Since I've stated the obvious that networking with others is the most effective way to find out about jobs and to get the word out to the world that you're the right employee for them, I owe this blog some more tips. I have thought of ways to get networking, and I'd like to share some of those thoughts.
Being Seen Is Key
Keep this little motto in mind: "They'll see you if you're there, but they'll never miss you if you're not." This quote I adopted from a dear friend who was talking with me about his philosophy of networking. You have to be out and about. You have to make the effort to network and go to events where networking happens.
Taking this sage advice to heart, this means that job seekers need to go to networking events (as a visitor), like to the Chamber of Commerce, BNI, Rainmakers, Toastmasters, and other professional networking / power-circle groups. Job seekers need to take several copies of their resumes when they go to these events, because there might be the right person there who would like to pass on your resume to their colleague.
Go To A Coffee Shop
In addition, job seekers need to get out of the house. I tell job seekers to get dressed as if they are going to work and go to Starbucks. (Fine, if you want to do your on-line job searches from your laptop, but go do this at Starbucks on their WiFi). Why Starbucks? Because business transactions occur at Starbucks.
People in business go to coffee shops, like Starbucks, to discuss their business and do networking over a nice cup of coffee, like my favorite, Java Chip Frappuccino (no whipcream). The point is, people in business, doing business, will actually see you there. They will notice you. You might just run into someone you know that's patronizing there. You might just strike up a conversation about your job search. You might find out that they just heard about a company looking for someone with your background. They might just take your resume and drop it off at their own HR department. You never know. But, if they do, it hasn't cost you a thing (other than maybe a cup of coffee).
Volunteering
Also, I think a great way to network is actually through serving others. BNI, a business networking group I belong to, has a long-standing motto that says, "Givers gain." This is very true. Those who give, and give freely of themselves (without expectation of reciprocity) will invariably gain from their service to others.
Also, I think a great way to network is actually through serving others. BNI, a business networking group I belong to, has a long-standing motto that says, "Givers gain." This is very true. Those who give, and give freely of themselves (without expectation of reciprocity) will invariably gain from their service to others.
Job seekers should volunteer their time and services to help local non-profit firms. Charitable organizations are great for this venue. They are usually looking for volunteers to help out. They also happen to be excellent "connectors" to the community. They have to make it their business to get to know others in the community and to build relationships. If you, as a job seeker, volunteer to help out these organizations, you will find amazing connections that you never would've made. In addition, these folks get to see and interact with you and can vouch for your character (and your tenacity with helping out on projects). Consider volunteering your time and yourself, and you may find that it opens doors you never knew existed.
Attend Any Training Workshop You Can
It would make sense to me to go to any and all available training workshops and seminars being conducted in the community. Although the workshop may be not a direct connection to your line of work, guess who else goes to training workshops...business owners, managers, supervisors, sales managers, so forth. They go to these workshops for professional development. Before the training, while on break, and after the training is done is a great time to network. Job seekers should take their resumes with them for that serendipitous moment when you connect with the right person at the right time.
Tap Into Your Current Network
If you're a member of a church, or PTA, or boyscouts (or girlscouts), or other groups where people meet, then tell the other members about yourself and about your skills/experience. They might know someone who's looking for you, but didn't know you existed.
"Advertise" Yourself On Facebook
Lastly, use your social networking tools (Facebook, MySpace or my favorite, LinkedIn) to let people know you're interests, skills and desire for job opportunities that meet well with your background. Make sure, however, that your Facebook page does not have comments or pictures posted that may be a questionable reflection of you or your character. I will discuss this again in a future blog.
That's the power of networking. Take advantage of the fact that 90% of the time you'll find a better job faster through the people who know people than you'll ever find in cyberspace.
Kathleen Lapekas - PHR
Action HR Consultant
For Personal Attention To Personnel Matters...
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