Job Search Network Like a Pro | JobSearchTV.com
Few people like to network but the skill to do is cultivated over time. Here’s what to do and how to get better at it.
6 Tips for Successful Job Search Networking
We all know that networking is the primary way that people find work, yet people don’t do it? Why? Well, there are many reasons why, but the biggest one is their fear. They’re afraid of being rejected. And as such, it gets in the way of them doing the things that allow them to make connections with one with other people, that will be profitable. Now, I want to be clear, the ideal way to network is not when you’re job hunting. Ideally, you’re networking when you’re not job hunting. You’re staying in touch with people who you’ve had relationships with previously, so that the relationships learn and grow and evolve. And learn is really about how the two of you help one another and complement one another or not.
But the idea is about building a relationship, not just simply getting interviews or getting jobs. But if you’re a job hunting mode, I know you know that you’ve got a network. And I know your temptation is to focus on, “I need an interview. I need a job. Who do you know.” But you’ve got to do it differently because if you do it that way, people see you as a mooch. Like you’ve hated when people call you up and beg for interviews or beg for jobs, and you stop taking their calls. And you don’t want to be one of those people.
Using Small Town Networking For Getting Hired In Big Cities
So let’s start off at the beginning with fighting your fear. And the way to fight your fear is acknowledge your fear, but do it anyway. ‘So I’m afraid they’re not going to get back to me. They’re going to say no. You know, all these sorts of voices in your head that basically tell you, “now this is going to be a waste of time.” Hear them, acknowledge them, do it anyway.
Number two is try to get face to face with people. Now face to face could be a Zoom call these days. It can be an in person, if you’re in the same city or town. It can be a phone call. Any way is good, as long as you’re in some version of contact with them.
Number three is instead of just doing “Help me, help me,” offer help to them. Offer others suggestions of ways you can help them or ideas that can help them
do something better. Like do free consulting for them so that this way they get a handle on your capabilities, and that may trigger something for them. That’s going to allow them to want to refer you to someone else. I know you’re tempted to say, “Why am I going to do all this work with no payoff at the end, no guarantee of a payoff.” But there is no guarantee in anything that you’re going to do when you’re in job hunting mode. The ideal is when you’re not in job hunting mode to be doing all this stuff. But once you’re in job search, mode, it do it anyway.
I alluded to this before, be patient. Make time. You know, nothing happens overnight. And the goal here is to re-cultivate or develop relationships with people so they get to know, like, trust and respect you or are reminded that they like, trust, and respect you. Got that? And thus, as I mentioned before, you focus on the relationship, not on begging for a job.
Obviously use social networks like LinkedIn, and Facebook and Twitter, and any other sites that you know where networking occurs, like forums, for example, or groups online on Facebook and LinkedIn have very active groups. And you can participate in some that relate to your field.
Then you follow up with people. You have some version of contact with them. You follow up with them so that you’re developing a relationship. Having one conversation is not a relationship. Having multiples over the course of time is and people will start referring you to others as they start hearing and learning about your capabilities and getting to trust you. If it’s a former colleague, a former relationship, trust you once again. If it’s a new one, get to know, like, trust you, and respect you.
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter is a coach who worked as a recruiter for what seems like one hundred years. His work involves career coaching, as well as executive job search coaching, job coaching, and interview coaching. He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2300 episodes.
Are you interested in 1:1 coaching, interview coaching, advice about networking more effectively, how to negotiate your offer or leadership coaching? Schedule a discovery call at my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us
My courses are available on my website, www.TheBigGameHunter.us/courses
I do a livestream on LinkedIn, YouTube (on the JobSearchTV.com account) and on Facebook (on the Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter page) Tuesdays and Fridays at 1 PM Eastern. You can send your questions about job search, hiring better, management, leadership or to get advice about a workplace issue to me via messaging on LinkedIn or in chat during the approximately 30 minute show.
Classes On Skillshare https://thebiggamehunter.us/Skillshare
Freelancing or hiring a freelancer: fiverr.com https://thebiggamehunter.us/fiverr. or Freelancer: https://thebiggamehunter.us/freelance
To set up your freelance business correctly: incorporate https://thebiggamehunter.us/incorporate
Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/thebiggamehunter
Watch my videos on YouTube at JobSearchTV.com, the Job Search TV app for fireTV or a firestick or Bingenetworks.tv for Apple TV, and 90+ smart tv’s.
Thinking of making a career change and need some ideas that fit you. CareerFitter offers a free test and if you want more you can upgrade for the paid version.https://thebiggamehunter.us/Career
We grant permission for this post and others to be used on your website as long as a backlink is included and notice is provided that it is provided by Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter as an author or creator.
#jobsearchnetworking #careernetworking #jobsearchtv
https://youtu.be/jV76csIkX-E
