methods such as internet searching.
Since even the word "networking" feels daunting to some, for our purposes today, we will switch to the word "connecting" instead.
The first thing to know about connecting for job seeking is that it can actually be social and enjoyable at times! However, it does involve putting yourself out there with people, taking some risks, and setting aside enough time to make it happen. This is what it may take, realistically, to find meaningful work right now.
If you are up for the challenge, read on!
- Start with having an idea of what type of job you are looking for so that you can communicate it to others. Try not to get overly specific or narrow - your dream job may not be packaged exactly as you expect it to. If you are really not sure what you're looking for, print out a few job descriptions and take the highlights from each to piece together a mock-up of a potential job you might like. Use this as a general template for talking about your interests.
- An good way to start the ball rolling with connecting is by using email or your social networking profile. Send an email or social networking message to all your personal contacts telling them your career interests and asking for help in passing your resume along to anyone who may know of a job. Once you get responses from people, be sure to follow up with each one. Even if the lead doesn't seem exactly right, you never know what other opportunities might come from it.
- Connecting in person is the next step. Be sure you are targeting the right groups of people: ones who may know of possible positions. If you are seeking jobs in the non-profit world, find out what the trade association is for non-profits in your area and see what events they have upcoming. Seeking a job in the arts? Check out arts organizations to see if any events are happening.
- Once at an event, make a pact with yourself to talk to at least five people. In the course of conversation, be sure you let people know you are seeking a job. And, don't be afraid to ask people directly if they have any thoughts about possible open positions.
- Listen well and always keep reciprocity in mind. What needs are being expressed by the person you are chatting with and is there anything you can offer that will help? Building relationships in this way definitely advances the process of connecting for jobs. What goes around comes around, in a good way!
- See if you can find ways to make yourself memorable when connecting. Think about what makes you stand out in a crowd and if you can, work it into your conversations with people. If you used to play in a band, you have 12 brothers and sisters, or are a rabid baseball fan, those details can help people to remember you. Of course memorable things that are work-related are ideal to bring up because they reinforce your ultimate goal.
- Have paper and pen to jot down people's contact information when they say they might have a job lead. Always make notes as to what specifically to remember about the person. When you only write "Joe 617-555-1111", you are likely to forget the reason you wrote it. As soon as you get home from the event, immediately mark on your calendar a time to follow up with any contacts you made.
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In recent months I have heard from many of you, seeking work - currently employed or not - who are feeling frustrated with the extended job search process. I've noticed a common theme in our conversations about careers. Many of you have said (when it comes to finding a job): "I've already tried everything and nothing is working!"
