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How to Get the MOST Out of Your Network

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How to get the most out of your online network

Know Which Advice to Take…

In today’s job market, looking for work is a full-time job. If you are unemployed or under-employed, you have to constantly be on the look out for your next job. You have to be prepared, which means you need to have an updated resume and cover letter, you need to have a business suit, you need to have great interview skills, and you need a network.


You have to network to get work today, folks! And here’s how it works…

Personal Network

Who doesn’t have family or friends that they can rely on? Well, I suppose you could be a loner but that’s a tough way to go – usually everyone knows someone. Your friends and family are your most loyal and immediate network. When and if you find yourself in a situation where you need help, the personal network is one of the first networks you should leverage.  Facebook and Instagram are great social networks that we use predominately for staying connected with friends and family. If you are not on internet, then pick up the phone and call or email someone in your personal network. Either way, don’t be afraid to share your story. 

Professional Network

Have you heard of this little thing called LinkedIn? It’s a resume/professional network database. It’s a social network but not like Twitter or Facebook; LinkedIn is designed for you to create a professional profile – basically an online resume – you can connect to companies and individuals that you are networked with or want to be networked with. Recruiters and hiring authorities use LinkedIn to search for potential employees and also to make sure the resumes they receive are consistent. You need to be on LinkedIn nowadays. If you aren’t, some employees won’t even call you for an interview.

LinkedIn is all about networking for professional purposes! So that means old bosses, supervisors, managers, co-workers, business acquaintances , suppliers, vendors, contractors, classmates, college professors, and volunteers that you may know – not just your homeboy or girl that you are BFFs with.

The Job Game

Now that we’ve identified the players, let’s talk about the game – the job game. You may have heard, to get a job you have to go to websites and job boards. You may have heard that you must send resumes directly to the employer or personally hand your resume to someone who can help you. Well the truth i,s you may have to use a combination.
Let me give you some situational examples on how to get the most out of your network…

  1. You see a job on the internet that has you interested. First, you should research the company online and see if there is a way to apply online. But before you apply, you should jump on LinkedIn and see if the company has a corporate profile page. If they do, then LinkedIn will show you if you have 1st, 2nd or 3rd level connections to anyone that may work there.  Now, you can contact someone in your LinkedIn network to see if they can help you further.
  2. A friend tells you about a job at their company. First, ask them questions about the job, as well as the company. Ask about the boss, co-workers, and the type of work, the pay, and benefits. Also ask your friend how close they are to the hiring process – do they have input and clout? Or is it just a basic referral and they can’t pull any strings for you. After all of that, if you want the job, pass them your resume.
  3. You get an email from a job board telling they have found a match for you. Take a look, see if you like the position, if so, check your LinkedIn network, see if someone can help you out a bit. You should check your personal network, as well.
  4. Let’s say you are not really into the online job search process – but you know that you are missing out on many opportunities- but if that’s not your thing, you need to, at the very least, tell your family and friends that you are looking for work. You never know who can help you, but no one can help you out if they don’t know the situation.
  5. Always say Thank You when asking your network for assistance – it doesn’t matter if it’s online, on the phone, in an email, or face to face. Be thankful!

 

Use Your Resources

We aren’t telling you to call everyone you know constantly and tell them you are looking for work.  We are simply advising you to use your resources, all of your resources.  Just by researching companies on the web and then using LinkedIn to see if you have a network connections, you increase your chances of being seen. When you have an updated resume and cover letter, it is easier for your friends and family to refer you along.

So as always, be prepared, use both your personal and professional network, and be ready for your next opportunity.

 

by Christopher Fields, MLHR

 

Chris Fields, MLHR is an Experienced HR Professional and Expert Resume Writer. He blogs regularly at CostofWork.com and just launched The Resume Crusade, assisting countless jobseekers and professionals with career advice and tips. Contact him on Twitter @new_resource and connect on LinkedInChristopher Fields is a regular contributor on Jobsite.com
Jobsite Talk Chris Fields was a guest on Jobsite Talk recently. We talked about interviews and the many hazards of the job search!   Jobsite Talk is presented every Friday at 11am EST / 8am PST

 

 

 


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