If you ask the average job seeker what the single-most important aspect of their job search is, you’ll generally hear the word: Networking. However, this can mean different things to different job seekers. For one individual, it may be surfing through industry forums and online social networks. For others, it can be engaging in local events, volunteering, and becoming part of a community of other career-minded folks.
Why Networking Counts
Whatever the choice of networking is for a job seeker, the main point is to connect with more people in the hopes of making a name for yourself and being thought of for a career opportunity. Unfortunately, sometimes the best intentions do not work out as anticipated because the candidate either has poor networking skills or lacks a plan to make this productive. Or a job seeker just makes excuses for not participating in this effort, such as:
- I don’t know anyone I can network with.
- I don’t know anything about the industry yet.
- I lack confidence or experience in my field.
- I’m too busy to network with others.
Excuses like the above do nothing except sabotage a career. So, let’s look at some ways you can charge up your networking ability in short order, and get on the path to a new career.
Refreshed Networking Skills – Let’s Get Started!
- Reinvent yourself. If you want to get a fresh start on your job search, then you need to take some time to improve yourself now. Start by evaluating the way you look and feel. If you are not happy with this, get some exercise and start taking better care of your physical and emotional needs. Try a new haircut, get a couple of new job-search outfits, and a snazzy new pair of shoes.
- Get some new skills. Everyone needs to embrace lifelong learning, especially in a world that is always evolving and adding new technology. Take some university classes towards a degree or earn a certification. This will help you to network with your peers, and to boost your self-confidence. It also looks great on your resume to hiring managers.
- Create an elevator pitch. One of the biggest hurdles in networking is introducing yourself and then making small talk with complete strangers. Learn the fine art of the 30-second elevator speech, and you’ll be able to talk with people with more confidence.
- Update your resume and calling card. Networking is not only about developing key relationships with others in your industry; it’s about “selling” yourself to others. You can do this by creating a killer resume and calling cards, and having these items on hand to give out.
- Reach out for help. While it’s possible to find a job on your own, networking gives you access to a wide range of resources and support in your career search. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others, including professional recruitment firms, for help and access to more networks.
Make it a commitment to yourself and your career aspirations to get involved with networking at least once a week in some format. Develop a strong presence for yourself, and establish yourself as a quality and respectable person in your field of interest. If you are looking for more jobs in Jackson MS, contact the staffing experts at TempStaff today.