In the current economic climate, no one is assured of employment. Even if you’ve been with the same employer for a significant amount of time, it’s wise to be prepared.
Job-hunting in Austin can be relatively easy or remarkably hard. More than any other city I’ve lived in, it’s about who you know — or who knows you. The key to finding fulfilling, dependable work in Austin is relationships.
Cultivating good business connections takes time, effort, and forethought. First, identify your relationships inside your current organization. Are they all in your department, or do you have friends across the company? Are your connections generally at the same level in the organization, or at all levels? Having a diverse set of connections is important for success in your current and future jobs. In the event of a layoff, your connections (and their spouses, friends, etc.) can introduce you to strategic people in the community. They can effectively evangelize for you because they know your strengths and are up-to-date on your skill set.
Now consider your relationships outside of work. Do you attend association meetings for your industry? Go to networking lunches? Keep in touch with friends from previous jobs? Do you volunteer with local charities or serve on a non-profit board? These activities may seem extraneous when you’re working full-time, but they are vital to maintaining visibility in the community, which is the key to the Austin job market.
For an employer, even a little bit of previous knowledge – a recommendation from another employee, a brief conversation at a happy hour — can increase his comfort level with the financial risks of hiring. Making relationship building as much a part of your professional development as your day-to-day job activities can significantly help your employment search, should the necessity arise.
For more information visit the Job Search Examiner.
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