Job Search and Personal Relationships
Personal connections are the key to finding a job. Most individuals, who enter into a job search, feel it will just be a matter of time before they have more than one opportunity to consider. You then realize that it’s not going to be easy and often applying for jobs postings end up being a complete waste of time. Too often, thousands of other people are applying for the same positions and they might be more qualified than you.
Take time today, to realize your job search can turn around if you begin to focus on the human factor of your efforts. Make a commitment today to rebuild your personal network. Join groups of people who enjoy similar hobbies or interests and begin to meet new people. When you let these new contacts know about your job search, you will begin to hear about jobs before they are advertised. This is the truest form of networking.
Too often job seekers think they need to attend a function and exchange business cards. A broader view of networking is creating a pool of contacts from which you can draw leads, referrals, ideas and information for your job search while you are also sharing information. Some of the most effective networking you can accomplish can be done without ever attending an official networking event. Volunteering is another powerful networking tool. When you are volunteering your time at events you are meeting other individuals who are employed and could provide you with a personal recommendation because of the work they have observed you do through your volunteerism.
The key is to find two or three organizations or non-profits that have the right mix of people. Go back to these groups repeatedly to establish your reputation and rapport. Send people a note after meeting them and find out what you have in common. Building relationships with new people takes effort, time and tenacity but it is those relationships that are the core of effective networking and will pay off much more than sitting behind a computer competing with hundreds of other job seekers for posted opportunities.
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