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Network Your Way to a New Job
Daisy Wright, Career Transition Coach
How often have you heard that networking is the best way to find a
job? How much of your time have you devoted to this activity? It is
said that networking generates nearly twice as many interviews for
executives than any other activity, but it does not only work for
managers and executives, but has proven to be very effective for any
jobseeker who commits to understanding the process.
Successful networking does not depend on the number of people you
have in your database, but on how you have been able to build and
keep those relationships. The six-degree of separation theory says
we are only six introductions away from meeting the person or persons
we want to meet. This, of course, takes a lot of effort, but if
you want to get anywhere or you want to meet anyone, you have to
do what it takes to get noticed. Follow these tips to capitalize
on and build your network:
1. Make an effort to remember people’s names. There is nothing
as embarrassing as forgetting the name of the person you were just
introduced to. Devise a strategy to remember names.
2. Decide beforehand the type(s) of networking activities you want
to pursue. Do you want to attend an event where you meet only a
few people and spend more quality time with them, or do you prefer
to meet as many people as possible during the event, collect business
cards and follow up later?
3. Every jobseeker should have business or calling cards, and use
the space on the card to market yourself. Have an adequate supply
on hand and give them out to new contacts before you end your conversation
with them.
4. Networking means sharing. Share any information that you think
will benefit other jobseekers in your network without asking the
question “What’s in it for me?” Some people think
only of what they can get, not what they can give.
5. Keep in regular contact with people in your network even if
you are not searching for a job. When it’s time to ask a favour
your contacts will remember who you are
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals from your contacts
and make sure to connect with these individuals.
7. Create an Online Identity. Familiarize yourself with LinkedIn,
Facebook, Zoominfo.com, and other such social networking groups.
Make sure that these sites contain information about your education,
employer, interests and background. Approximately 75% of recruiters
frequently search these sites to find candidates.
8. Create and contribute to blogs that relate to your career interests.
Become known as an expert by writing and/or discussing trends in
your field. Be mindful of what you write because when you publish
a blog entry you are broadcasting this information to a potential
audience of millions. Be respectful to other bloggers.
9. Write articles for e-zines. If you enjoy writing, search for
electronic magazines that match your interests and submit your articles.
These will be published online if they fall within the editor’s
publishing guidelines. Again, this is another way of becoming known
as an expert.
10. Join Toastmasters. Becoming a part of Toastmasters is not only
one of the most cost-effective ways to develop your public speaking
and networking skills, but it also provides opportunities to hone
your overall communication and leadership skills. These skills are
extremely important in the workplace.
As you explore ways to increase your networking effectiveness,
be very professional in everything you do on and offline.
Daisy Wright, CDP, is a career transition coach, professional
resume writer and author of No Canadian Experience, Eh? A Career
Survival Guide for New Immigrants. She can be reached by phone at
(905) 840-7039, by email at careercoach@thewrightcareer.com
or through her websites: www.thewrightcareer.com and www.nocanadianexperience-eh.com.
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