Seven Steps to Better Networking

If published statistics are accurate, employment agencies and search firms fill about 20% of all jobs in the US. Job boards fill anywhere between 2% and 8%. So how do the others get filled?

Networking consistently fills more jobs than any other method. Yet people often don't know how to network well or only act in crisis (I need a job now!) Networking when you don't need a job will help you cultivate relationships that will help you find work.

Here's what to do.

1. Develop an elevator speech. If you're not familiar with the term, an elevator speech is a 30 second synopsis of you experience that you want people to remember about you. It needs to be delivered with enthusiasm, as an actor or actress might. Every single time.

2. Cultivate your network of relationships. Tap into your existing relationships-friends, family, former colleagues, people you know. Just let them know you're looking for work and ask them if they might know someone in your field who might be able to give you advice. Ask each person you are referred to for at least 3 referrals. Create a snowball effect.

3. Participate in trade groups. The "mega-functions" are harder to be successful in than smaller ones. The more targeted the group, often the better. Get involved. Join committees. Let people get to know you through your contributions. Ask for support.

4. Help others. I'm sure you've the phrase, "give more, get more." Help others and things will come back to you. Contribute to others and their successful search. This can also occur when you genuinely listen to others and their professional needs and offer assistance. There is advice that you will receive by supporting others, ideas that will emerge from helping others work through their problems and opportunities that will be afforded to you through listening.

5. Focus on creating a great impression and asking for support. If all you do is ask for a job, a lot of doors will be slammed in your face. If you focus on creating a great impression, rest assured that when you are in front of someone who needs you, they will be smart enough to see the fit.

6. Cultivate your relationships. Like dating and good marriages, relationships take time to develop and blossom. Don't expect instant results. Send thank you notes (www.hallmark.com and other online greeting card sites will help you keep the cost low or free), a quick email or a periodic phone call to stay in contact.

7. Follow through. Act on all the leads you receive. If you promise to do something, do it when you say you will do it. Imagine what it is like for the other person who is trying to help you, who may have even alerted the other person to a phone call and then not have it acted upon.

Take the time to network, ideally when you are working and don't necessarily need a job. The investment will be worth your time.

Jeff Altman
Concepts in Staffing
jeffaltman@cisny.com

© 2005 all rights reserved.

For more articles by Jeff Altman, go to www.newyorkmetrotechnologyjobs.com

Jeff Altman has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines since 1971. He is also co-founder of Your Next Job, a networking group focused on assisting technology professionals with their job search, a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist. For additional job hunting or hiring tips, go to http://www.newyorkmetrotechnologyjobs.com

If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you're looking for a new position, include your resume).

---

Get That Job: Mastering Job Interviews

I've heard it said?in fact, it might well have been me that said it ? there are few things more excruciating in professional life than the job... Read More

Reading the Want Ads--Not for Jobs--For Information

What? Want ads are where job announcements are, not information!Wait! Job want ads are full of information if you know what to do and how to use... Read More

Telephone Job Interview Preparation Tips

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW BACKGROUNDTelephone interviews are quite common in today's job market. They are offered for a variety of reasons including cost savings, screening of candidates and out-of-town... Read More

?How to Look Your Best in a Down Economy?

As you know too well ~ many jobs have been lost during the turn down in our economy over the last several years. Important sectors as well... Read More

Make A Lasting Impression With Interview Etiquette

(Des Moines, Iowa - February 2, 2005) Behaving appropriately during every course of an interview is just one way to increase your success with finding a job.... Read More

It is Still Possible to be Upwardly Mobile in America!

Yes, it's still possible to be upwardly mobile in America: it's called a career in sales.Sales jobs come in all shapes and sizes. From the lowest telemarketer... Read More

Tips for Getting Your Movie Career Launched

Hollywood helps those who help themselves! In you want to get your movie career fast tracked then here are three common sense tips to help you on... Read More

How to Write a Better CV (UK), or Resume (USA and elsewhere)

The first point to make is that the terms "CV" and "Resume" (with or more often without the French acute accents over the e's) are virtually interchangeable... Read More

Top Ten Reasons to Start A Catering Business

There is little doubt that Americans still have a deep abiding love for all things eatable. Despite the health craze that has forced Ronald McDonald to sport... Read More

Learn How To Succeed At Career Fairs

This career article will give you some great tips on successfully navigating thru career fairs.This issue will quickly cover the following:A) Purpose of Career FairsB) How To... Read More

Taking Job Loss Seriously

Anyone reading this article and hassuffered a job loss recently IStaking the job loss seriously. Thestages often are: 1. A sense of relief, sometimeseuphoria if the job... Read More

Finally Revealed: The Top 7 Resume Killers?

During my job search I read dozens of books and articles took programs and evensat at the feet of two of the most experienced Human Resource professionals.... Read More

10 Tips For Writing A Winning Resume

Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the cover letter, are the master keys to opening the prospective employer's mind and door so that you can proceed... Read More

5 Tips for Customizing your Resume

Gone are the days of the bland, generic one-page resume. Employers these days are more impressed by a resume that is customized and they tend to give... Read More

Power Resumes ? Writing Your Objectives

A powerful resume starts with a good statement of objective. This is the headline of your advertisement promoting yourself. The headline has to be simple yet state... Read More

Career Advice: Are Resumes Obsolete As A Primary Job Search Tool?

In a day of background checks, pre-employment drug screening and multiple interviews, where do resumes fit in? According to many successful job applicants, not very well. An... Read More

Assess Your Transferable Skills

One of the most important parts of a job search is assessing your Transferable skills. These are skills which you can use in other jobs such... Read More

The Computer-Friendly Resume

The evolution of technology is changing the traditional methods for job searching and recruiting. More and more companies are now relying on computers to initiate the process... Read More

Making Yourself More Relevant To The New Workplace

Being a current job seeker can be quite a challenging prospect as there are many changes in the workplace. Life-long employment is no longer the norm and... Read More

Continuing Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) is promoted by the CIPD to support the systematic development and accreditation of its members. The aim is that the continuing search to... Read More

Are You Winning the Talent Wars?

How many times have you heard or read, "Our employees are our greatest asset"?What are the chances of any company surviving if it cannot find the right... Read More

Cleaning Houses for a Living Has Some Unexpected Benefits

If you're looking for a way to earn a living or just to make some extra money on the side, cleaning houses for a living is probably... Read More

Are You In A Groove Or A Rut?

Ruts: the routines in our work and lives that have become uninteresting and bothersome.Everyone has a favorite rut or two. They are comfortable, familiar and undemanding. If... Read More

The Top 10 Mistakes Job Seekers Should Avoid In Contacting An Employer

There are numerous tools and resources available to guide job seekers through the steps of a career transition. These tools are very useful and suggest much that... Read More

Career Change: Success Tips

Successful career change is based on first making an honest assessment of your skills and experiences. Then you match them against the current market conditions. Finally you... Read More

Employment Under A Microscope

A certain amount of oversight is involved in almost any job. The more important, the more highly skilled, the more successful the position, the lower the degree... Read More