Create a Network and Catapult Your Job Search

Networking is still known as a great job-search strategy, yet it eludes some individuals simply because they don't know how to go about it. Individuals also tend to shy away from networking because it's time consuming. Unlike online résumé submission or folding a résumé, stuffing it in an envelope, and adhering a stamp, networking requires far more time and dedication. The results, however, can be quite different than those experienced from traditional résumé submission.

Your network incorporates everyone around you, such as your preacher, doctor, neighbors, friends, colleagues, and/or fellow committee members. The object is to talk, ask, brainstorm, and seek the assistance of others that know of an opportunity or contact that you do not. Have you heard of Stanley Milgrim's theory of "Six Degrees of Separation" (more popularly known by the movie, starring Kevin Bacon)? His theory states that there are only 6 people separating you and someone you'd like to meet or get in touch with, such as a hiring or human resources manager.

Like anything critical in your life, you must be prepared to network. Hold a small portfolio to house several prints of your résumé along with other pertinent material. Collect business cards from everyone you meet and make notation of the place and date on the card. This information is needed should you speak with this person again. You'll make an impression by referencing your previous conversation, along with the date and occasion (e.g. name of seminar or conference).

The card will also be handy when you're given a job lead. Generally the intro paragraph of a cover letter will reference something like, "When I spoke to Sarah McNeil on August 1, 2002, she mentioned that you are looking for a clerk typist and suggested that I contact you." Obtaining a person's card will keep you from misspelling the person's name and remind you of the person that gave you the lead. Effective networking will cause your card portfolio to fill up quickly and make it difficult for you to keep names and companies straight in your mind. BTW, don't forget to give your lead a small gift or handwritten thank-you card if you land the job. Small gestures, such as a job lead, can oftentimes be forgotten.

As I mentioned, networking takes time; but the results can be more rewarding than résumé blasting (sending your résumé to anyone, if not everyone). Steven R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, wrote, "We have the initiative and the responsibility to make things happen." This statement applies to everything in our lives, especially those affecting our careers. Networking (although time consuming) can change the entire face of our beings and open the door to more opportunities than we ever dreamed possible.

Even when employed, your network should be tended. Keep in touch with select individuals through thank-you cards and e-mails. Offer your services and knowledge to them should the opportunity arise - anything that will make his or her life easier.

I also recommend that you present individuals in your network with key opportunities that may come across your desk in the future. The best way to get is to first give. Give your acquaintances the chance to be quoted in an incoming article or book - or opt to purchase products or services from them. A $15 purchase will show that person that you care about their success.

Another great aspect of networking is to find new friends that will strengthen your network and challenge you to succeed. Within the first three months in business, I met two individuals that I associate with now four years later. One has a degree in journalism and is incredibly smart concerning the English language, and the other is a technical guru that I call immediately if I have trouble with one of my computers. Both are incredibly skilled in their fields, and ultimately make my business stronger because we each look out for the other. We talk, we negotiate, and we bounce ideas off each other. Now that's a network!

About The Author

Written by Teena Rose, a certified and published resume writer with Resume to Referral (http://www.resumebycrpw.com) and author to "Resume Designs & Job-search Strategies for College Grads" (published by CareerEpublications) --forecasted to release September 2003.

admin@resumetoreferral.com

---

Cover Letter Magic: 4 Ways To ASK For The Job Interview - And Get It!

Just how important it is to ASK for the job... Read More

Seven Steps to Making a Successful Career Change

My first job was secretary to Moses. Having to transcribe... Read More

Job Search Campaign Tip: An Activity Diary

Looking for a job involves a wide range of responsibilities:... Read More

Getting the Job thats Right for You

I'm the type of person that considers a healthy, enjoyable... Read More

Whats Stopping You from Getting Your Next, Good Job?

This question comes up often when I'm working with someone... Read More

10 Key Career Success Questions

At some point in every professional or managerial career, there... Read More

Seven Success Tips For Recent Graduates Entering the Professional World

1) Build a Relationship With Your BossLike it or not,... Read More

Hello Work World, Im Un-Retiring

For many years, you looked forward to that day when... Read More

The Top 10 Reasons to have a Career Coach

Many people in the last decade have experienced for themselves... Read More

Job Dissatisfaction

Job dissatisfaction is a driving force behind individuals seeking employment... Read More

Showing Appreciation to Workplace Un-Sung Heroes

Millions of Un-Sung Heroes are born every minute! They are... Read More

Your Resume is Just One of the Tools in Your Job Search

A resume is a tool. It allows employers to see... Read More

Internships: Bonkers or Brilliant?

I have something to say that's driving me batty. It's... Read More

How to Be Prepared for a Layoff

If you are concerned that your company might be planning... Read More

Career Success: Don?t Be Caught With Your Pants Down

Do you want to know how to jump-start your professional... Read More

Ten Great Careers For Single Parents

The challenges of raising a child by yourself, whether you're... Read More

Getting Started: 5 Things You Need to Decide When You Get Started with a Job Search

There are few things more frustrating for a headhunter than... Read More

Finding Freelance Writing Jobs - Join Us On The Job Search

Finding freelance writing jobs require great skill, dedication and lots... Read More

Conduct An Informational Interview

Informational interviews are designed to get as much information as... Read More

The Organized Job Search

Many people, under financial or other pressures to find work... Read More

Avoiding Tire Kickers as Job Seekers

With the economy heating up and employment prospects opening up... Read More

Make a Great First Impression

Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities... Read More

Interview Quicksand

How will you respond when you're asked the following two... Read More

Competency Based Interviews - 6 Steps to Success!

Competency based interviews are intended to get the best from... Read More

Manage Your Boss - And Get Ahead!

It's clear there are a number of common issues faced... Read More

Taking Job Loss Seriously

Anyone reading this article and hassuffered a job loss recently... Read More

De-Bunking The ?Follow Your Bliss? Myth

Hello Fellow Seekers!I don't know about you? but I'm pretty... Read More

From The WorkWise Collection: Job Hunting in the New Economy

To succeed in today's global marketplace, companies must hire the... Read More

Revitalize Your Recruiting for 2005

Happy New Year! The forecasts are in agreement: Hiring is... Read More

Online Business: The Underground Railroad for Corporate Escapees

Millions of people everyday spend eight hours or more in... Read More

No Experience? No Problem!

Are you a new graduate with little or no work... Read More

Stay At Home Moms No Longer Struggling To Make Ends Meet

It is hard to be a stay at home mom.... Read More

Why Choose A Professionally Written Resume?

Good question, considering that nowadays you can find many useful... Read More