Seven Steps to Better Networking - Answering Service Resources

Home
>
Careers, Jobs & Employment
>
Seven Steps to Better Networking

Seven Steps to Better Networking

If published statistics are accurate, employment agencies and search firms fill about 20% of all jobs in the US. Job boards fill anywhere between 2% and 8%. So how do the others get filled?

Networking consistently fills more jobs than any other method. Yet people often don't know how to network well or only act in crisis (I need a job now!) Networking when you don't need a job will help you cultivate relationships that will help you find work.

Here's what to do.

1. Develop an elevator speech. If you're not familiar with the term, an elevator speech is a 30 second synopsis of you experience that you want people to remember about you. It needs to be delivered with enthusiasm, as an actor or actress might. Every single time.

2. Cultivate your network of relationships. Tap into your existing relationships-friends, family, former colleagues, people you know. Just let them know you're looking for work and ask them if they might know someone in your field who might be able to give you advice. Ask each person you are referred to for at least 3 referrals. Create a snowball effect.

3. Participate in trade groups. The "mega-functions" are harder to be successful in than smaller ones. The more targeted the group, often the better. Get involved. Join committees. Let people get to know you through your contributions. Ask for support.

4. Help others. I'm sure you've the phrase, "give more, get more." Help others and things will come back to you. Contribute to others and their successful search. This can also occur when you genuinely listen to others and their professional needs and offer assistance. There is advice that you will receive by supporting others, ideas that will emerge from helping others work through their problems and opportunities that will be afforded to you through listening.

5. Focus on creating a great impression and asking for support. If all you do is ask for a job, a lot of doors will be slammed in your face. If you focus on creating a great impression, rest assured that when you are in front of someone who needs you, they will be smart enough to see the fit.

6. Cultivate your relationships. Like dating and good marriages, relationships take time to develop and blossom. Don't expect instant results. Send thank you notes (www.hallmark.com and other online greeting card sites will help you keep the cost low or free), a quick email or a periodic phone call to stay in contact.

7. Follow through. Act on all the leads you receive. If you promise to do something, do it when you say you will do it. Imagine what it is like for the other person who is trying to help you, who may have even alerted the other person to a phone call and then not have it acted upon.

Take the time to network, ideally when you are working and don't necessarily need a job. The investment will be worth your time.

Jeff Altman
Concepts in Staffing
jeffaltman@cisny.com

For more articles by Jeff Altman, go to www.newyorkmetrotechnologyjobs.com

Jeff Altman has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines since 1971. He is also co-founder of Your Next Job, a networking group focused on assisting technology professionals with their job search, a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist. For additional job hunting or hiring tips, go to http://www.newyorkmetrotechnologyjobs.com

If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you're looking for a new position, include your resume).

In The News:

Five Things You Can do to Take Charge of Your Career During Harsh ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 25 minutes ago
Individuals with a will to succeed enjoy 100% control over their careers. The employment recruiting industry is especially booming; In general, employment ...

Careers without college
nwitimes.com, IN - 1 hour ago
The requirements for employment in these fields include work experience and on-the-job training. Some employers may desire candidates who have had some ...

Examiner.com
Bye-bye to career employment for Baby Boomer men
Examiner.com - Oct 1, 2008
"Career employment â€“ meaning employment with a single employer from middle age to retirement â€“ is no longer the norm. So if workers are to remain in the ...

Finding new work requires flexibility and creativity
Moorpark Acorn, USA - Oct 9, 2008
With the help of the Simi Valley Job Center, the setback turned into a new career opportunity. Benedetto said he was laid off after 12 years of employment ...

GW SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MBA STUDENTS TAKE ON NEW YORK CITY
Media Newswire (press release), NY - 16 hours ago
He added, "The impressions students made at these organizations have actually led to employment opportunities." The career trek also is an opportunity to ...

Restaurant relies on Carol Sue Harris' help
Tallahassee.com, FL - 1 hour ago
... Disability Employment Awareness Month, Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is highlighting Floridians like Harris who have careers and ...

South Plains Job Fair Offers Employment Opportunities
KCBD-TV, TX - Oct 8, 2008
The South Plains Job Fair offers workers who are unemployed or desire a career change an opportunity to seek employment and network with over 65 local, ...

Zawya (press release)
Securing employment in an insecure market
Zawya (press release), United Arab Emirates - Oct 7, 2008
... potential to find fitting employment with benefits and job security. The jobs.abudhabi.ae Careers Advice Lounge facilitates this for NAJAH visitors. ...

Career fair 'life-changing day' for some
Fort Morgan Times, CO - Oct 8, 2008
Don Mares, director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, conveyed greetings from Gov. Bill Ritter, who was unable to attend Tuesday. ...

Online Certificate in Personal Fitness Training
The Open Press (press release) - 3 hours ago
According to the US Department of Laborâ€™s Bureau publication Occupational Outlook Handbook, overall employment for personal trainers is expected to increase ...

careers employment - Google News

Answering Service ResourceAnswering Service Resource