You’re looking for a job? When is the last time you tried a new strategy? A change of direction?
Your job hunt is lasting longer than you thought? You know it’s a tough market, but you’re frustrated and looking for answers? Here’s another in a series of posts sharing ideas to help you “change up” your job hunting efforts.
Be sure to read earlier posts in this series:
Read materials targeted to employers
Change your job search strategy – search for companies instead of jobs
I was recently speaking to a client about his search and offering him some tips to rev up his hunt. I said, “Talk to people you don’t think can help you.” Silence…”People who CAN’T help?,” he asked, incredulously. Absolutely! You never know where the next lead may be or where an important piece of information may be lurking.
Talk to people who CAN’T help you with your search. Expand your net of networking contacts. You never know when a connector is in your midst – someone who takes pride in knowing a lot of people and introducing them to each other.
As part of my work, I keep a close eye on career and resume trends by reading books, blogs and keeping in touch with my advisory board of professionals in an array of industries.
When I’m not writing resumes, coaching, blogging and reading, in the spirit of ”practice what you preach,” I also frequently meet people for “informational interviews.” I attend Chamber of Commerce meetings, visit close-contact networking groups and seek out an array of networking opportunities. It is amazing to me how our need for networking (as entreuprenuers and as job seekers) has spawned a whole industry of people for whom networking is actually their business!
I’ve been to coffee with real estate professionals, a dentist, investment advisors, life coaches, travel professionals, vitamin sales people, photographers and a salesperson trainer, just to name a few. It never ceases to amaze me how much we have to share with each other, and the possible “touch points” between our businesses or our networks.
Taking the time to meet these professionals offers me the opportunity to share information about my business, but more importantly, I have a chance to learn about programs, events and opportunities I might never have considered. I also try to share something that will help them and offer to be a resource.
In a recession, it is even more important to expand our circles when job seeking.
Some lessons:
Never underestimate the possibility for really interesting common ground. Some of the meetings I’ve least felt like getting up at 6 a.m. to attend have been the most productive in terms of what I’ve learned.
Open your eyes to the opportunities! Seek out places to meet new people. Join an organization, a new health club or take a class. Google “networking opportunities, (your city)” and see what comes up! Then, don’t just attend, be an active participant.
Just because someone isn’t in your field doesn’t mean they don’t have useful information for you. (Or you for them.) Our lives intersect in so many points. Think of someone you consider least likely to be able to share good information with you for your search. Meet for coffee. You may be surprised!
I challenge you to engage – ask questions…be able to explain who you are and what you do. Don’t underestimate the value of every connection. Everyone knows someone who knows someone who knows something. Inserting yourself as part of the chain is a great step in the right direction!
—
Networking sounds too hard? Even if you are shy, you can learn how to be effective at networking! Keppie Careers will help you. Need a great resume? Mock interview? Contact Keppie Careers. We advise, encourage and enlighten job seekers and offer a toolbox of practical tips and support.
picture by lumaxart
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great advice! You never know who you’re going to meet or what connections they have.
Thanks for sharing!
I Can’t Find A Job’s last blog post..GM to 47,000: Have a Nice Life
Great post Miriam! I believe I am one of those who many would look at as someone unable to help in a job search. Afterall, I am a professional tennis racquet stringer. A job seeker may reasonably ask, “How in the world would the guy who strings my tennis racquets be useful in my job search?”
If the racquet stringer in question was me, then the response would be that before stringing racquets he was a career services professional for 19 years, he is currently writing a book about finding successful employment in today’s economy and he is connected with customers in a vast array of fields.
The point is Miriam is 1000% correct, you NEVER know where you might find those who can help. I encourage you to follow her advice and take some chances…you may be pleasantly surprised with the results.
@ I can’t find a job – Thanks for stopping by!
@ John – While most people aren’t lucky enough to run into someone who is a former career services professional! The fact that you interact with people in all professions as a result of your current work would be reason enough to want to speak with you! (The career background is a major bonus!)
How many people think about talking with their hairdresser? Auto mechanic? Day care provider? All of these people interact with and probably know people in many different industries. And, of course, don’t forget your professional racquet stringer! Thanks for stopping by to comment!