I’ve had two experiences in the last few weeks that give credence to the title of this post.
In early September I was walking with a friend who consults in the accounting world. I casually mentioned that I’d applied for a position as a student advisor at a local college. To my surprise she said, “I have a good friend at that college.” She passed my resume along to her friend with a strong personal recommendation. Her friend contacted the hiring manager and forwarded my resume directly to her. While I’d applied on line, it’s the personal recommendation that took my name from one of many on a screen to a short list of potential candidates.
Today I had lunch with another friend who lives in Connecticut and recently retired from her position as Director of Guidance for a school district. I casually mentioned that I’d applied for a position in Career Services at a college in New York City. To my great surprise, she said she knew someone who is teaching at that college. She will be making the connection for me tomorrow and hopefully I will be talking to her contact by the end of the week.
I’d rather be saying that I uncovered these contacts through intent versus accident, but the truth is it was pure luck. I did reach out to two colleagues who work in higher education, but neither knew of anyone at either of the institutions I’d applied to. I did not expand the inquiry to my broader network group.
One of the basics of networking is don’t edit before you ask – meaning don’t assume that someone wouldn’t have a contact in a company or field you’re interested in. Put the question or request out there and see what comes back. These stories are a reminder that you never know who your friends, family members, on-line network and colleagues know until you ask.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Power and Pleasure of Networking
Today was one of those days we all wish for when engaged in career transition. I had an informational interview or 'pure' network meeting that really lifted my spirits. Let me explain.
When I talk with people about networking, aside from the usual…
'I don't know anyone to network with',
what I generally hear is…
'It's uncomfortable'.
'It's fake.'
'I know they don’t have a job for me.'
'Everyone knows you're just looking for a job'.
Yes, those you network with know that you're in the market. They don't have a problem with that. It's the way you feel about what you're doing and the way you approach people that can really make the difference between a positive, productive network meeting and one that never gets off the ground. Again, let me explain.
People become uncomfortable when they feel you expect them to have a job for you. Most often people want to help, but if your only approach is 'do you have a job for me?' they have nowhere to go if the answer is no. You must enable the network process by expanding what you're looking for. Let me explain what I mean by enabling the process.
A network meeting is truly an information interview. You enable the process by expanding what you’re looking for beyond simply an open position. The network meeting is an opportunity to get feedback on your resume. It's an opportunity for you to get information about a company, a field, a specific type of work. It's an opportunity to get some ideas about other paths you might pursue. It's
an opportunity for you to get the names of other people you can reach out to who may or may not have an open position but can give you information, guidance and advice as well as the names of other people to connect with. The more people you connect with, preferably in person, the greater your network of fans will be. And, the broader your network of fans, the more likely that someone will either have a job for you or know of someone else that does. Look at all the opportunity you create when you network!
Let me get back to that concept of a 'pure' network meeting. I got to the person I met with today through someone I'd networked to through a friend. So this person was twice removed from my main contacts. I knew going in that there were no open positions. To me, that qualifies as a 'pure' network meeting. I went in with a clean copy of my resume and a list of questions, but no expectation that there would be a job there. What I was hoping for was information, suggestions and connections to others. I clearly didn't know what to expect, although most people I've networked to and with have been positive and friendly. But sometimes you leave a network meeting with positive feedback and no new leads to follow, and sometimes you connect with a true networker so you leave the meeting with new ideas and contacts. That's what happened for me today. We had a great exchange of ideas and information and I left with three other possible career paths to explore, the names of three people to explore them with and feeling like there are more options out there for me than I was aware of.
There is no question that networking in this climate is tough, as people are getting a lot of requests for meetings. There is no question that people are not as responsive as they might be if we were operating in a boom economy. And, while on-line networking is a great way to connect with a lot of people, there is no replacement for meeting someone face-to-face.
So get out there. Pick up the phone and make some appointments. As mentioned in an earlier post, don’t sit down to make one call. Sit down with a list so you improve the odds of scheduling some face-to-face meetings. Just try it! You may not learn to love it, but hopefully you’ll experience the power and potential pleasure of networking and meet some interesting people along the way.
When I talk with people about networking, aside from the usual…
'I don't know anyone to network with',
what I generally hear is…
'It's uncomfortable'.
'It's fake.'
'I know they don’t have a job for me.'
'Everyone knows you're just looking for a job'.
Yes, those you network with know that you're in the market. They don't have a problem with that. It's the way you feel about what you're doing and the way you approach people that can really make the difference between a positive, productive network meeting and one that never gets off the ground. Again, let me explain.
People become uncomfortable when they feel you expect them to have a job for you. Most often people want to help, but if your only approach is 'do you have a job for me?' they have nowhere to go if the answer is no. You must enable the network process by expanding what you're looking for. Let me explain what I mean by enabling the process.
A network meeting is truly an information interview. You enable the process by expanding what you’re looking for beyond simply an open position. The network meeting is an opportunity to get feedback on your resume. It's an opportunity for you to get information about a company, a field, a specific type of work. It's an opportunity to get some ideas about other paths you might pursue. It's
an opportunity for you to get the names of other people you can reach out to who may or may not have an open position but can give you information, guidance and advice as well as the names of other people to connect with. The more people you connect with, preferably in person, the greater your network of fans will be. And, the broader your network of fans, the more likely that someone will either have a job for you or know of someone else that does. Look at all the opportunity you create when you network!
Let me get back to that concept of a 'pure' network meeting. I got to the person I met with today through someone I'd networked to through a friend. So this person was twice removed from my main contacts. I knew going in that there were no open positions. To me, that qualifies as a 'pure' network meeting. I went in with a clean copy of my resume and a list of questions, but no expectation that there would be a job there. What I was hoping for was information, suggestions and connections to others. I clearly didn't know what to expect, although most people I've networked to and with have been positive and friendly. But sometimes you leave a network meeting with positive feedback and no new leads to follow, and sometimes you connect with a true networker so you leave the meeting with new ideas and contacts. That's what happened for me today. We had a great exchange of ideas and information and I left with three other possible career paths to explore, the names of three people to explore them with and feeling like there are more options out there for me than I was aware of.
There is no question that networking in this climate is tough, as people are getting a lot of requests for meetings. There is no question that people are not as responsive as they might be if we were operating in a boom economy. And, while on-line networking is a great way to connect with a lot of people, there is no replacement for meeting someone face-to-face.
So get out there. Pick up the phone and make some appointments. As mentioned in an earlier post, don’t sit down to make one call. Sit down with a list so you improve the odds of scheduling some face-to-face meetings. Just try it! You may not learn to love it, but hopefully you’ll experience the power and potential pleasure of networking and meet some interesting people along the way.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What's The Worst That Can Happen?
Today was one of those days when the roller coaster was sliding downhill. Not a freefall, just a slow slide. I had a lot to do and not enough to do - meaning a lot of stuff but nothing that felt like I was moving forward. So I listened to my own advice and went for a long walk with a friend who is also a fan.
The conversation led to what felt like a mantra - Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? This is really important as we negotiate through a challenging job market.
At one point most career counselors I know would advise people not to waste their time on job fairs. Now we tell clients to give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You'll walk around the floor and talk to some people and possibly connect with someone from a company or a search firm. You might meet someone you know who is also involved in job search and go for a cup of coffee and get some support. Re-frame it as creating the opportunity for something to happen.
Today too many people are using the internet as their only means of finding their next position. Should you use the internet as a tool? Yes. Should you use it to network? Yes. Should it replace face to face meetings? NO!
Networking is something too many of us avoid. It's not necessarily the most comfortable or easiest thing to do. You need to reframe networking as a business reality. Something you need to do. And, Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? Someone doesn't take your call or isn't willing to meet with you. OK, so that's why you never make one network call at a time. Make 10 and if you're lucky you'll land 2 meetings. That's a good day. You've created some new opportunities for something to happen.
Another reality in career transition is that the path to your next job generally looks like this...
No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, YES! I know the No list may be even longer in today's marketplace. The No list can rob you of your self-esteem. You have to tell yourself that every NO is taking you one step closer to that YES!
This all loops back to that roller coaster. The NOs in job search can lead to the downhill slide, whether they come from a negative experience at a job fair or no response from someone you're trying to network into. You have to remember that you have demonstrated skills and experience to offer your next employer, someone who will be very lucky to have you on board.
And when you forget, when you begin to doubt yourself, call that fan and go for a long walk. Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You just might feel better!
The conversation led to what felt like a mantra - Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? This is really important as we negotiate through a challenging job market.
At one point most career counselors I know would advise people not to waste their time on job fairs. Now we tell clients to give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You'll walk around the floor and talk to some people and possibly connect with someone from a company or a search firm. You might meet someone you know who is also involved in job search and go for a cup of coffee and get some support. Re-frame it as creating the opportunity for something to happen.
Today too many people are using the internet as their only means of finding their next position. Should you use the internet as a tool? Yes. Should you use it to network? Yes. Should it replace face to face meetings? NO!
Networking is something too many of us avoid. It's not necessarily the most comfortable or easiest thing to do. You need to reframe networking as a business reality. Something you need to do. And, Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? Someone doesn't take your call or isn't willing to meet with you. OK, so that's why you never make one network call at a time. Make 10 and if you're lucky you'll land 2 meetings. That's a good day. You've created some new opportunities for something to happen.
Another reality in career transition is that the path to your next job generally looks like this...
No, No, No, No, No, No, No, No, YES! I know the No list may be even longer in today's marketplace. The No list can rob you of your self-esteem. You have to tell yourself that every NO is taking you one step closer to that YES!
This all loops back to that roller coaster. The NOs in job search can lead to the downhill slide, whether they come from a negative experience at a job fair or no response from someone you're trying to network into. You have to remember that you have demonstrated skills and experience to offer your next employer, someone who will be very lucky to have you on board.
And when you forget, when you begin to doubt yourself, call that fan and go for a long walk. Give it a try. What's the worst that can happen? You just might feel better!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Riding the Job Search Rollercoaster
Job search is truly a journey, especially in today's market. The biggest challenge along the way is often holding onto all that you bring to the table. When you get any buy signs - someone agrees to meet with you for a network interview, you get a call from a recruiter or you get invited to interview for a position - you may feel on top of the world. When job search feels more like a black hole - you've applied to numerous positions on line without a nibble or even an acknowledgment or you feel as if your network has run it's course - you may begin to doubt yourself and your chance of ever landing a job. Take heart and welcome to the job search roller coaster!
It is critical to feel good about yourself and the skills you bring in order to effectively and successfully journey through a job search, yet the process itself can often rob you of those positive feelings. The roller coaster of job search often ties into feeling out of control. What to do? Here are some tips about how to feel more in control and better about yourself.
1 - Make sure you have as fan, a cheerleader, someone who you've worked with or for who truly knows how terrific you are. You may have worked with your fan in the workplace or on a volunteer project. Your fan could be a professor or teacher who knows the quality of your work and has been supportive. This person should be someone who can remind you of what a key contributor you have been and are to any effort you're involved with.
2 - Make a list of your best accomplishments, those you are most proud of. This may be work related or may have to do with a volunteer project or a surprise party you pulled off for someone close to you. Think about the skills you used to be a success in any of these endeavors and state them out loud. Saying something out loud often feels more real, more affirming.
3 - Join a support group or form one of your own. Contact others who are "in the market" and set up a weekly meeting at a local coffee house, a room at the library or your own living room. Make these gatherings useful and positive by staying away from simply venting which can often drag everyone down. If there is a need to vent, declare the first 5 minutes of your meeting vent time and let everyone talk at once. After that five minute window, switch gears. Talk about what isn't working (with the goal of how to change it) and emphasize what is working so everyone can pick up new strategies. Share tips, leads, ideas and suggestions. Be cheerleaders for each other.
4 - Get a hold of the movie "Cool Runnings". It's the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team. Yes, Jamaica, as in hot and sunny, and bobsled as in snow. It is a wonderful story about determination and belief in oneself. Watch it and it will put a smile on your face. Feeling good about something outside of yourself can often help you relax and begin to feel better about yourself.
5 - Go out and do something physical. Take a walk, ride a bike or go for a swim. Find a buddy to do this with you and it's even better. Take a break and do something positive to keep your mind and body healthy during this stressful time.
6 - Volunteer to help someone else. This could relate to job search or simply be a way of staying active and getting out. It's also a great way to expand your network and explore new career options.
Remember, it's a roller coaster - peaks and valleys. Utilize some of the tips above and you will hopefully find it to be an easier ride.
It is critical to feel good about yourself and the skills you bring in order to effectively and successfully journey through a job search, yet the process itself can often rob you of those positive feelings. The roller coaster of job search often ties into feeling out of control. What to do? Here are some tips about how to feel more in control and better about yourself.
1 - Make sure you have as fan, a cheerleader, someone who you've worked with or for who truly knows how terrific you are. You may have worked with your fan in the workplace or on a volunteer project. Your fan could be a professor or teacher who knows the quality of your work and has been supportive. This person should be someone who can remind you of what a key contributor you have been and are to any effort you're involved with.
2 - Make a list of your best accomplishments, those you are most proud of. This may be work related or may have to do with a volunteer project or a surprise party you pulled off for someone close to you. Think about the skills you used to be a success in any of these endeavors and state them out loud. Saying something out loud often feels more real, more affirming.
3 - Join a support group or form one of your own. Contact others who are "in the market" and set up a weekly meeting at a local coffee house, a room at the library or your own living room. Make these gatherings useful and positive by staying away from simply venting which can often drag everyone down. If there is a need to vent, declare the first 5 minutes of your meeting vent time and let everyone talk at once. After that five minute window, switch gears. Talk about what isn't working (with the goal of how to change it) and emphasize what is working so everyone can pick up new strategies. Share tips, leads, ideas and suggestions. Be cheerleaders for each other.
4 - Get a hold of the movie "Cool Runnings". It's the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team. Yes, Jamaica, as in hot and sunny, and bobsled as in snow. It is a wonderful story about determination and belief in oneself. Watch it and it will put a smile on your face. Feeling good about something outside of yourself can often help you relax and begin to feel better about yourself.
5 - Go out and do something physical. Take a walk, ride a bike or go for a swim. Find a buddy to do this with you and it's even better. Take a break and do something positive to keep your mind and body healthy during this stressful time.
6 - Volunteer to help someone else. This could relate to job search or simply be a way of staying active and getting out. It's also a great way to expand your network and explore new career options.
Remember, it's a roller coaster - peaks and valleys. Utilize some of the tips above and you will hopefully find it to be an easier ride.
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