Don’t randomly attend a couple gatherings of unemployed folks and think that networking isn’t for you. It’s a great way to tap into some of the ‘hidden job market’.
1.) Reach out to your existing network
Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for work. Sounds simple, but many don’t do this very basic step. Make a list of everyone you know who likes you, past and present – friends, family, coworkers, schoolmates, professors, neighbors, etc.
2.) Join a professional association and become active
Find your trade’s professional association local chapter and get involved. Sometimes you may be able to volunteer your time with the organization for free membership and admittance to some great events such as trade shows, conferences, speakers, and networking mixers. Aside from great networking opportunities, some speakers and workshops can be added into your resume as professional development to show that you’re staying current in your field.
3.) Find related volunteer opportunities
Volunteer your time in small increments across a few different nonprofit organizations in a manner related to your professional environment. An engineer may volunteer to teach students basic engineering lessons. An executive assistant may offer administrative support to their favorite nonprofit. The key is making the duties as close to those of your job as possible, ensuring that you’ll make solid contacts in your industry, build great references, and have something strong to add onto your resume. Helping others is a pretty good benefit too!
4.) Attend lots of networking events
Load up with business cards and start mingling! There are tons of events to choose from, including Chamber of Commerce mixers, unemployed support groups, job fairs, trade shows, and more. www.garysguide.org and www.workit.com both have great local event calendars. While it’s good to foster ongoing relationships, keep in mind that you need to mix it up to make new contacts. Try to attend a new type of event every week.
5.) Reach out to potential employers
An employer doesn’t have to have a position open for you to contact them for an informational interview or to introduce yourself and the value you could add to their organization. Make a list of employers you’d like to work for and upload your resume into their online career site if possible. Then try to find HR contacts for that company who you can send a brief introduction letter to asking if you could get some further information from them, and if they wouldn’t mind reviewing your resume. You can find HR contacts through a variety of methods including the company’s website, LinkedIn.com, your existing network, employment ads, job boards, and sometimes by just calling and asking.
6.) Sign up with staffing agencies
Staffing agencies employees are great resources. Not only will they possibly be able to land you a gig (temporary or otherwise), but they can be provide great advice since they are keenly aware of employment trends and the local job market. Sign up with as many as you can and stay in touch with your contacts at each one.
7.) Seek professional development and further education
If you need an edge on your competition, furthering your education or practical knowledge of your field could be a good move. Not only that, but you’ll have a whole new slew of classmates, professors, and speakers to network with.
8.) Have fun with hobbies
Doing something active and enjoyable isn’t only good for your mental and physical well being, but it’s a great contact builder too. Meetup.com is a great site for linking up with others for social pursuits and hobbies from biking and hiking to the arts and dancing.
9.) LinkedIn
LinkedIn.com is a great site you can utilize to build your network, find past coworkers, get recommendations, let others know you’re available for work, gain informational interviews, and much more. Join interest groups in your industry and participate in discussions to show your expertise. But remember, while it’s great to network on, don’t make the mistake of listing your profile on your resume please. While it is mainly used as a professional site, it’s still the equivalent of listing your MySpace page on a job application.
10.) Yahoogroups
Yahoogroups.com hosts a variety of email listservs where you can connect with others in your field or geographic area and participate in discussions. You can show off your knowledge, make new contacts, get informational interviews, get job leads, and much more.
Contacts are no good if you’re not regularly using and ‘feeding’ them. Keep your contacts organized and keep in touch often through a phone call or email. Don’t just focus on what you need - think of ways you can help others and get the good job search karma flowing. Above all else, don’t take your network for granted. Thank everyone for everything they do, no matter how small.
Want more info? Check out "The shy person's networking guide" and "Work with staffing and recruiting agencies to get the job"
To keep abreast of other informative columns, click on the “Subscribe to Email” notice above and enter your email address! You may also email your Job Search questions to megan.pittsley@gmail.com
Comments
I've been doing all these thing for years, whether I'm looking for work or not. I use them when i 'm trying to get people to read and subscribe to my blogs and my Examiner page.
Can't say as they have worked very well.
I think it's rather more of who you already know , rather than who you meet.
John, good point but you're leading it in a very bad direction.
The reason that the people “you already know” are more helpful is because you’ve already cultivated an ongoing relationship with them in the past. In networking now, you’re attempting to cultivate further relationships which can take time to nurture and develop.
That is why it takes more than just being new “buddies” with someone. You want to help them as often as you can, check in with them, communicate with them, etc. In other words, make those new contacts into people “you already know”! It's also counterproductive to build relationships with the goal of just "how can this person help me??".
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!