Maximize your Job Search with Strong Networking

Are you still job searching by using only old school methods?  You know the ones, scouring on-line for hours looking at job search websites and trying to find job postings.  While this method should definitely be a part of your job search activities, it shouldn't be the only part of your job search activities.  Networking is the key to maximize your job search!  Here are a few tips to get you going:

Create A List – Compile a list of friends, family, old co-workers, the cashier at the supermarket that you speak to all the time, etc.  This is your network.  All the people in your life that you know either by acquaintance or very well, they are your network.  Keep connected with these people regularly (but not over regularly) and let them know you are seeking employment and to keep you in mind if they hear of any openings at their companies.

Keep in the Good Books – don’t burn bridges or speak negatively about past employers.  It’s a small world out there and the chances are someone in your network could potentially be connected to your former employers in some way.  If you speak negatively or burn bridges, a potential job offer could be impacted by word of mouth.

Use Social Media – I know it’s big and scary to some people; however, this form of networking is important for your job search.  Update your LinkedIn profile to include that you are seeking opportunities and use the job search functions of this great tool.  Ask a trusted friend to review your profile and provide feedback.  Update your Facebook status that you are seeking employment – you never know who knows of a job out there that may fit you perfectly!

Create a Business Card resume – Create a business card with your name, contact details and a few lines about your expertise.  When you are out and about you can quickly and easily pass these cards on to your network to keep on hand.  Great self-marketing tool!  

Making a Career Shift

Making a Career Shift

Over the past few months I have found myself wavering with my current occupation and researching alternatives. I had a few interviews and declined job offers ultimately because it scared the heck out of me to say goodbye to the profession I have been in for almost 11 years. I found myself questioning if I could and would be good at anything else besides employment services. I would argue with myself back and forth that I would be great at this and that, or maybe I wouldn't. I am comfortable in my occupation where I have developed in-depth knowledge and expertise… why would I ever move on to something unknown? Then it hit me – I was not happy in my occupation anymore, I wasn't learning anymore and I was disconnected with it. Fearing change and unknown is normal. It’s a feeling of fright and excitement all wrapped into one. So I dove in head first and accepted a great new role and new adventure! Honestly, I am terrified right now, but those feelings are nowhere close to the excitement that I am feeling about this new opportunity.

Through this experience, I have learned:

Embrace Your Fears – Acknowledge your feelings of fear while making a career shift or any decision making. Embrace your feelings and know that it’s okay to be scared of the unknown – but don’t let the unknown stop you from diving into something great.

Get to Know Yourself – The best part of making a career shift is that you can get to know yourself better.

• Apply for positions that interest you; if you get an interview you can learn more about the position and whether that type of occupation is a good fit.
• Do some real career soul searching. There are plenty of free career decision making tests and resources online that assess your current skills/experience and interests and offer suggestions for occupations that may be well suited to you.
• Research occupations; perform informational interviews with employers/employee’s to learn more about the positions

Take the Leap – If you have been offered a position that is different from your career direction and it has all the signs of a good fit – go for it! Sure, you will be out of your comfort zone for the first bit while you are learning your new role, but you will eventually learn your new role. Have confidence in your decision! If you end up not enjoying the position, there’s nothing to say that you can’t move on from it.