Networking - Who You Don't Know
Your network is extremely valuable; there's a good chance you're going to find your next job through the people you know.
Every contact with another person is a potential networking opportunity...and I'm not just talking about business functions or industry events. People you see at the gym, other parents from your child's school, people at church, somebody you run into at the deli, the person who cuts your hair, the people at the wedding reception you'll be attending this weekend...you never know where that golden lead is going to come from.
The smart job seeker is always working to increase his or her network.
And the smartest job seekers? They're looking to accomplish that goal just a little bit differently from the way the majority of the crowd seeks to do so.
They're thinking in terms of people they don't know.
They consider who they'd like to know...who they need to know...and then figure out how to meet these people. The contacts who end up in their network aren't random...they're targeted. Their "wish list" might include specific names but initially it's also likely be a little more generic and include companies or sectors.
For example, Company ABC may be on Meg's list of employers for whom she'd like to work - so she makes it a point to figure out how to meet people who work there. She may not know yet who specifically makes the most sense to connect with, but she knows she needs to find a way to network inside. She starts generically at first; then she can drill down.
She also targets professional organizations, conferences, and other events where she'll have a good chance to meet people on her target list.
Now, this isn't to say that "random" additions to your network are a negative. Many people whom you meet "out of the blue" turn out to be extremely valuable connections. Still, if you approach networking strategically, you'll be able to benefit that much more from your efforts.
Start thinking about who you don't know - and take it from there.
Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career
No comments:
Post a Comment