I had the opportunity to facilitate the monthly meeting of a job seekers group at the Sayreville Public Library recently.
It was a frigid cold night so I wondered if there would be much of a turnout. I'm happy to say we got a good sized group of eager job hunters.
I suggested that we go round the table and take turns using the tried-and-true format I learned from other job support groups and honed in the career coaching that I do:
-Your name and your field
-What you are looking for (Note: This is a critical ingredient. If the job hunter has a clear and crisp Objective, they will have greater success than otherwise.)
-What is happening currently, including any successes and any frustrations (Note: Listen for the presence of focused activity especially networking.)
-What you will be doing next (Note: This is another critical ingredient. If the job hunter has clear and crisp action steps they are planning to take next, they will have more momentum than otherwise.)
As we went round the table, I could quickly sense who was on track with their plan and who was floundering.
I made the point that networking is the key to an effective search. It includes online networking using tools like LinkedIn. But more importantly, it must include regular (i.e., weekly) face-to-face and phone networking in a variety of settings.
Today I had an exploratory meeting with some potential business partners in NYC. The meeting came about because a contact of mine suggested my name to these people. That IS the fruit of consistent networking.
There is no magic. No instant results. It takes time. You've got to trust the process. And be relentless in doing it every day.
Networking is where opportunity comes from.
Terrence H. Seamon is an organization development consultant who provides leadership and team development services to employers in New Jersey. His book Lead the Way explores the challenges of leadership. Additionally, Terry is a job search and career coach whose book To Your Success provides a motivational guide for anyone in transition. An alumnus of PSG, Terry co-founded and co-moderates the St. Matthias Employment Ministry in Somerset, NJ. He can be reached at thseamon@yahoo.com and via his website: http://about.me/terrenceseamon
Comments