Network Online Every Day
The job market is a mess. Employment security is at an all time low. It's a tough time to be thinking about a new or better job. And yet, many of us-active job seekers and career activists alike-are doing just that. In fact, according to a recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management and CareerJournal.com from The Wall Street Journal, 83% of respondents said they are likely to look for a new employer as soon as the economy improves.
And there's the rub. Whether you're looking right now or intend to in the future, the time it will take to find that new job is increasing, sometimes to as much as double what it took just two years ago. So, what should you do?
Career counselors agree that the best strategy for finding a job is networking. It is the most effective way to tap into the "hidden market" of great opportunities that normally get filled by someone who knows someone else who meets a person who would be just perfect for the position. Networking can't do it alone-it should be integrated into a multi-dimensional strategy of checking recruitment ads, research and other time-tested techniques-but it can give you an edge in finding some of the best openings that are available.
The only downside to networking is that it's time consuming and often inconvenient. You have to travel to an office or a meeting place somewhere to connect with potential contacts and then you have to invest the time to get to know them one-on-one. In essence, the return on your networking is limited because you only have so many hours in the day.
Now, however, you can expand your networking and, as a consequence, your access to the hidden job market. How? By using the Internet to do electronic networking every day ... not to the exclusion of traditional face-to-face networking, but in addition to it. Here's how it works:
First, electronic networking occurs via e-mail. You meet and interact with others (your potential contacts) via online discussions at forums and chats. Where can you find these virtual meeting places? Try the sites operated by your professional association, trade organization and college or university alumni group.
Second, the Golden Rule of Networking applies as much online as it does in the real world. Networking works because it's based on people helping each other out. So, the Golden Rule is simple but very important: "You have to give as good as you get." Make sure that you share your knowledge and experience with those whom you hope will help you with theirs.
Third, electronic networking is a contact sport. Traditional networking is all about "who you know." Electronic networking, on the other hand, is an exercise in "who knows you." The goal is to increase the number of people who know you and have benefited from that interaction. That virtual circle of contacts, in turn, may just be able to connect you with your next dream job.
Fourth, networking is netWORK, not netRELAX. In other words, the key to success is to network regularly so that the other participants in the chat or forum become familiar with you. Devote a half hour every day (from the comfort of your home computer) to contributing to the discussions you join. That investment is the best way to ensure your contacts will be willing to give you the help you need, when you ask for it.
Fifth, pay attention to the culture of the group. Each forum and chat has its own culture which governs such issues as how disagreements are handled, the kind of language that is acceptable and other norms of behavior. To make sure that you don't inadvertently violate these unwritten rules, spend some time observing the chat or forum before you begin participating. Then, start slowly and gradually increase the pace of your involvement so that the others have a chance to get used to you and your point of view.
There is no one sure thing in career management and job search, particularly in today's Darwinian world of job volatility. Over the years, however, networking has consistently yielded the best return (in terms of the quality of jobs identified) from your investment of time and effort. Thanks to the Internet and the technique of electronic networking, you can enhance its benefit even more and, in the process, ensure that you are in charge of any change in your employment situation ... rather than its victim.
Thanks for reading,
Peter
Who is Peter Weddle? Peter Weddle is a recruiter, HR consultant and business CEO turned author and commentator. Described by The Washington Post as "... a man filled with ingenious ideas," he has earned an international reputation, pioneering concepts in Human Resource leadership and employment. He has authored or edited over two dozen books and been a columnist for The Wall Street Journal, The National Business Employment Weekly and CNN.com. Today, he writes two newsletters that are distributed worldwide and oversees WEDDLE's LLC, a print publisher specializing in the field of human resources. WEDDLE's annual Guides and Directory to job boards are recognized for their accuracy and helpfulness, leading the American Staffing Association to call Weddle the "Zagat of the online employment industry."
© Copyright 2007 WEDDLE's LLC.
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