Opportunities do not come easy and you need to lay the groundwork to support your professional ambitions. Take a good look at your social contacts they are crucial to advancing your career. Ultimately it boils down to who you know. Typically you post a resume online to find a job and then keep on checking job listings, as time passes you become frustrated by the lack of responses. Surprisingly someone you may already know could get your resume in the right hands. An old classmate or someone on one of your social networks could share an important job opening from their workplace before it is shared publicly. This can reduce the stress of your job hunting activities and give you an advantage over the other “sharks in the tank” all competing for the same positions.
Read our previous blog => Resume Writing
Read this blog => 21 Quick Tips to Get Your Resume Noticed
Networking is the essence of career success for some, as many as 40% of these job seekers have found openings through close personal connections. What can you do if you are not as well connected as the 40 percent? You need to be to grow your contacts through networking. What do you need to expand your network? You need to create a network strategy and adopt a specific network mindset. Start on the road to success by making those important connections before you start looking for work.
Be Sincere
When networking you should be yourself, be open, and above all be honest. Do not try to impress others by portraying yourself as someone you are not because in the long run this will catch up to you and erode all of your networking efforts.
Spread Optimism
Be inspiring and remind people of their qualities, smile and lift their spirits. Be seen as a positive person with enthusiasm that is contagious. Be a people person, the person people reach out to on a particularly challenging day for a shot of cheer. Display genuine interest and adopt a collaborative approach. Exude confidence sprinkled with a dash of modesty. Show respect, be grateful and above all display impeccable knowledge about your profession. Soon you will be in good with influential people, increasing your chances of landing a job opportunity and enhancing your career along the way.
