Sunday, August 21, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Networking
I was asked what networking is by one of my readers. I realize that I didn't expand much on it last week when I said that "networking" was essential when job hunting. Below you'll find an official definition, but I'll expand on it based on it as it relates to job hunting or finding a dream job.
For discussion purposes we are only going to focus on definition number one.
I think it's important to focus on why the exchange of information, knowledge among people, schoolmates, companies etc. is important when job hunting. First, I believe that many times when confronted with the challenge of finding a job there is a sense of, "I don't need anyone to help me". So, the average person goes about their way trying to land a job on their own. Sometimes it works and more often than not, it doesn't. So, networking and getting to know people in your field is a great way to get the word out that you are looking for a job. Tell everyone you know that may provide you some insight or a lead that might help you find that dream job.
For discussion purposes we are only going to focus on definition number one.
Definition of NETWORKING
1: the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business 2: the establishment or use of a computer network
2: the establishment or use of a computer network
I think it's important to focus on why the exchange of information, knowledge among people, schoolmates, companies etc. is important when job hunting. First, I believe that many times when confronted with the challenge of finding a job there is a sense of, "I don't need anyone to help me". So, the average person goes about their way trying to land a job on their own. Sometimes it works and more often than not, it doesn't. So, networking and getting to know people in your field is a great way to get the word out that you are looking for a job. Tell everyone you know that may provide you some insight or a lead that might help you find that dream job.
Networking doesn't have to happen in a formal setting. It can happen at a family party, a casual get together and even online. Speaking of online...if you are currently searching for a job, I highly encourage you to create a free account on Linkedin. It's a professional social networking sight and it also has the ability to expose you to many recruiters that may find your profile attractive.
Networking does take some work. It is up to you to make the extra effort to go out of your way to get to know people in-person or online and then follow-up. With this said...if you network enough you may find it rewarding in the end and that it really does pay off.
One last thing about networking...it should be continuous. Just because you land your dream job doesn't mean you stop networking and exchanging information and ideas with professionals in your field. The most successful people are those who have a large and extended network of many years. You never know when you are going to need someone in your network ten years down the road.
Questions?
Networking does take some work. It is up to you to make the extra effort to go out of your way to get to know people in-person or online and then follow-up. With this said...if you network enough you may find it rewarding in the end and that it really does pay off.
One last thing about networking...it should be continuous. Just because you land your dream job doesn't mean you stop networking and exchanging information and ideas with professionals in your field. The most successful people are those who have a large and extended network of many years. You never know when you are going to need someone in your network ten years down the road.
Questions?
Monday, August 1, 2011
Grads on Job Search
It's the first of August 2011 and most colleges and universities have released a new flock of eager graduates into the workforce. I ask myself...what are the latest strategies to get a dream job in this market? Not to mention that as a country, we are in the midst of a national debt crisis and jobs are still very competitive and in some areas scarce. Well, as I mentioned to a recent graduate of a private art school...stay consistent because it's a numbers game when it comes to finding a job in the field of your dreams. With that said there are many other points that a graduate must focus on before they start job searching. Below I have listed a few that I have found make a difference in a new graduate landing their dream job.
-Use social media to network
-Clean-up your online profile
-Make the switch from a student to a professional
-Have a second or third person review your portfolio
-Join a professional association in your field
-Stay connected with your classmates and faculty
There are many other points recent graduates can work on, but it's all up to each individual to make the changes.
Happy Job Hunting!
Mashable
http://mashable.com/2009/01/05/job-search-secrets/
NACE-Knowledge Center
http://www.naceweb.org/Knowledge/Video/Social_Media_Use_(Video).aspx
CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/08/01/debt.talks/index.html
-Use social media to network
-Clean-up your online profile
-Make the switch from a student to a professional
-Have a second or third person review your portfolio
-Join a professional association in your field
-Stay connected with your classmates and faculty
There are many other points recent graduates can work on, but it's all up to each individual to make the changes.
Happy Job Hunting!
Mashable
http://mashable.com/2009/01/05/job-search-secrets/
NACE-Knowledge Center
http://www.naceweb.org/Knowledge/Video/Social_Media_Use_(Video).aspx
CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/08/01/debt.talks/index.html
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