A successful job search involves an ever-widening network. Think of your network as having three levels:
A job seeker responded to a recent blog about the importance of face time by asking “Who are all these people I am supposed to be meeting with? How do I find them, approach them and set up meetings?” This job seeker, like many others, held a job that didn’t involve a lot of person-to-person contact. After being laid off, she is left feeling she has no network and isn’t sure how to get started creating one. Recent college grads and people who have been out of the professional world for awhile may relate. Read More
Follow up is one of the most important parts of networking. It doesn’t matter if you are in a formal interview or talking with an acquaintance on your softball team, follow-up is crucial to engaging and building. In the last part of our series on informational interviews, we explore follow-up for this type of networking. Read More
Informational interviews are a great networking tool when conducted correctly. In our previous posts on networking meetings, we walked you through goal setting, setting up and preparing for informational interviews. Now, how to effectively make the most of your time with your contact. Read More
Informational interviews are an important part of a successful job search. In part one of our series, we established some of the goals for setting up informational interviews. Now, how to set up these meetings, and prepare for them. Read More
Informational interviews are an invaluable tool for today’s job search. While you never actually ask for a job during an informational interview, many do lead directly or indirectly to employment opportunities down the road. In part one of our series on information interviews, we look at why you should do informational interviews. Read More
Online groups can be a great way to broaden your network – get to know others in your field, connect with leaders and put forth your expertise. As you interact online, rules of good behavior and etiquette apply, just as they do in the real world. Here are some ways to keep your online encounters positive: Read More
For many people (including myself), networking at social and professional events can seem like a very intimidating process. Two of the trickiest parts: How do enter into a networking conversation, and equally important, how do you properly end one?
Starting a conversation can be the most intimidating part of networking. It sets the tone for everything else. How do you determine when a good opportunity has come up to start a conversation? Read More
Job seekers are often told to have an “elevator pitch”, a concise summary of their core skills and accomplishments that they can deliver rapidly to anyone who will listen. But used incorrectly, this little speech can kill your chances for further discussion, let alone finding a job lead. Some tips for creating a pitch that will get you in the door, not kicked out of the building. Read More
Job seekers often hear that holiday gatherings are a great place to network. But how do you do that without being annoying? After all, no one likes being hit up for job leads at a party. Here are tips on converting a social event into a networking opportunity in a tactful way. Read More
