If self-assessment is the foundation, networking is the engine for job-search. Most jobs are still landed through networking so this is where you need to spend your time. Your network is probably your most powerful asset, especially in job search, and a competitive advantage for the more mature job candidate. With time, job moves, and geographical moves it is likely that your network is larger and more powerful than younger competitors. There is a vast library of articles devoted to building your network. My point today is about helping you become more effective using your network to land that next job. Your success in job search will depend on the vitality of your networking.
So, let's assume that you have alerted your network that you are in the market and they have helped you shape a positioning strategy to find that next, great opportunity. You have researched the opportunity you seek; you understand the industry segment and you know the job you want to pursue. You have identified key people familiar with that opportunity who are hiring managers or linked to hiring managers. You have made a good start, but now what? Well, now you must keep your network energized and active on your behalf.
Effective Communication is the key to managing your network. These folks want to help you! You must make it easy for them to do so. You need to stay top-of-mind without being intrusive or obnoxious. Your Facebook and LinkedIn networks are easy enough to update, but how do you manage the bulk of your network who may not be connected to you on these venues?
How to communicate:
- Avoid long, drawn-out telephone calls. My preference is to use email.
- Put your network into Groups or Circles so that you can efficiently communicate your updates and status.
- I would urge you to use a merge-mail function, a feature in Outlook, to personalize your emails.
- Save phone calls for important, targeted communication.
What to communicate:
- Routine updates as to your progress every few weeks.
- Any change in direction or dead ends encountered.
- Successes/problems you are having executing your plan.
- Keep it short and to the point. No tomes!
- A note about a personal interest is always a welcomed addition.
For new contacts, make it easy for me to know how to help you:
- Be crystal-clear as to what you are trying to accomplish.
- Help me understand how I can help you.
- Your elevator speech must be compelling, so I will remember you.
- Do your homework. Be prepared for our conversation.
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Don’t make me guess at what might be a good connection for you.
Make it easy for me to introduce you to my network:
- Give me a handful of your business cards.
- Connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+
- Send me updates on your progress and what you are trying to accomplish.
Make it easy for me to contact you: Don't waste my time looking for your contact information.
- Your email correspondence must include a complete signature section.
- I rely heavily on my IPhone so having the ability to tap your phone number, email address, or website is a critical time saving function.
- Understand your networking contact’s preferred method of communication and comply.
Networking must be a way of life for professionals, especially if you are over 50. It is all too common for people to neglect their network while they are working, and then hustle to reconnect when between jobs. Failure to nurture your network while you are working increases your time to reconnect when you are not working. You have a lot of simple tools at your disposal to stay in touch easily and effectively. Use them!
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Jim Weber, President
New Century Dynamics Executive Search
www.newcenturydynamics.com
