Networking - The Voice of Job Seekers

The More Job Interviews the Better? Wrong! Job Networking Advice

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Today, you’ll probably get two vivid pictures: College degrees, Bachelors’ or Master’s, are not the home run of education. Some will say that the value of a Master’s has significantly depreciated, but there is a compelling case on both sides of the argument.

We do know that job networking is essential, and the right connections will build your career for now and the future.

John Muscarello (@jmmuscarello) coaches professionals of all ages to build strong and powerful connections including employers. He is the founder of Start Networking Today, and his day job is a digital marketing and public relations specialist.

In our conversation, we discuss how anyone can be great at networking just by being yourself. I expected him to have this robust and electric personality, but really, he is pretty laid back. John emphasizes in his coaching that anyone can offer value to connect with people. He stated perspective has to do with your ability to connect with people who can help you. It is definitely worth reading his blog about how to write a “G.R.E.A.T.” thank-you note.

Jamie Broadnax (@blackgirlnerds) was my guest on episode 13, founder of Black Girl Nerds, a very popular niche site shares her experience about the job interviews she participated in and the lengthy process with a company she was once employed by. The job interviews were with a Fortune 100 company, and she thought achieving a Masters’ in marketing was enough to get the job. Jamie also wrote a blog post, Get that Job Girl, on her site to offer the help she wish she had at the time of her job interviews. There are some of wow moments you don’t want to miss in that segment. You are going to be stunned by her experiences, but you will cheer her response to it.

Is there a career author, expert, or insider you’d like to hear from? Send your suggestions to mark@thevoiceofjobseekers.com or use the bright red “Send Voicemail” button to leave a voice message.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Six Reasons Your Job Networking Efforts Fail

One of the hardest parts of searching for jobs is finding the who, what, when, how and why. For successful job networking, you need to have conversations. that will move you closer to a job. What? You haven’t networked? Then you may have one of these problems:

1. You don’t go out to meet new people. Your list of 10 people you know is not enough. Not only do you not call them, but you haven’t talked to them in ages. Use that list of 10 to lead you to at least one person they know, and so on. It doesn’t hurt to attend an event that allows you to have productive conversations. Consider that “everywhere is networking and networking is everywhere!” Running errands at the store, movies, dry cleaning, barber shop, beauty salons, Panera Bread, The Corner Bakery, walking the dog and the playground with the kids are networking spots. It’s a lifestyle…and an adventure.

2. You vehemently oppose social networking. There are enough stories on the web about people connecting to get jobs, business opportunities and information now for you to throw caution to the wind…well, kind of. Yes, be shrewd about who you connect and give information to. As a whole, DO NOT fear using social sites as a tool to meet people. You can be old school all you want, but the lack of use of social networking tools will leave you irrelevant and unemployed. Why not use every possible means of communication to meet new people.

3. Gimme, gimme, lemme, gimme. In case you haven’t figured it out, the reason people may be apprehensive about helping you is that you don’t reciprocate. Sometimes this means giving first and not receiving at first. What value is it to network with you if you don’t give. If you desire effectiveness, take this approach: It’s hardly about you and more about everyone else. Trust me, people will notice and will offer before you ask. It just takes a little time.

Read about the other three reasons at BET.com!

About Mark Anthony Dyson

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Job Networking Lessons from My ‘Hood

Editor’s note: The beautiful photography is owned by Tieshka K. Smith whose bio is at the end of this article.

I cannot express how vigilant some people in my neighborhood are into watching, listening, and talking to people in our neighborhood. There are some who know everything that happens to everyone. At one time, I just couldn’t stand people who appeared intrusive, nosy, and obtuse. Until I started to understand the person. Then I understood their story. And now I’m appreciative that they have their finger on the pulse of our home, at least what goes on the outside. Job networking requires vigilance, diligence, and conversation. Are you doing all three?

Everyone is waiting for a radical change in the job market? But what are you doing to radically change and enhance your chances.

Everyone is talking about the scarcity of jobs, but what does that say about you?

Job seekers should be vigilant like your neighborhood watch person when it comes to their selected careers. Sometimes you have to sit and watch, and test what people say works and doesn’t work. Then apply the good to yourself customizing it to fit you.

Finding out who’s successful is important and we’ve discussed that before. But what not to do is important to find out. Looking successful is one thing, but maintaining a successful heart will spill over to the outside. It is much harder for success in a suit or facial expression occupy an unsuccessful space on the inside.

When something appears to be wrong, question it

I own a two flat building and cringe anytime my tenants drop something that’s heavy. Objects like a bowling ball, or a person is loud. I discerned at that time if I need to go see what made the noise. If you are watching and listening to your industry news for changes and developments, then you have a great chance of being successful.

It also doesn’t hurt to sound the alarm by sharing news through your social media channels or blog. It may change your interview responses. Or your resume. The good information should get implemented immediately, while the old information is not relevant.

Be where the idea exchanges occur

In my neighborhood, the barber shop (or beauty shop) is the hub of all opinions right, wrong, or indifferent. The no holds barred conversation is enlightening to what people are thinking. Sometimes the conversation exposes the root of where the idea originates. Are you where ideas are exchanged? How about your professional organization meeting? How about your LinkedIn group?

If you want to be sharp and conscious at networking events and interviews, participate in the conversation. Social media often provides that barbershop mentality and there are tools for that. But there is something special about seeing, hearing, and experiencing people’s responses first hand. Live networking events are paramount to know what others are talking about.

A happy disposition is infectious. No one is attracted to a scowl. Concentrate on things that will make you happy!

Read, read, read. Know what your target industry is saying and saying. Understand how it is evolving. Some professions change trends like hairstyles. To work in that industry, know how that trend will effect business and the world.

The road less traveled is a lonely one

All of us want the job that is just for us, without competition, and to win effortlessly. Well, how will you know if it’s right for you if no one talks about it? If it’s easy to obtain, how much value will it sustain over time? The suggestion to partner with someone is not a new idea, but a bold one. Just to keep each other accountable.

Only if you could just talk to the person next to you.

Just because the job search is competitive doesn’t mean each person is an enemy. Like we discussed, engage through different channels about specific employers.

A confidence and smile despite hardship

To be likable and optimistic, you have to look it. There are people who have lost jobs, have the worst circumstances, yet have the most positive attitude. When it feels the worst, you have to find your own reason to keep going. Yes you can rely on quotes, sayings, and inspirational sayings for a short time, but your own personal narrative will create endurance, confidence, and resistance. No matter who you are.

So I wonder what’s on your mind.

The year is coming to a close, and I hope during our conversation, you had one with yourself. How will your outlook change in the near future? Does it need to change? Let’s discuss below or on the new Facebook page.

And I still want you to smile.

Tieshka Smith is a Philadelphia-based photographer who makes images that challenge prevailing notions of otherness. Her body of work explores the ways that marginalized people interact with one another in and with shared but unsanctioned public/community spaces. A Chicago native, Smith is a graduate of Northwestern University and Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University.

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/photographywithoutthepretense

Portfolio: http://500px.com/momofthreephotography