[jsfg_cinti] 18-OCT-2002 FYI:Article Regarding Networking

FYI: An article regarding Networking that was posted to one of my job email 
lists.  Hope this helps.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
NETWORK YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS

Some of the time, we change jobs by choice. In other
cases, we're handed a "pink slip" and are out the door.

In either case, it's important to be prepared to change
jobs at a moment's notice - either for that perfect 
opportunity or for the job that will get you off 
unemployment. The best way to prepare is to plan ahead
and to never stop networking. 

Even though networking may sound scary, keep in mind 
that it really does work. Networking is still the way
up to 80% of job seekers find a job. It should become
part of your every day routine - at work, at the gym, 
at professional association meetings, even when you're
traveling or at a social event - network, network, 
network!

Beyond who you know

In addition to who you know, whom you get to know is
important. Contact everyone you know and ask for 
advice. Information and job leads are critical to job
search success. Reach out to family contacts, friends,
neighbors, customers, vendors and even former 
employers. 

A good example of how it can work well is the person 
who received a job offer from someone they had worked
with years before. Why? Because they made it a point to
stay in touch every once in a while. The acqaintance
remembered the individual when he had position he needed
to fill.

College graduates - ask your alma mater if they have a
network of alumni volunteers who have offered job search
assistance. Look for those working in career fields and
geographic areas that interest you. 

Also ask about alumni networking events at locations 
near you. Go to job fairs and network with the 
representatives staffing booths for their employer. 
Even if they don't have current openings that you qualify
for give them a resume for their files. If you haven't 
already done so, join a professional association related 
to your industry or career field. Go to association 
functions whenever possible and bring a supply of business
cards to hand out. Check the association website for 
membership lists you can use for networking leads as well
as for job listings.

Asking For Help

At first the thought of asking for help may seem difficult.
Consider the fact that for an employer it can be much 
easier to hire someone recommended by a colleague than to
start placing help wanted ads and screening hundreds of 
resumes. Also keep in mind that most people like to be
asked for advice and will be glad to assist you in whatever
way they can. 

It certainly isn't always easy to ask for assistance. 
However, once you've picked up the phone and made a few 
calls, it does become more comfortable. When you end up
getting a job lead or two, it can actually become fun. 

How should you get in touch with the leads you've gotten
from networking? Your best bet is to call or e-mail and
ask for advice and assistance. Do not ask for a job.
Rather, let your networking contact know who you are, what
you're looking for, and ask if there is any help they can
provide. Make sure you let your contact know how, where
and when they can reach you. This can be done by including
your email address and phone number in the signature of your
e-mail message and in the voice mail messages that you leave.

When talking to contacts, be polite and don't interrupt.
Most importantly, listen carefully and take notes. Before
you close the conversation, ask if the contact can refer 
you to anyone else who may be able to help.

References

References work hand-in-hand with networking. It's 
important to keep your references up-to-date. Plan ahead
and compile a list of references and several letters of 
recommendation now, so you're prepared when a prospective 
employer requests them. 

If you're nervous about asking your current boss for a
letter while you're still employed, remember that it's
acceptable to use references other than your employer.
Business acquaintances, professors, customers, and vendors
can all make good references. If you volunteer consider
using members of the organization as personal references.
Updating your references can be another good networking 
tool. Let your reference writers know that you are in 
the market for a new job. They may be able to provide
you with some leads.

The Competitive Edge

Networking should be a considered an integral part of 
your job search. Done well, it is a career-long endeavor
which can position you at the top of the job hunting pack
and can give you an edge which just may be the key to 
getting that new job. Plus, you may very well meet people
who become lifelong mentors and friends.

You can unsubscribe from the list by sending email to 
jsfg_cinti-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field. 

Web archive: http://www.freelists.org/archives/jsfg_cinti 

Questions to:  jsfg@xxxxxxxx

Other related posts: