by Randy Place
This post on Your Career Service, about an easy way to startthe networking process, will share strategies used by job search pros to gain visibility.
When it comes tofinding your next job, you need visibility. That means, as a start, to get noticed by people who can help you find your next position. Nobody accomplishes anything in isolation. Especially in a sales and marketing function that job finding is.
The coolest way to become more visible is through the networking process. It’s cool because you’re not putting pressure on your contacts by asking them for a job. You simply let them know you’re looking for a position. And tell them the kind of job you want.
The idea is to get advice and information from your networking contacts. This helps focus your job finding campaign. And networking gets you introductions to others who, in turn, will introduce you to their contacts. The networking process leads you to future interviews.
An easy way to start networking…
…Is to make a list of people you know like –
- Your associates and colleagues
- Friends and relatives
- Former bosses
- Your favorite high school and college teachers
- You can often obtain lists of names from your college alumni office
Some companies where you worked might have alumni associations with regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year. Get a list of names and attend the meetings. They’re marvelous opportunities to network by greeting former colleagues and getting to meet new contacts.
When approaching people as part of the networking process, make it clear you’re not asking them for a position; just for guidance and information
It was mentioned earlier that you are a product to be marketed and sold. No product is sold until it develops visibility in the marketplace. That’s what networking lets you accomplish. Gaining visibility in the job marketplace.
While many of you shy away from the concept of selling yourself to an employer, there’s a neat method used by job search pros called creative selling. We’ll save that for tomorrow’s post on Your Career Service. So stay tuned.
In the meantime, click here to review“How to network for a job,” posted earlier this month on Your Career Service.