You’re on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. You read that those sites represent the “new” networking. So then why aren’t you swamped with interviews? Yes, social media has created a place for itself in today’s job search and the professional networking arena, but that is in addition to the tried and true methods from the past, not in place of what you’ve done previously. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not advising you ignore your online profile as my stance has always been and will continue to be that your professional online presence should be strategic and deliberate. The key is to know when to log off from the virtual world and check back in to the real world. To conduct an effective job search, you should incorporate as many of the following offline networking tools into your repertoire as appropriate:
• Join a professional network and attend its networking and continuing education events.
• Communicate with members of your professional network from time to time. Ask about their current projects; be a resource by helping with contacts or suggestions.
• Networkers who “get it” understand that it is about give and take. Ever notice how easy it is to overlook an email in your inbox? Drop a note in the mail, or better yet, pick up the phone. With local contacts, meet for coffee, lunch, or a drink.
• Identify and contact your target list of companies based on location, industry, what you read in the newspapers or trade journals about corporate expansion, acquisitions, and promotions.
• Attend a job seeker’s support group. It can result in several achievements:
1) strengthen your networking through practice;
2) refine your elevator speech as you speak with others about your background;
3) share job leads; and
4) offer contacts or assistance to others. The key is to find a group with whom you are a good fit.
• Get up, get out, and volunteer. You’ll give back to the community, you’ll meet people and make new connections, and you’ll feel good in the process.
There is no true shortcut to effective networking. It takes hard work and persistence. Logging on to post, tweet, and connect can lead to a false sense of productivity. If that’s all you’re doing, you’re overlooking the importance of in-person networking. Contact me if you’d like help setting up and working through your job search plan. Accountability to a job search coach may be just what you need!
I think adding value is the key to effective networking. To that end, I would highly recommend joining an Expert Network like Askvisory, Cognolink, or Gerson Lehrman Group. Expert Networks connect experienced professionals with investors, individuals, and corporations interested in their insights. Engagement typically take place over the phone, last 30 to 60 minutes, and provide a great opportunity to network with decision makers in your industry.