This category in the Jobs Now Blog contains a collection of frequently asked questions and articles related to networking for finding a job.
If you are interested in more info about networking for work check out our You're Hired! Leveraging Your Network - Job Search Strategies That Work book. Or also available as an on-line e-course.
How can introverted people who dislike networking do so for their business goals?
This question focuses on introverted business owners who dislike networking.
I believe the focus is being placed in the wrong area. It isn’t a matter of being introverted that makes one dislike networking. The real culprit is shyness.
Shyness and introversion are often lumped together as being the same thing, but they’re not.
Introversion versus extroversion is where you get your energy from. What recharges your energy?
How "professional" should I be when networking with other professionals?
The term ‘professional’ is nebulous at best. What may be considered professional in one profession may not in another.
I have faced this challenge many times myself. As a registered nurse working in mental health as my main career, I've usually had several side-hustles on the go at the same time.
When I attend business networking event, I'm usually there to promote one of my businesses or organizations that I'm involved with rather than my nursing position.
Whether they are helpful or not depends on what your purpose is for attending the networking event in the first place.
If you’re attending an event with the intention to meet new people to add to your network, and your time is probably well spent. Adding new connections to your network can help revitalize it and potentially add new opportunities.
I don’t believe not attending graduate school or working in a job should hinder you in any way getting out there and developing your professional network.
You describe yourself as a freelancer but don’t provide any details as to what field you’re working in.
My immediate response is to view their photo and their number of connections.
When I’m looking at their photo, I’m looking to see if it is professionally done. I don’t care if they aren’t photogenic, just that they have taken the time to upload a professional photo. If they can’t do so, I would wonder about their professionalism.
Is it a good idea to network with random people you share interests with on LinkedIn?
I would say that it is neither good nor bad.
There can be value in linking to people who share common interests. It can be a good way to build your network and extend your reach. Opportunity often arises from people who share common interests.
The best tools for job seekers continue to be:
Strong resume: Your resume needs to be specific to the job that you are applying for. You need to craft it so that each segment of it addresses the requirements of the job posting. You need to position yourself as the best candidate for the job.
No, I disagree with the statement on several levels. Networking is one component that can lead to success.
Even the term ‘success’ is ambiguous. To one person it may mean that they have achieved fame and fortune. On the other end of the continuum, success to a person suffering from clinical depression may mean they have been able to get up out of bed that day and have a shower.
There are no benefits inherent to a meetup.
Any that are gained are due to your ability and willingness to leverage a specific meetup and what it has to offer.
“Do you come here often?” works for me. Sure it’s a sleazy pick-up line but when I deliver it there is no mistake thinking that I’m on the move.
Here’s what Mr. Google says about strategy:
The terms tactic and strategy are often confused: tactics are the actual means used to gain an objective, while strategy is the overall campaign plan, which may involve complex operational patterns, activity, and decision-making that govern tactical execution.
It might be helpful to think of your LinkedIn profile as an adjunct to your professionally written resume.
Whereas your resume needs to be terse and succinct, it also needs to be crafted for a specific job you are applying for.
Possibly… possibly not!
If you are responding to a job posting on an online recruiting site, for example Monster Jobs - Job Search, Career Advice & Hiring Resources | Monster.com, you may not be given the opportunity to submit a cover letter with your application.
Not so sure about hacks, but here’s some sage advice.
The question is rather challenging in that you’re asking how to appeal to two different groups. If your main purpose is to appeal to recruiters, in that you are currently in job searching mode, your promotional copy needs to target them. Your promotional copy needs to be crafted so it attracts recruiters, lets them know you are looking for work and what you have to offer.
How do you hide the fact that you lost your job on LinkedIn?
I don’t think you need to hide the fact that you lost your job, in your LinkedIn profile.
Conversely, I don’t believe you need to draw attention to the fact either.