@Drop cap Minion:For years, career coaches have been advising job seekers to attend job fairs. Bring your resume, they tell you, and prepare a 90-second pitch about your qualifications. Expect to network with many employers at once, they say. It will make you stand out from hundreds (or thousands) of job hunters who never bother to leave their homes — the ones who launch all of their employment efforts from their computers, sending out resumes to every e-mail address they get their hands on.
At their best, job fairs allow you to market yourself to a variety of businesses in an efficient, organized setting. They provide short snippets of dialogue with each organization, offering just enough time to present your resume, ask a few pertinent questions about the company, and engage in a one-two-punch conversation about your strengths and contributions. In an ideal world, job fairs lead to interviews, which quickly transform into new jobs.
And yet there is a big difference between building a successful job-search network and relying on one-time introductions to advance your job hunt. For this reason, it’s imperative that you find additional ways to meet employers. Especially in a competitive job market, like the one we have now.
Here we are, back on the subject of networking. Why? Because most jobs get filled through person-to-person referrals. This means that networking is the most effective approach to job hunting. Hands down. In all economic conditions.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that it takes time and persistence, and many job seekers don’t have time on their side these days. They needed a job yesterday, and they’re still job searching today.
However, even if you’re running an overdue job hunt, your networking time will be well-spent. You will stand out from less ambitious job hunters. You will establish relationships with people in your field, and these people will proudly refer you to friends, colleagues and bosses.
Building a network for the first time? Begin by strategically placing yourself in situations where decision makers (hiring managers) hang out. For instance, consider joining associations, community-based organizations or chambers of commerce. Sign up for training courses that are held at corporations or taught by key individuals in your field.
When you attend meetings or events, bring a copy of your resume, but keep it tucked away (in your briefcase or the back seat of your car) just in case someone requests it.
And, don’t ask about job openings. Not at first. Instead, converse with people about their companies and responsibilities, their projects and business objectives. It’s small talk, essentially, but more authentic than typical water-cooler conversations. Listen attentively. Ask questions. Offer honest insight from your own experience, or discuss your personal interest in the field.
In networking, your goal extends far beyond making a positive impression during a snappy 90-second conversation. Rather, your objective is to cultivate relationships that will enrich your career. It’s like making an investment in your future.
If you need a job immediately, be assertive. Resourceful. Flexible. Look into every option that is available to you. Just remember that networking with colleagues, friends and hiring managers is a proven strategy for finding work. Even in an unstable economy, networking opens doors.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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