Posted by Andrea Poldoian on Mon, Apr 05, 2010 @ 08:32 PM
Experts at finding jobs agree, networking is key to any job search. So, why not make the most of your networking efforts?
Here's what the pros-professional recruiters, people whose full-time job is searching for jobs-say can help you make the most of your job opportunity network:
- Network like your career depends on it...because it does - Attend every industry-specific event; that's where all the people who do the hiring, or know people who are hiring in your industry, are. Make it your career goal to introduce yourself to as many people as possible there.
- Be prepared - Prep before you go. Scope out the attendees, learn something about their company, have something relevant prepared to discuss.
- Opportunity is where you find it - Don't limit yourself to industry events when it comes to networking. Job opportunities are wherever you find them, working out at the gym, on the subway, at the supermarket.
- Be organized - Keep copious records of contacts-names, phone numbers, email addresses, company information, job titles, how you met, any follow-up conversations
- Get a buzz going - Brainstorm about who can help you find work, then contact them. Think: neighbors, friends, relatives, former employers, former co-workers, doctors, alumni, hair stylists, college professionals, anybody, and everybody.
Networking shouldn't be the only tool you use to find a job, but it's an essential component of a comprehensive strategy to do so.