GETTING JOB CONNECTIONS.

 Networking is nothing more than getting to know people. Whether you realize it or not, you’re already networking every day and everywhere you go. You are networking when you strike up a conversation with the person next to you in line, introduce yourself to other parents at your child’s school, meet a friend of a friend, catch up with a former co-worker, or stop to chat with your neighbor. Everyone you meet can help you move your job search forward.

Networking is however most effective when you have specific employer targets and career goals. It’s hard to get leads with a generic “Let me know if you hear of anything” request. You may think that you’ll have better job luck if you leave yourself open to all the possibilities, but the reality is this “openness” creates a black hole that sucks all of the networking potential out of the connection.

A generic networking request for a job is worse than no request at all, because you can lose that networking contact and opportunity. Asking for specific information, leads, or an interview is much more focused and easier for the networking source. If you’re having trouble focusing on your job search, you can turn to close friends and family members for help, but avoid contacting more distant people in your network until you’ve set clear goals.

Tapping the hidden job market may take more planning and nerve than searching online, but it’s much more effective. Adopting a networking lifestyle—a lifestyle of connecting and helping others in good times and bad—will help you find the right job, make valuable connections in your chosen field, and stay focused and motivated during your job search.

Finding a job in today’s economy can be tough, but there are opportunities if you know where to look. The best way to find these opportunities is not through online job boards, the classifieds, or employment agencies—it’s by talking to people around you. Your network of friends, relatives, colleagues, and acquaintances is a valuable job search resource. Networking may sound intimidating, but it can be rewarding and fun, even if you’re shy or feel like you don’t know many people.

The vast majority of jobs openings are never advertised; they’re filled by word of mouth. That’s why networking is the best way to find a job. Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to take advantage of networking because they’re afraid of being seen as pushy, annoying, or self-serving. But networking isn’t about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself—it’s about building relationships.

            WHY NETWORKING MAY BE THE EASIEST WAY TO GET A JOB

1. People do business primarily with people they know and like. CVs and cover letters alone are often too impersonal to convince employers to hire you.

2. Job listings tend to draw piles of applicants, which puts you in intense competition with many others.     Networking makes you a recommended member of a much smaller pool.

3. The job you want may not be advertised at all. Networking leads to information and job leads, often before a formal job description is created or a job announced.

                          CREATING YOUR NETWORK

Now getting connections is not really as difficult as it sounds, we all have connections, we just may never know the true extent of it.

·         If you have friends, colleagues, family members and family friends, then you do not know how blessed you are.

·         Each of these people you know may not be able to give you a direct link to someone that can help you, but one of them definitely knows someone tat can be of help.

·         Finally, each member of the possible network providers listed above may even be able to connect you to people that can provide greater networks than they can for you.

If you’re nervous about making contact—either because you’re uncomfortable asking for favors or embarrassed about your employment situation—try to keep the following things in mind:

·It feels good to help others. Most people will gladly assist you if they can.

·People like to give advice and be recognized for their expertise.

·Almost everyone knows what it’s like to look for a job. They’ll sympathize with your situation.

·Unemployment can be isolating and stressful. By connecting with others, you’re sure to get some much needed encouragement, fellowship and moral support.

·Reconnecting with the people in your network should be fun—even if you have an agenda. The more this feels like a chore the more tedious and anxiety-ridden it will be.

                                REACHING OUT TO YOUR NETWORK

All the connections in the world won’t help you find a job if no one knows about your situation. Once you’ve drawn up your list, start making contact with the people in your network. Let them know that you’re looking for a job. Be specific about what kind of work you’re looking for and ask them if they have any information or know anyone in a relevant field. Don’t assume that certain people won’t be able to help. You may be surprised by who they know. When you are looking for a job, start with your references. Your best references—the people who like you and can endorse your abilities, track record, and character—are major networking hubs.

·Contact each one of your references to network about your possibilities and affirm their agreement to be your reference.

·Describe your goals and seek their assistance.

·Keep them informed on your job search progress.

·Prepare them for any calls from potential employers.

·Let them know what happened and thank them for their help regardless of the outcome.

                                                                                                                 ... to be cont'd