Jobs Now Blog

Leveraging Your Network

Leveraging Your Network (39)

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?

Nervous NetworkerThis 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.

I can’t imagine how it would.

If there was actually somebody out there, keeping track of when you update your LinkedIn profile and when you add information to it on a regular basis, then they likely have far too much free time.

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.

Business Card ShuffleNo, 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.

Recent Post