THE KEY TO YOUR GETTING YOUR NEXT JOB MOST LIKELY WILL BE
THROUGH THE NETWORK YOU HAVE SET UP. IN
MANY FACETS OF OUR LIVES WE HAVE USED A NETWORK OF FRIENDS, RELATIVES, FAMILY
AND ACQUAINTANCES TO ACHlEVE GOALS, MEET NEEDS AND TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. IN
ALL PLACES OF WORK THERE IS A NETWORK OR SYSTEM THAT YOU NEED TO FIND A WAY TO
TAP INTO. USE THE NETWORK YOU HAVE TO LET THE RIGHT PEOPLE KNOW THAT YOU ARE
LOOKING FOR A JOB.
Many people think that networking means using connections
or contacts that are influential people in high positions. This is not
necessarily the case. A contact for you is most likely to be a friend or
relative who knows that there will be a job opening coming up in his/her
company in the near future or now, and either tells you about it so that you
can apply or simply passes on your resume to the right person who will see that
you are considered for the job. This is NETWORKING.
1. Keep people you have given a resume to updated on your
job search. Let them how if you have found a job or are still looking etc.
2. Put the REFERRAL SYSTEM to work for you. This means
when you talk to someone about a job that you ask him or her who else do they
know that may be a contact person for you in your job search. This is adding
new names your networking system that you now have in place.
3. Make a list of the various networks you now have in
place and CHOOSE PEOPLE FROM THESE NETWORKS WHO CAN HELP YOU. Who are these
networks? If you had a personal problem, who are the people you would talk
with? If you wanted to sell a car, what people would you contact? If you were
to have a big party inviting people who work in your field, whom would you
invite? If you were to list persons from your church you were comfortable with,
whom would you list? If you were to list people who have assisted you in the
past, whom would you include? All of the people you would list above are part
of the networks that you currently have in place. USE THEM. Don't be shy about
developing and using a network. THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE TIMID.
4. Informational interviewing is a good way to expand your
network and to meet people. Ask for information, advice and referrals during
each interview. Most people are flattered and will assist you. Do several
interviews each week and send a follow up letter to each person.
5. In the end, your job search’s success is a direct
function of how well you network.