Building
and maintaining a network is one of the most important things that a job
searcher can do. Your next job most
likely will come from a job lead from a person in the network you maintain. We continue to suggest the following in
building that network.
PERSONS
WHO SHOULD BE IN YOUR NETWORK
*Former
co-workers
*Family
members who are employed or have many contacts
*Persons
in your line of work on Linkedin
*Friends
*Neighbors
*Classmates
from high school or college
*Former
employers
*Persons
you list as references
*Friends
you meet in coffee shops or at social gatherings
*Fraternal
brothers/sisters
*Church
members you know and trust
*Persons
in your job/career networking group you have connected with
*Any
headhunters or recruiters that you like
CERTAINLY,
you should not limit yourself to only the above. Include anyone working who might have contacts and could get you
a job lead.
BUILD A
SUPER NETWORK
A super
network includes the 10 persons most likely to get you a job lead.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
STAY IN
TOUCH WITH THEM AND SUPPLY THEM WITH CURRENT RESUMES
DEVELOPING
AN INSIDER NETWORK
Who are
the persons on the “inside” who are aware of or can become aware of job
openings? The “inside” means employed in firms that you want to work for or who
employ persons with your skill set.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
This can
be a separate network that you maintain.
Make a special effort to keep them updated on your job search and supply
them with current resumes.
OTHER
NETWORKS TO DEVELOP
a. A
personal social network
b. An
alumni network from our CCC alumni base of persons working in your field
HOW TO
STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR NETWORK
How
often do you contact your network? I suggest
every other week while looking for a job and 3 or 4 times a year if employed
and you are just maintaining your network.
*PERSONAL
CONTACT. Meet with persons in your
network and give them a resume. When
you update or change your resume be sure these people have the latest version.
*E-MAILS. An easy way to stay in touch and let them
know you are still job searching.
*TELEPHONE
CALLS. A personal and convenient way of
staying in touch
*LETTERS. A letter can be as detailed as you choose
and it is personal
*PERSONAL
VISIT. Be it at home or workplace.
*MORNING
COFFEE OR LUNCH. It is personal and
your conversation may be fruitful because you have a chance to discuss
possibilities for your job search.
*A SHORT
NOTE. To thank them for helping you in
your job search and that you appreciate their assistance. This is personal and a chance to remind them
that you are still looking.
I
SUGGEST PHONE CALLS, PERSONAL VISITS AND COFFEE OR LUNCH FOR MEMBERS OF YOUR
SUPER NETWORK. They are more personal
and probably appreciated more by the individual.
NETWORKING
IS A TWO WAY STREET
Remember,
you need to be of service to persons in your networks. You can do so by:
1. Give
them tips on job openings if you are aware they also want to change
jobs/upgrade
2. Call
or send a congratulations card if your learn of a promotion or other success
they may have achieved
3. You
can also send business their way through your friends and acquaintances
4. Be a
personal friend to them in times of need
KEEPING
CONTACT WITH OTHERS NOT ON YOUR SUPER NETWORK.
I
suggest e-mails and letters for others in your network. You can mail an updated resume with a note
about how your search is going.
MAINTAINING
YOUR NETWORK AFTER YOU ARE EMPLOYED.
The day you get a job is the first day you start looking for another or
better one. Your network is the key to
this. The wise person ALWAYS MAINTAINS
THEIR NETWORK.
REMEMBER
– once you get a job you need to notify your networks so they don’t continue
looking for job leads for you. This is
only courtesy. HAPPY NETWORKING
Bob
Raikes, NCCC
Coordinator
of SHM Christian Career Circle