Network to Find Your Next Job

Networking strategies range from basic to sophisticated. Here are some general ideas on effective networking techniques:

 

• Initiate contacts for the sole purpose of networking. Do not just wait to bump into people. The best career self-managers always look to expand their contacts.
• Develop a networking list. Make contact with each person on the list. Add names of people you meet or to whom you are referred. Update the list regularly.
• Set networking goals. Write down specific goals for the number of networking contacts to make each day or each week, and then monitor your performance.
• Set goals for each meeting. Meet with a purpose; don’t just “get together” to see where it leads. Express the goal when you set the meeting.
• Come prepared. Know about the person you’re meeting. Do research. Have a list of questions to ask. While you are talking, take notes.
• Ask for referrals. Ask the person if he or she knows someone else you should meet. Ask permission to use the person’s name when initiating contact.
• Maintain networking files. Keep records of the meeting outcomes and note important information about the person. This will be helpful downstream.
• Meet in person whenever possible. Telephone contacts are sufficient for most networking events, but face time is much more valuable.
• Express appreciation early and often. Let them know you value the information and their professional opinion. Send thanks by email or snail mail.
• Plan the next steps. If you are to follow up, make a note on your calendar. If you agree to do something, be sure to follow through. Set the right tone.

 

There are four basic categories of networking contacts. Each brings a unique value. A good campaign draws the best from each of the four categories.

 

1. People you know well.

 

These are the people closest to you: family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. They have the greatest interest in your success and are excellent networking contacts. Also, they are the people with whom you are most comfortable.

This is a good place to begin your networking campaign, because you can ask for the most assistance from this group. However, it is important to set clear goals and expectations. They might want to help more than you want. Remember to acknowledge their value and say “thank you” throughout the process.

 

2. People you see occasionally.

 

Examples might be acquaintances and business contacts. More than 25 percent of the people who find jobs through networking received the referral from someone they see once a year or less.

While you might be less comfortable with these people, they also have the greatest potential value. Ask this group for ideas and referrals. When making contact, you might need to reintroduce yourself. State your purpose, acknowledge their value and request a meeting.

It’s a good idea to set reasonable time limits like 20 or 30 minutes, and be sure to stick to your time limit. Come well prepared and be professional and organized in the discussion. This attitude will generate additional referrals.

 

3. Referrals from networking contacts.

 

Expand your network by meeting people who are friends, associates and acquaintances of your networking contacts. Remember to ask at each meeting if the person knows anyone else to whom you should talk. Sometimes these will be people with additional information, but they could also be potential employers.

At this point, most job seekers are out of their comfort zone. Simultaneously, this is where you can find the real action. You are getting closer to that next position or project.

When approaching the referral contact, introduce yourself with a lead statement that will get their attention. If given permission, use the name of the person who referred you. State your purpose clearly and request a meeting.

 

4. Cold calling people you do not know.

 

Through your research and networking, you will probably discover names of people with whom you should talk. This type of contact takes an additional level of confidence, but the potential is great. Take the initiative and you will discover these contacts can really pay off.

 

Now, start networking today!

Tax, Job Search and Travel Sites See Growth as New Year Begins

comScore, Inc. just released its monthly analysis of U.S. consumer activity at the top online properties for January 2009 based on data from the comScore Media Metrix service. The Tax category led as the top-gaining category as January marked the beginning of tax season, while Job Search, Government and travel-related sites also witnessed strong gains.

January has historically been a strong month for career sites as the beginning of the New Year causes many Americans to reconsider their current career trajectory and future goals. However, the surge in visitors this January also reflects the millions of lost jobs across the nation, resulting in significant increases to both the Job Search category (up 42 percent to 26.7 million visitors) and Career Resources category (up 26 percent to 48.9 million visitors).

The Job Search category was led by CareerBuilder.com Job Search with 12.2 million visitors (up 34 percent versus December), Monster.com Job Search with 9.5 million visitors (up 42 percent), and Yahoo! HotJobs Job Search with 7.7 million visitors (up 38 percent).

4 Quick Tips to Finding a Great Job on the Internet

1. Research Yourself On-line
Do some research on your cyber identity. Enter your name into Google, Yahoo, MSN. What comes up? Does a simple search of your name turn up offensive writing, less than professional photos, or activities that could turn off a potential boss? If so, you need to clean up your image, fast. Many employers use search engines and social-networking sites to research candidates.
2. Network On-line
Get yourself on LinkedIn or other professional networks. Make the most of these sites by building contacts and asking mentors or former employers to recommend you.
Many companies use LindedIn for recruiting.
3. Think Twice Before You Hit Send
The Internet makes it easy to send out resumes. Consider quality over quantity. Research each opportunity and to tailor your resume and cover letter to each employer and position. Add key words to your resume that are from the industry to let the employer know you understand the job duties.
4. Don't Forget To Say "Thank You"
Even when the Web helps you land the interview, remember to send an old-fashioned thank-you note as soon as possible. Handwritten notes make the best impression and will sometimes put you on the top of the list for call backs!

Recent Graduates: Having a hard time finding a good job? You must first determine your skills

Job listings rarely read, "We need English majors for top jobs with top dollars," or "History majors: Earn six-figures for performing intellectually fulfilling work." For some job seekers with liberal arts degrees, targeting potential employers and marketing yourself may seem like an impossible task.

It's not. The first step is not to think of yourself in terms of your specific degree. Many companies do not hire students because of their specific degrees - instead they use job applicants' skills as criteria for filling positions.

So, instead of asking, "What are good jobs for English majors?" ask, "What are my passions and strengths? What skills do I have? What do I want to be doing in my job?" The first step in responding to these questions is to honestly address what you love to do. What fascinates you? What do you find compelling and fulfilling? Once you've answered these questions, address what skills you can bring to the work place. Also, when you assess your skills, don't forget the skills you gained from doing volunteer and extra-curricular work.

You can learn more about starting your job search at JobHuntingTips.com

Working In Retail

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that there are more than 2 million retail businesses employing more than 19 million people in the U.S. The retail industry offers opportunities in merchandising, store management, loss prevention, and buying.

Working in retail requires good sales skills with a strong ability to work with people because of the constant customer interaction. Enthusiasm, flexibility, and a positive attitude are essential characteristics necessary to succeed in the retail industry.
Now is a good time to begin working in retail due to numerous job opportunities in fast-paced environments.

Start your retail job search today!