Are you currently looking for a new role? A solid job search strategy includes the following critical elements: a firm understanding of your strengths, skills, and “value-add”; an inventory of your work preferences, values, likes, and dislikes; the tools with which to communicate what you bring to the table (including your resume, speaking points, your Linked In profile, interview answers, and your “elevator speech”); and an understanding of the role that networking, recruiters, headhunters, and on-line job boards play.
My experience is that many people shy away from networking. Either they see it as a lot of work, or they don’t want to put themselves ‘out there’. Many job seekers prefer to look on-line, or hope that a recruiter will find them a job. Both these channels play a valuable role in your search – but only a small role.
On-line postings receive hundreds of applicants and when you send in your resume, it’s carrying the weight of doing the speaking for you. Recruiters or headhunters work for the company that hired them (not you) – matching the assignment (job opening) with the right candidate. It is not the role of a headhunter to help someone determine what job they should pursue or to help them find that job. Some very good headhunters might help you, but no one will be as interested – and or as invested – in finding you the right job as you.
Networking is the best way to get input, investigate options, rule-in and rule-out possibilities, and connect to an industry’s “word of mouth” community that will lead you to the right people and the right job. Fortunately, networking can be enjoyable, if not fun. Really! Connecting with people for the purposes of sharing information and learning about opportunities is not hard if you go into it with a little preparation.
What is Networking?
Networking is the activity of making, nurturing, and keeping connections. Networking builds and sustains your professional community. It is about making yourself known and interacting with a broad range of people who you can help and who can help you. Networking is not about asking for a job, nor is it simply a job search activity. It is also not a ‘one-way’ activity. Networking is about managing your “brand” – what people think about you, what you are known for, and what people can expect from you.
Why Network
Connecting with people for the purposes of sharing information is how you will attract and retain business, forge enjoyable working and personal relationships, and create a supportive and interesting community around yourself. If you are conducting a job search, networking allows you to expand your knowledge and stay current with industry news, events, and trends. You can also find out about opportunities that are just in the consideration stage or get an “inside” edge by making contact within a company.
Networking Tips:
• Network to keep current, to find out about new opportunities, and to learn and share information
• Network with everyone* – Everyone has something to share and can be a good source of insight, another connection, or advice. (I’m going to qualify “everyone”. Recently, I was asked if we should network with people that we don’t like or people who don’t like us. I don’t see the point of that. First of all, connecting with people you don’t get along with doesn’t sound like too much fun. Also, when we network, we are opening ourselves (professionally, at least) to other people. If the other person is not likely to say positive things about you or support your goals, then pass them by and look for another connection).
(* I have been asked by someone if they should network with people that they either don’t like, or with someone who doesn’t like them. The answer is a qualified no. No – if the other person is not willing or able to support you in a positive way, then you – and they – stand little to gain by forging a relationship. If, however, there’s an opportunity to rectify the relationship – set things right and/or repair issues that have caused problems, then yes, go ahead).
• When you’re looking for a new job, be prepared. Have in mind what you want to say: what is your story and game plan? What are you interested in doing? What information or connections would be helpful? Ensure that your engagement with the other person is a good use of their time and yours
• Always plan to give back or pay-it-forward. Make networking a mutually beneficial activity. Support other people’s efforts to connect and share information
• Enjoy networking. There are many different ways to make and keep connections. Find a way that suits you and is effective in sustaining your professional community.