Stop Looking For the Job - Let the Job Find You

There are different ways to network: conferences, professional networking sites or simply striking up conversation. It’s best to handle every situation differently, depending on how and where you’re networking. Proper networking will set great impressions, improve the size your network, and gain you many new contacts. Proper networking can also provide vital career information, develop your reputation, and create opportunities for you.

First, think of people in the field of your choice. Contact them, your relatives and friends with an email or phone call and a request for a friendly meeting. These may be former coworkers, fellow hobby enthusiasts, and those initially willing to speak with you. You may already know about their jobs and/or companies, but now is the time for you to find out about their thoughts, ideas, and opinions regarding job opportunities. Ask if they know anything about ground breaking technology, techniques or news related to your field and listen carefully to their answers. Everyone values a good listener and a good listener can gain a valuable education.

Networking should be about making connections and gathering information in a non-aggressive and friendly manner. The focus should never be just about you or finding you a job. Find ways to incorporate your field of interest into your conversations. Ask questions and give people time to feel comfortable answering your questions and talking about themselves. By doing this, you will create a safe space to share ideas, learn about each other, and get your name out there. Enriching others will allow them to enrich you.

Remember, too, that after every helpful conversation, you need to follow up with a handwritten thank you. If someone gives you information regarding a job lead, write, email or phone them within a week to thank them for their assistance. A handwritten note or card saying “thank you” will go a long way in building your network and your reputation as a reliable, nice person who remembers his/her contacts.

You can always find ways to establish rapport, strengthen a connection and build a successful network. Gaining insight, knowledge and a great reputation, will help ensure that you are not unemployed for any great length of time again.