Connecting for Success in today’s crowded job market!

Networking: What is it and Why Bother?

The dictionary definition: the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business

Translation: A VITAL strategy for building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships among individuals who share a common goal; specifically:getting a job!

Networking: What is it and Why Bother? Networking enables you to mine

the hidden job market. Your connections can make you aware of an opening before it’s posted on the Internet or in the newspaper. (Some experts say that as many as 50 percent of available positions are never advertised because a personal recommendation from an existing employee resulted in a successful hire.)

Networking: What Is it and Why Bother? Networking is a great way of

researching the businesses you want to work for. This gives you abig advantage over other job applicants who haven’t done their homework. Use it, for example, to find out the names of the owner, the hiring manager and other key personnel. (Knowledge is power when looking for a job. Addressing a cover letter to an actual person is better than using “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To whom it may concern.”

Networking: What is it and Why Bother? Networking affords you an

opportunity to learn about a company from an insider, knowledge that can help you decide whether you’re a good fit.

Networking enables you to find out about a company’s plans, giving you valuable insight into how your skills fit those plans.

Bottom Line: Networking gives you the POWER you need to sell yourself to the right people at the right time!

So Why Don’t More People Network? Some experts say that 80

percent of all positions filled in a single year are the result of networking, yet only about 20 percent of jobseekers network! Why? Our society places great value on independence. People are taught to do things on their own. The fact is, everybody needs help. (The president can’t be elected without the votes of people like you!)

Other Excuses for Not Networking Fear: For a great many people the idea of

asking someone else for help is scary. The person might say (Gasp!) “No.” Then again, he might just say “Yes!” Truth is, you don’t know until you ask.

Ignorance: Some people simply aren’t aware of the all the potential networking has to offer. For all of you here today, this excuse is no longer an option.

Habit: This one is tough. Old habits tend to die hard. But once you know how to network, and once you get in the required practice, you might find you enjoy networking!

Building Your Network: The Basics Start with people you know:

friends, family members, other Kuhn clients, your minister, current classmates, former classmates –anybody with whom you have regular contact . Let them know of your desire to get a job. Ask them if they know anybody who’s hiring. If they can’t help with a name, ask them if they know someone who can. Contact those people, introduce yourself and tell them of your employment goals. The more eyes you have looking the better your chance of success!

Building Your Network: The Next Phase Growing your network beyond the

connections in your immediate and near immediate circle requires more effort and a bit of planning. Consider engaging with people who share similar career goals or hobbies. If, for example, you’re a plumber, join your local trade union, or if you enjoy knitting, join a local knitting club. How about an employment support? Whatever the venue, allow your relationships to flow naturally. Don’t immediately hit people up for job leads. Give as well as receive.

Building Your Network: The Internet Social media websites like

Facebook, Linkedin, Google Circlesand Twitter enable you to multiply the contacts in your network with the click of mouse. Having a strategy is key. Having established virtual connections with people you’ve actually met, your next goal is reaching out to actually meet the people best positioned to help you achieve your employment goals. Obviously, you need to know what those goals are.

The Basics: Social Networking Your online or “virtual identity” is

your “brand.” Your brand is the thing that distinguishes you from other job seekers. Spend some time thinking about how you want to market yourself to prospective employers. If you’re an ace at customer service make sure you state that high up in your profile. Make sure that your profile clearly indicates how your unique skills and talents can help an employer achieve his goals.

Social Networking (Some Suggestions) Your first connections will be with

people in your industry, people in your “network,” i.e. those who do what you do for work.

If there’s a job, or type of job , you’d like to explore, try inviting those people to join your network. (Hint: Ask for information about their industry or experience, rather than a job lead. People really do want to help.)

Personalize every invitation to connect!

Networking Tips and Tricks Be a sleuth: Before attending

networking events or job fairs, find out who’s going to be there. Prepare a “hit list” of people and businesses you want to talk to.

Do your homework! Use Goggle, Linkedin, Facebook and other online resources to gather info. Knowing little details about where a potential connection went to school can help you stand out from the crowd.

Get the scoop. Be aware of recent news stories about companies you want to work for, new products etc.

Networking Tips and Tricks Make a list of conversation starters.

Meeting new people can be intimidating. Your list should be targeted at each of the new people you expect to meet. If a potential connection enjoys gardening, you might say something about how the coming warm weather signals the start of growing season.

Practice, practice, practice. Spend some time role playing conversations with a friend. Talk to your dog if you have one! Use a mirror. The goal is to appear natural and comfortable.

Networking Tips and Tricks Be a good listener. People enjoy talking

about themselves and what they do for a living. Ask plenty of questions. Nod, smile and do everything possible to create a favorable impression. A good conversation is one in which the contact feels valued.

Request a meeting. Congratulations, you’ve made friend! After you’ve exchanged business cards, emails and phone numbers, you’re ready for actual face time. Use your gut to tell you when it’s time to talk about work. Don’t appear desperate for a job.