Jobs Now Blog
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.
I would like to expand my network on Linkedin but I can't keep pretending to be everybody's friend, how can I do that?
Written by Rae StonehouseI would suggest starting by changing your thinking on the word ‘friend.’ Friends are with Facebook.
Far better to think of your Linkedin connections as ‘colleagues’ or even possibilities.
Yes, no, maybe, sometimes, always. This question doesn’t elicit a one-size-fits all answer.
Those who are extroverted and outgoing thrive on social activities like networking. However, not every extrovert is outgoing.
What should you do when you're at an event where you don't know anybody?
Written by Rae StonehouseThis is similar to some questions I have answered in the recent past:
- How do I get better at networking in conferences and events?At the risk of starting off by stating the obvious, to get better at networking at conferences and events you have to actually attend them.And then it isn’t a matter of attending any conference or event. There needs to be a purpose to attending. What is your goal? What do you hope to achieve?In my book Power Networking for Shy People: Tips & Techniques for Moving from Shy to Sly! I outline a series of steps that a networker can take to be a more effective networker. Strategies include researching the event on-line. Learn all you can about the organization and what they are all about. Who are the leaders or the people of influence? What type of people go to their events and could there be anyone that would be worth your while meeting?It isn’t a matter of going in for the sale. It is more important to build relationships. You won’t build the relationship at the event. You need to follow-up after the event. Invite your new connection out for coffee. Get to know them!While it is great to meet and listen to other people’s stories, you have to be prepared to promote yourself. This is where your elevator pitch and your USP [Universal Sales Proposition] comes into play. What makes you different from everybody else?You only improve your skills by practicing them. After a networking event, debrief yourself. What worked? What didn’t? What will you do differently next time.
- What are the best ways to network at a business dinner and leave a good impression?
When you read LinkedIn profiles what information pops out at you - good or bad?
Written by Rae StonehouseMy 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.
What are the best ways to network at a business dinner and leave a good impression?
Written by Rae StonehouseAs an introvert, do you agree that networking is the key to success?
Written by Rae StonehouseNo, 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.
How do I expand my professional network at large conferences?
Written by Rae StonehouseThis is similar to some questions I have answered in the recent past:
When meeting someone for coffee professionally, what do you talk about or try to accomplish?
Written by Rae Stonehouse... particularly if you are in academia and not in business?
What is the most difficult thing about networking?
Written by Rae StonehouseThere likely isn’t a definitive answer to this question.
Each and everyone of us is different. While there are difficulties that many networkers face, it isn’t universal.
What are tips and tricks to increase your odds of getting a job at a company by using networking skills?
Written by Rae StonehouseI would suggest utilizing a multi-faceted approach.
Firstly, research the company on-line. Locate and read their social media properties. More than likely they will have a Facebook business page, a Linkedin Business page and possibly a Twitter profile.
More...
The original question as posed to me was “What tactics do you use to build and maintain your professional network?”
It adds the element of ‘building’ to the posted question of ‘maintaining’.
Are networking events an asset to your career or a waste of time?
Written by Rae StonehouseAs in many other questions encountered in life, the answer is ‘it depends!’
There is no guarantee if you attend a networking event that it will be an asset to your career. Conversely, it would be difficult to prove that not attending a business networking harmed your career.
What are the best tools for job seekers today? Is LinkedIn Premium worth the cost?
Written by Rae StonehouseI’m going to agree with Ed Han and perhaps expand a little upon his suggestions.
The best tools for job seekers continue to be:
When did you realise the importance of networking?
Written by Rae StonehouseI tend to be a literal thinker at times and I don’t believe that there is any level of importance specifically attributed to networking.
However, I’m very aware of the value that can be obtained by effective networking. This doesn’t happen by serendipity. You have to work at creating relationships when networking.
Blog Category
Recent Post
-
What are some hacks I can do on LinkedIn to look better to other connections and recruiters?
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?
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.
-
What's the best way to deal with a coworker who steals credit for your work and ideas?
I suppose it depends on whether it affects you in any way. If it does, then actions may be warranted. If it doesn’t affect you directly, perhaps affecting a fellow team member, you’ll need to decide whether it’s any of your business to intervene on the other’s behalf. It may be more appropriate to support your fellow team member if they want to move forward in addressing the issue, rather than taking it on yourself.
-
No-Show Phone Interview
I scheduled a phone interview for 2:30 p.m. mountain standard Time and when I went back to my email to reconfirm whereas it was 10 minutes later than 2:30 already it reads please allow for a call within 30 minutes of the scheduled time. That seems strange to me.. and now we approach the last 5 minutes of that 30-minute window and still no hide no hair no phone call. Do I reach out to them after the 30 minutes is up or do I assume that I should move on and keep looking elsewhere?As I am responding to this question 16 days after you have posted it, I would expect you have resolved it by now. So, my response is directed at anybody else facing a similar situation.