Whether you know it or not, you are an expert already at “networking.” This term, primarily used in the job search industry, also applies to every parent who has sought information about how to provide for their family. We ask for information from other parents while we are picking up our kids from school, pushing a cart through the grocery store, standing in line at the ticket booth, and everywhere else we see a friendly face. We already know how to get the latest information about where to find what we need.
If you have not been in the job market lately, and find yourself out looking for work for the first time in a long time, you may feel a bit out of place. However, you already have a very highly developed job search tool at your disposal. Your networking skills are a talent that will serve you well in your search for employment. You connect well with people when you need to get information, so use that ability now when you’re trying to get information about employment. Internet job searches, bulletin boards, and classified ads are not your best approach. Do what you do best… network!
Even finely-honed skills can benefit from a few tips of the trade. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, there are certain bullet-points to consider as you move through your networking strategy. Keep these tips in mind as you plan your job search.
1) Always Be Prepared – Keep your updated resume with you at all times and have professionally printed business cards available for quick introductions. You never know where an opportunity may arise.
2) Keep In Touch – Your professional contacts are your lifeline to the job market. Stay in contact with them by calling or writing them a short note to let them know where your networking is leading you. If you have common interests, like sporting events, for instance, be sure to get to a game or two in order to stay visible. An email is impersonal and should only be used if your contact specifically requests that you email them. However, always follow up with a personal note, especially a thank you note if your contact actually took time to interview you.
3) Network First With People You Know – Talk to those people you know and trust, like friends, family, teachers, and former co-workers, before going out into an unknown professional world. Practice your sales pitch with those people you can trust. Ask their input about whether you sold yourself well, or you need more confidence. See if your friends have names of people you should be in touch with.
4) Contact Your New Networking Group – Now that your friends and family have given you new people to contact, square those shoulders and make the call. Introduce yourself by first letting your new contact know how and from whom you received their name. You want to establish rapport, and a common ground will help. Ask about them, who they are, why they are in a particular field, their hopes for their company, all the while showing genuine interest in them. Knowing about your new contact, being interested in them, is a great first step to building a long-lasting professional relationship.
5) You Want Information, Not Employment – That is true, to a point. You are building a relationship with your contact that will, hopefully, result in more than a job. The more information you can gather regarding a particular person, company, or career path, the more likely you will end up at the place you want to be. You may even find yourself going a different direction based on information you hadn’t received until this point. Be patient and keep your ears open.
6) Keep Conversations Focused – The conversation with your new contact should be all about getting information about them and their company or service. When asked, give your contact a brief summary of your job search objective. Be specific with your questions so you receive more insight into your contact’s mission.
7) Establish Goodwill By Giving Back – People we network with are generous people who like to share. When you meet a new contact who shares information or services with you, be prepared to offer something in return. If you have information, share it; if you have a service to offer, by all means, be willing to offer your service free-of-charge. Be ready to pitch in and help at your new contact’s favorite charity event. Whatever it takes to prove your interest and establish credibility.
Be Reliable – When you tell your new contact that you will give them a call, be sure to call them as planned. If it is difficult to reach them by phone, keep trying. You need to establish the fact that you are trustworthy, so keep your promises.
9) Become A Member Of Your Trade Association – Trade associations and similar organizations are great places to get information about opportunities. Members gather to share ideas and to network with people who share the same talents. People who belong to trade associations want to help those folks who share their passion.
10) Find a Mentor – People who have experience in the areas you’re pursuing can give you much needed advice. They are also invaluable as a sounding board to discuss your thoughts and ideas with someone who’s been in your shoes. If you have an opportunity to shadow your mentor, do so. Getting a picture of what to expect in a given line of work is essential as you continue planning for your future employment. You will also run into even more new contacts, so, back to item 1, be prepared!
Whether this is the first time you are hitting the job search trail, or you’re an old hand at it, networking is something of which you’ll want to take full advantage. Your skills as a parent put you at an advantage, so you’re already well on the way to being a networking master!
Taking Control Of Your Credit Card Debt may be part of your new budget plan now that you’ve increased your income. Of course, many people have trouble at first Sticking To Their Budget. I guarantee that once you see the snowballing effect of those monthly payments, you won’t have much trouble after that!
categories: moms use networking for job search,finding work by networking,networking is job skill,job search,find employment,employment,career,family,money,finance