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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
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.