job_search_success

Networking - Job Search Success

Article courtesy of InterviewConcepts.com

Here we go---- You generate a list of possible contacts. You call these people
and ask if you can set up a time to interview them about their career and their job.

You meet, preferably at their workplace, usually for about a half hour. You ask
most of the questions, and in return, you gain insights into their profession. In
addition, you can ask for advice regarding your own job search. You may even
learn about some interesting job openings. And you always ask for the names
and phone numbers of other professionals whom you might also interview. Thus,
the process of building your network continues . . .

Key principles of networking

Interview Technique - Principal #1 -

ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP AND ASK FOR INFORMATION, NOT A JOB.

You're probably thinking, "Wait a minute! What I need is a job! Why shouldn't I ask
for a job?"

Two reasons. First, if your contact is not in a position to hire, or if they don't know
of any appropriate job openings, that's usually the end of the discussion. You've
asked for a job (or for job leads), they don't have any, they're busy, and they
need to get back to work. End of conversation.

In addition, you are asking your contact to go out on a limb for you before they
know the first thing about you. You are, in essence, asking them to vouch for
your character by referring you to a colleague in their profession.

Here's the good news. Once you have established a bit of a relationship with this
person, usually by interviewing them about their career, they will be much more
likely to take the risk of referring you to others. They might pass your resume
along to someone with a job opening, or they may give you the names of other
people who could help you in your job search. (Don't be afraid to ask for names.)

It is okay to ask, "What is the best way to apply for a position with this
organization," or "What are good organizations to target for jobs in this field."

Interview Technique - Principal #2 -

PUSH BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE. BE PERSISTENT.

Believe it or not, the world is filled with people who are willing to help you with
your job search! These are people who enjoy their jobs and who find satisfaction
not only in talking about their work, but also in helping others get established in
their career field.

On the other hand, expect to face some challenges. Some people won't know
how to be helpful, and others won't get back to you when they say they will.
Some phone numbers will no longer be valid (people change jobs and move on). If
you know that you will face these little setbacks, you can simply accept them as
part of the process - and move on to the next step.

Some people may give you discouraging feedback, but try not to get discouraged.
It is always better to have these observations verified by more than one person.
For example, if someone tells you that there are no jobs in their career field, don't
automatically assume that it's true. Find other professionals in that field and ask
them the same questions.

OTHER WAYS TO NETWORK

Professional association meetings and conferences are a great way to learn
about trends, make new connections and find out about job opportunities.

Professionally newsgroups can connect networks of professionals within a
career field by computer. Professionals, who gather information use list servers
and newsgroups, share opinions and even disseminate job listings.

MentorNet.net

The national electronic industrial mentoring network for women in science and
engineering.

Interview Technique - Principal #3 -

STATE YOUR INTENTIONS CLEARLY.

Most professionals are busy people, and if they think you are asking them for a
job, they will probably blow you off as quickly as possible. If you have been
referred by a specific person, mention that person's name right away - "Hi, my
name is James Townsend, and I was given your name by Rhonda Kolm. I am
considering a career change, etc."

When you actually sit down to meet with people, restate your intentions.