ResumeBear Blog
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Posted: 06 Jul 2012 08:10 AM PDT
 What is networking?The vast majority of job openings are never advertised; they're filled by word of mouth. That's why networking is the best way to find a job. Unfortunately, many job seekers are hesitant to take advantage of networking because they're afraid of being seen as pushy, annoying, or self-serving. But networking isn't about using other people or aggressively promoting yourself—it's about building relationships.You already know how to networkNetworking is nothing more than getting to know people. Whether you realize it or not, you're already networking every day and everywhere you go. You are networking when you strike up a conversation with the person next to you in line, introduce yourself to other parents at your child's school, meet a friend of a friend, catch up with a former co-worker, or stop to chat with your neighbor. Everyone you meet can help you move your job search forward.Tapping the hidden job market may take more planning and nerve than searching online, but it's much more effective. Adopting a networking lifestyle—a lifestyle of connecting and helping others in good times and bad—will help you find the right job, make valuable connections in your chosen field, and stay focused and motivated during your job search. Networking is the best way to find a job because:
Job networking tip 1: You know more people than you thinkYou may think that you don't know anyone who can help you with your job search. But you know more people than you think, and there's a very good chance that at least a few of these people know someone who can give you career advice or point you to a job opening. You'll never know if you don't ask!Make a list of the people in your networkYour network is bigger than you think it is. It includes all of your family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, colleagues, and even casual acquaintances. Start writing down names, and you'll be surprised at how quickly the list grows.Think about people you know from former jobs, high school and college, church, your child's school, the gym, or your neighborhood. Also think about people you've met through your close connections: your sister's co-worker; your best friend's boss; your college roommate's spouse; friends of your parents; your uncle's business partner. Don't forget to include people like your doctor, landlord, accountant, dry cleaner, or yoga instructor. Yes, you do have a job network, and it's more powerful than you think:
Job networking tip 2: Reach out to your networkAll the connections in the world won't help you find a job if no one knows about your situation. Once you've drawn up your list, start making contact with the people in your network. Let them know that you're looking for a job. Be specific about what kind of work you're looking for and ask them if they have any information or know anyone in a relevant field. Don't assume that certain people won't be able to help. You may be surprised by who they know.Figure out what you want before you start networkingNetworking is most effective when you have specific employer targets and career goals. It's hard to get leads with a generic "Let me know if you hear of anything" request. You may think that you'll have better job luck if you leave yourself open to all the possibilities, but the reality is this "openness" creates a black hole that sucks all of the networking potential out of the connection.A generic networking request for a job is worse than no request at all, because you can lose that networking contact and opportunity. Asking for specific information, leads, or an interview is much more focused and easier for the networking source. If you're having trouble focusing your job search, you can turn to close friends and family members for help, but avoid contacting more distant people in your network until you've set clear goals. Start with your referencesWhen you are looking for a job, start with your references. Your best references—the people who like you and can endorse your abilities, track record, and character—are major networking hubs.
Job networking tip 3: Focus on building relationshipsNetworking is a give-and-take process that involves making connections, sharing information, and asking questions. It's a way of relating to others, not a technique for getting a job or a favor. You don't have to hand out your business cards on street corners, cold call everyone on your contact list, or work a room of strangers. All you have to do is reach out.
Slow down and enjoy the job networking processThe best race-car drivers are masters of slowing down. They know that the fastest way around the track is by slowing down going into the turns, so they can accelerate sooner as they're heading into the straightaway. As you're networking, keep this "Slow in, fast out" racing mantra in mind.Effective networking is not something that should be rushed. This doesn't mean you shouldn't try to be efficient and focused, but hurried, emergency networking is not conducive to building relationships for mutual support and benefit. When you network, you should slow down, be present, and try to enjoy the process. This will speed up your chances for success in the job-hunting race. Just because you have an agenda doesn't mean you can't enjoy reconnecting. Don't be a hit-and-run networkerDon't be a hit-and-run networker: connecting, getting what you want, and then disappearing, never to be heard from until the next time you need something. Invest in your network by following up and providing feedback to those who were kind of enough to offer their help. Thank them for their referral and assistance. Let them know whether you got the interview or the job. Or use the opportunity to report on the lack of success or the need for additional help.Job networking tip 4: Evaluate the quality of your networkIf your networking efforts don't seem to be going anywhere, you may need to evaluate the quality of your network. Take some time to think about your network's strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. Without such an evaluation, there is little chance your network will adapt to your needs and your future goals. You may not notice how bound you are to history, or how certain connections are holding you back. And you may miss opportunities to branch out and forge new ties that will help you move forward.Taking inventory of your network and where it is lacking is time well spent. If you feel your network is out of date, then it’s time to upgrade! Your mere awareness of your needs will help you connect you with new and more relevant contacts and networks. Rate your networkGive yourself 1 point for each question you answer yes.
3-4 pts – You need to enhance your network. 0-2 pts – Your network needs a makeover! Job networking tip 5: Take advantage of both "strong" and "weak" tiesEveryone has both "strong" and "weak" ties. Strong ties occupy that inner circle and weak ties are less established. Adding people to networks is time consuming, especially strong ties. It requires an investment of time and energy to have multiple “best friends." Trying to stay in touch with new acquaintances is just as challenging.But adding new "weak tie" members gives your network vitality and even more cognitive flexibility—the ability to consider new ideas and options. New relationships invigorate the network by providing a connection to new networks, viewpoints, and opportunities. Tips for strengthening your job network
Job networking tip 6: Take the time to maintain your networkMaintaining your job network is just as important as building it. Accumulating new contacts can be beneficial, but only if you have the time to nurture the relationships. Avoid the irrational impulse to meet as many new people as possible. The key is quality, rather than quantity. Focus on cultivating and maintaining your existing network. You're sure to discover an incredible array of information, knowledge, expertise, and opportunities.Schedule time with your key contactsList the people that are crucial to your network without regard to your current relations with them—people you know who can and have been very important to you. Invariably, there will be some you have lost touch with. Reconnect and then schedule a regular meeting or phone call. You don’t need a reason to get in touch: you connect because you need to and want to. It will always make you feel good and provide you with an insight or two.Prioritize the rest of your contactsKeep a running list of people you need to reconnect with both old and new. People whose view of the world you value. People you'd like to get to know better or whose company you enjoy. Prioritize these contacts and then schedule time into your regular routine so you can make your way down the list.Take notes on the people in your network Collecting cards and filing them is a start. But maintaining your contacts, new and old, requires updates. Add notes about their families, their jobs, their interests, and their needs. Unless you have a photographic memory, you won't remember all of this information unless you write it down. Put these updates and notes on the back of their business cards or input them into your contact database.Find ways to reciprocateAlways remember that successful networking is a two-way street. Your ultimate goal is to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships. That means giving as well as receiving. Send a thank-you note, ask them about their family, email an article you think they might be interested in, and check in periodically to see how they're doing. By nurturing the relationship through your job search and beyond, you'll establish a strong network of people you can count on for ideas, advice, feedback, and support.The post Talking Your Way to a Job, Proper Networking appeared first on Resumebear Online Resume. |
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Posted: 05 Jul 2012 09:44 AM PDT
 Where Teens can Find Summer Jobs There are any number of places where you can look for a good summer job:
What do Employers Look for in TeensEmployers want motivated teens who are going to arrive to work on time, have a positive attitude, work hard, work well with others, show leadership qualities, work their full shift, and do the best job they can. You need to show your employer that you are a good investment, both for the current position, as well as for any potential future positions.Final Words of Advice for Job-Hunting TeensJobs are jobs. You are going to have to work, no matter how “cool” the job or company, so be prepared for some days to not be as great as others. The keys to remember are that you are earning money, you are gaining experience, and you are making good contacts (and references)!The post Helping Teens and College Students Get Summer Jobs appeared first on Resumebear Online Resume. |
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