“Networking
for a job change or to get off unemployment is nearly essential, since people
-- not computers -- hire other people,” says Matt Noah, CEO of Chanhassen,
MN-based, NetSuds.com, a firm that helps professionals build and enhance their
network of contacts.
Here are 3
ways you can network better and find your next job faster …
1) Attend Industry Events
No matter
what you do, there’s probably a regular event of some kind where potential
employers in your industry gather. Identify events or venues that will most
likely help your job search, then go there!
“Typically,
the more focused the event, the better,” says Noah. “If you are a plumber,
don’t go to an electrician’s trade show, for example. And size matters --
events are popular and well-attended if they provide value to the people in
attendance.”
So, attend
well-focused, popular events. You can find them advertised in trade journals,
the business section of the Sunday paper, or search for them online at
www.google.com
2) Join a Job Club
These
aren’t very high-tech or exciting. Just plain effective.
In a good
job club, you’ll meet weekly or monthly with 10-30 other people to share leads,
provide support and practice such skills as interviewing and negotiating for
salary. Job clubs are usually free, so don’t fret about membership costs.
You’ll find
job clubs all around you. Contact your local library, church, community groups
and state employment agency for help in contacting one or more that suit your
needs.
If your
city publishes a free employment weekly newspaper, be sure to check the
announcements section to find job clubs; you may also find them listed in your
phone book.
3) Perfect Your Pitch
No matter
how you network, you’ll eventually have to tell people what kind of job you’re
after. So develop a 20-30-second “pitch,” describing who you are and what you
do.
Focus on
your unique combination of specific skills, knowledge and experience.
Example
pitch: “I’m a tech support professional with five years of helpdesk experience.
I’ve encountered and solved just about every problem imaginable. Before that, I
completed officer’s training as an ROTC student while earning my MIS degree.
This gives me a broader range of technical, leadership and problem-solving
skills than most folks.”
According
to marketing expert Larry Chase at www.larrychase.com,
“I find people appreciate it when you can deliver your pitch in less time than
they anticipated. It telegraphs that you are clearly focused and waste no time
getting to the point.”
Action Step: People – not computers, Web site or fax machines -- ultimately hire people. You’ll have to work effectively with people AFTER you’re hired, so you might was well get skilled at meeting and networking with people BEFORE you’re hired.
Compliments of David Perry and Kevin Donlin
Grab your Free Guerrilla Job Search Audio here.