Avoid the #1 "Conversation-Killing" Networking Question - PART 3: How to . . . Active Listening Goes for the Gold

"Do you know of any job openings?" 
        If the answer is “NO,” it’ll be a short conversation.
 
“Do you know of any job openings?” is an ill-advised way to open a networking conversation.  In fact, it’s a “conversation killer!”
Parts 1 and 2 of this 4-part Networking-HOW TO-series discussed how to have a productive conversation by establishing a comfort level for the conversation, or meeting, and by offering a guideline for talking vs. listening in order to derive maximum benefit and information.  

Now, we’ll look at “listening” - actively listening as your networking contact answers key questions that can unearth needs and opportunities  -  like mining for nuggets of information that can turn into gold, or in your case, dollars in your pocket in the form of the salary of your next position.

How much should I be listening . . . ??
A word or two about listening . . . We’ve already established via the philosophy of AJC~~Career Strategy that finding a job is a sales process - you must sell yourself, and a networking conversation provides you the opportunity to sell yourself.  That’s 50% of the your job; however, the other 50% of your task is to learn what your networking contact knows relevant to you and your search.  That requires active listening.   Your job in a good networking conversation is to be likening about 60% of the time during the conversation or meeting.

You the job seeker listen about 60%  of the time while your  network contact talks. Obvious, right?  BUT that is too frequently NOT the case!  Something happens -  sometimes, due to nervousness, lack of clarity about our networking goal, or just plain poor listening skills, we find ourselves talking too, too much.  While it may result in selling oneself fairly well, what is lost is information from your contact  -- those  nuggets of information that can turn into leads into your next job opportunity. 

So, give your contact the opportunity to talk and actively listen to the responses.  If you don’t, the $$ cost  = lost information, lost opportunities.

What does it mean to actively listen? 
Recall some conversations you’ve had and observed.  If it seems like we tend to be poor listeners, you’re right.  Study after study shows our propensity is for talking, not listening.  Need proof? . . . Think of introductions you’ve experienced.  How often did you forget the person’s name as soon as you heard it?  Happens all the time.  Why?   Generally, those who study our language habits, say it’s because we are planning what we are going to say next.  While we want to be interesting talkers, in networking, it’s equally important to remember what we’re hearing. 

So, practice your listening skills.  Here are some tips:
(1) When you are being introduced to a new person, look them straight in the eye; after you hear their name repeat it aloud. 
(2) When you ask a question, look the person in the eye, paraphrase their response, and ask if your understanding is correct. 
(3) Nod your head, or say “I see, uh-huh, makes sense” as the other person talks.
(3) In a sit-down networking meeting, takes notes!  After your networking contact, or the person you are talking to, answers a question, either paraphrase (See Tip 2) or ask a follow-up question.
(4) Program yourself before any meeting to actively listen.  Tell yourself to “Ask your question, and then actively listen to the response- no mind wandering during the person’s response.”  Sales people often do this - I know I did - and the conversation is more focused, more fun for your contact, and more productive!

To sum it up . . .    
(1)  Active listening can short cut your information gathering process.  It keeps you focused, and moving forward instead of going back over information you’ve already covered but missed because of a wandering mind!

(2)  Active listening can also get you further . . .faster, when it comes to your job search.  Begin to think of those kernels of information that your contacts share as nuggets of gold.  Information about people, opportunities, and trends that can result in a better job . . . faster.  Nuggets that turn out to be golden - gold, or in this case, dollars in your pocket in the form of the salary of your next position.
So, give it a try!  Active listening will  improve your networking, and I’d wager, your communications overall!

For additional information on marketing yourself and your capabilities, please refer to the many articles found under the Articles tabs of the AJC–Career Strategy website.
 ____________________________________________________________________________

nancy@ajcglobal.com              www.ajcglobal.com             AJC - for Your Career Path

  Linked In:  www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-c-gober/6/14b/965        

Twitter:  @AfterJobClub

Avoid the #1 "Conversation-Killing" Networking Question - PART 2: How to . . . Listen More -- Talk Less

Do you know of any job openings?  
        If the answer is “NO,” it’ll be a short conversation.
“Do you know of any job openings?” is an ill-advised way to open a networking conversation.  In fact, it’s a “conversation killer!”
Part 1 of this 4-part Networking-HOW TO-series explained why!  It also explained the make-up of a good 1-to-1 networking conversation that establishes a comfort level for both people.  But how much should you be talking?  This article delves a little further into the make-up a good conversation.

How much should I be talking . . ? ?
Your purpose in scheduling a networking conversation is to sell yourself, right?  Yes indeed!  You want your contact to think highly enough of you to suggest opportunities as well as introduce you into their network, in other words refer you to people they know. But remember that is only 50% of your task; you also want to learn what your networking contact knows about opportunities and potential opportunities.  You want to learn who he or she knows that could be helpful to you in your search.

Therefore, your conversation needs a balance - one person can't do all the talking or all the listening.  If that happens, you only accomplish 50% of your purpose - if that!

The Make-Up of a Good Conversation  -    A 40%  /  60%  Split
An effective and well balanced networking conversation  =  40% you and  60% them when it comes to talking.  A good conversation sounds like this:  You're talking about 40% of the time and listening the other 60%.
You, the job seeker talk about 40% of the time. This is SALES time.  This is the part of the conversation where you get to talk about you!  You explain your competencies.  You highlight key successes that attract the attention and possible admiration of your listener.  You plant the idea that if you could contribute to the success of previous employers, you can do it for future employers.  You can help them be successful by employing your skills.

You the job seeker listen about 60%  of the time while your  network contact talks. This is the other 50% of the purpose of your conversation or meeting.  Obvious, right?  BUT sometimes, due to nervousness or lack of clarity about our networking goal, we find ourselves talking too, too much.  The $$ cost $$ = lost opportunities, lost information.

So, plan your networking conversation or meeting strategically.  Think of the conversation as having 2 parts as described below:

Part 1:  Set the Stage   -  40% of your meeting
(1)  Small Talk!  In US business, we tend to open meetings with a little - not a lot, just a little - bit of rapport building.  Also referred to as small talk, an inquiry as to your contact's ease in locating the coffee shop you're meeting in, or a bit about the terrible or wonderful - as the case may be - weather gets the conversation started off on the right foot.  Remember, part of your job is to set a comfort level so that the conversation flows comfortably.

(2)  Schmooze!  Begin by telling your network contact why you requested to speak with them.  This is an opportunity to compliment the person about their knowledge of the industry, their reputation for being a leader or a fountain of information when it comes to their profession, a real “Who’s Who” when it comes to knowing “everybody who’s anybody” in the industry. . . you get the point.  A little “schmoozing,” as long as it is sincere, can work to your advantage!

(3) Remember time constraints.  Reinforce your commitment to your network contact that you requested only 20 or 30 minutes of their time.  Keep an eye on the time.  This shows that not only do you respect your contact's expertise but also their time.  When the agreed upon 20 or 30 minutes is up, call time.  Should your contact wish to continue talking, THAT's GREAT! and to your benefit.  But you have done your part in sticking to your agreement.

(4)  Now, utilize your "L"vator speech.  Tell your contact why your are on the market for new employment or an expanded role, and what you bring to the market.  This is, in fact, your “L”vator speech (Refer to my article Crafting Your "L"vator Speech found in the Resume and Marketing Tools articles.)  Note the circumstances that cause you to be looking for employment or, if you are still employed, why you are seeking a new opportunity.  Cite your area(s) of expertise that make you stand out!  Tailor your remarks per each conversation and grab the attention and gain the admiration of each contact you talk with.  Mention some relevant accomplishments and strengths.
Caution: Your goal in networking is to learn.  So set the stage, sell yourself, and STOP TALKING !

Part 2:  Ask Questions  -  60% of your meeting
The point is to get your networking contact to share information; he or she should be talking the most. A good guideline is that he or she should be doing at least 60% of the talking in your meeting!
Design your questions to. . . .
(1) Elicit information, and
(2) Learn about about these 4 Target Areas:  good organizations your contact is aware of; people your contact could refer you to; good professional associations or groups that could you could benefit from; and headhunters (executive search firms) or employment agencies that are effective.

Planning and preparing a good and productive networking conversation or meeting is not hard.  But, it does take some work - work that pays dividends down the road in the form of opportunities!

For additional information on marketing yourself and your capabilities, please refer to the many articles found under the Articles tabs of the AJC–Career Strategy website.
 ____________________________________________________________________________

nancy@ajcglobal.com              www.ajcglobal.com             AJC - for Your Career Path

  Linked In:  www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-c-gober/6/14b/965        

Twitter:  @AfterJobClub

Avoid the #1 "Conversation-Killing" Networking Question - PART 1: How to . . .Set the Stage for a Good Conversation

Do you know of any job openings?  
        If the answer is “NO,” it’ll be a short conversation.
“Do you know of any job openings?” is an ill-advised way to open a networking conversation.  In fact, it’s a “conversation killer!”
Why can’t you ask this “conversation-killer” question? . . . Because if the answer is “No I don’t”, there’s little more to say.  It leaves your network contact with little to nothing to say TO HELP YOU - which is the point of the get-together - right?

Another approach. . .
Instead, open the conversation with an approach that leaves little doubt as to why you are meeting with your contact, and what you hope to gain by asking good open-ended questions.  And prepare your contact by telling him or her about your professional experience and capabilities and what you have to offer a new employer!

The Make-Up of a Good Conversation
Let’s take a step back and look at what makes for a good conversation, which also applies to any effective and productive networking conversation or meeting.

1.  A good balance of give and take -- Generally, a good, or productive, conversation can be described as one in which two people exchange information freely, and there’s a good balance of “give and take.”  In other words, the dialogue is free-flowing, with one party offering some information, asking questions, and the other party doing exactly the same thing.  There’s a balance and both people feel they are contributing as well as deriving benefit (or in the case of the job seeker future potential benefit).

2.  A good comfort level  --  A good, or productive, conversation is generally characterized by a “good comfort level” between the two parties.  The meeting requester, in this case the job seeker, has done his or her meeting pre-work to establish an initial comfort level.  The job seeker has prepared the networking contact by being clear about the purpose of the meeting, shared information about his or her own professional background and job search progress, and clarified what he or she hopes to get from the contact.

3.  There’s no such thing as a stupid question  --    Both feel comfortable to offer their knowledge, thoughts, and opinions without fear that the other party will belittle or not value the input.  Each also feels free to ask any kind of question, without fearing that they are asking the “stupid question.”

A Productive Networking Conversation Strategy
So, there you have it - how to establish the atmosphere in which to have an effective and productive networking conversation.  Now, if you can’t ask --  Do you know of any job openings?  --  what can you ask?  Here's an approach, a 2-fold strategy, to accomplish your purposes of selling yourself and learning from your contact.

Plan and prepare a 2-fold strategy:
(1)  Sell yourself.  Begin by telling your network contact about yourself:  Why you are on the market for new employment; this is, in effect, your “L”vator speech.  Then tell them why you requested to speak with them; this is an opportunity to compliment the person on their knowledge of the industry, their reputation for being a leader or a fountain of information when it comes to their profession, or a real “Who’s Who” when it comes to knowing “everybody who’s anybody” in the industry.  A little schmoozing can go a long way.

And, your objective is to sell yourself short- and long-term.  Get your networking contact thinking about you long after you conversation is over so that when your network contact does come across a job lead, or meets a person who could be helpful to your search, he/she will think of you!
.
(2)  Learn from your contact.  Plan to ask questions that draw your networking contact out.  Ask questions that get him or her talking, and sharing information.  Design your questions to . . . .
    - Elicit information, and
    - Learn about these 4 things:  good organizations your contact is aware of; people your contact could refer you to; good professional associations or groups that could you could benefit from; and headhunters (executive search firms) or employment agencies that are effective.

Remember, your purpose, in a 1-to-1 networking conversation or meeting, is 2-fold:  To gain the interest and support of your networking contact so that they think of how they can help you long after your conversation is over, as well as to learn what the other person knows that can be helpful to you in finding your next position or role.

Planning and preparing a good and productive networking conversation or meeting is not hard.  But, it does take some work - work that pays dividends down the road in the form of opportunities!
For additional information on marketing yourself and your capabilities, please refer to the many articles found under the Articles tabs of the AJC–Career Strategy website.
 ____________________________________________________________________________

nancy@ajcglobal.com              www.ajcglobal.com             AJC - for Your Career Path

  Linked In:  www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-c-gober/6/14b/965        

Twitter:  @AfterJobClub

Networking: Do I have to?

Do I have to? . . . .  Yes you do if you want to find a better position in a shorter amount of time!

If you dread the idea of going up to strangers whose paths you cross and striking up a conversation, you are far from alone.  Many, if not most folks - if the truth were told - deplore the idea.  They’d prefer a root canal!

The"Hidden Market"
However, the truth also to be told is that many, if not most, job opportunities are found through networking. They are found on what we call the "Hidden Market."  These wonderful positions never see the light of an advertisement.  They are found through folks who work for a firm and know of needs or open jobs, or by talking to other folks who may know some folks who know of opportunities  . . .  You get the idea!

So, the choice is yours.  You can elect to find a position through sending out resumes and answering ads.  This choice can have you sitting at a computer, hours on end, applying for 100's if not 1000's of jobs that you find advertised on the "Open Market."  It is an avenue to a new job, but it is a choice that generally results in a long search. 

Networking speeds things up.
Or you can choose to network.  Networking speeds things up.  It’s just another avenue to facilitate your search.  So, still continue to look for positions to apply for on-line and in the paper.  Just add networking to your daily job search activity to uncover positions before they are openly advertised, or in many cases, never advertised at all.

So . . . Do you have to?  Well, while the choice is yours, the only obvious answer is. . .  Yes,  you really have to.  It just makes good sense: $$ and cents.  
For additional information on marketing yourself and your capabilities, please refer to the many articles found under the Articles tabs of the AJC–Career Strategy website.

 ____________________________________________________________________________

nancy@ajcglobal.com              www.ajcglobal.com             AJC - for Your Career Path

  Linked In:  www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-c-gober/6/14b/965        

Twitter:  @AfterJobClub

How To Work A Job Fair

Tips on How to Seize the Opportunities of a Job Fair
"Do they have any jobs?" asks a job seeker upon hearing that there is going to be a Job Fair.
      "No, they don't have any openings at this time."
"Then what is the point of going to the Job Fair?" ask a job seeker.

What is the point indeed?  There is a big point in attending a job fair and talking with companies even if they don't have openings at this time.  Read on.

"Do they have any jobs?" is the question asked by many job seekers who consider attending a job fair. Hopefully, the companies attending do have jobs. But, what if they don't?  Is attending a waste of time?  If you think so, think again.  There are many opportunities to be found - they are just on the "hidden job market."

Some Job Seeking Truths
    • People hire People! They always have; they always will - despite all of the technology of job search  today.
    • People prefer to hire people they know - or know of. It lessens the $$expensive $$risk of hiring a   mistake.  Meeting recruiters at Job Fairs is a way to get known!
    • The majority of positions are still found on the hidden job market.

 Smart ways to work a Job Fair
    1. Do your homework.  Look at the list of the companies and organizations before you attend the Job Fair, and identify those that are your best targets.
    2. Research those organizations. Look them up on the Internet. Get names of key people in the company and their positions.
    3. Strategize. Plan which companies you want to talk to first, and what you want to say to each of them, in addition to your elevator speech.
    4. Bring copies of your marketing tools - i.e., resume, business cards, items that will be memorable to the interviewer.
    5. Get the business cards, or contact info of everyone you speak to, and follow-up within 24 - 48 hours with a letter that thanks the person for talking with you, recaps your qualifications, and references something you talked about. Send another copy of your resume and business cards.
    6. State that you recognize that they may not have any positions at this time, but that you would like to stay in touch (ask for an informal interview) and ask if you might re-contact them in a few weeks (2 - 3 weeks is suggested).

Why do all of this when a firm says it has no openings?  Here's another truth - 
Companies will always have openings - sometime, some day. When they do, this simple strategy will help them think of you to fill that opening.  That's strategic Job Search!

For additional information on marketing yourself and your capabilities, please refer to the many articles found under the Articles tabs of the AJC–Career Strategy website.
 ____________________________________________________________________________

nancy@ajcglobal.com              www.ajcglobal.com             AJC - for Your Career Path

  Linked In:  www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-c-gober/6/14b/965        

Twitter:  @AfterJobClub

 

The #1 Interview Question

The #1 Interview Question:  Tell me about yourself!
The interview is beginning.  The interviewer looks across her desk and asks the interview "ice breaker" question to start the conversation. . .
    "Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself?”  
The interviewee stammers a little, hems and haws, clears his throat, and begins a monologue that goes on

way, way too long! 
    “Uhm, well I grew up in Florida , lived there most of my life, went to Florida State University, majored in philosophy, and then I took a year off to help my Dad out in his construction business.  My first job was in 1972 when I was hired as a  . . . .”
The interviewer listens patiently, acts interested, but is secretly thinking: “What does this have to do with the job he's applying for?  Get to the point.”

Sound familiar?  If you have ever sat in the interviewee's seat and experienced the situation just described, you are not alone.  In fact, many, if not most job seekers, have had a similar experience. We know what we want to say about ourselves and our experience; we just can’t seem to say it!

In an interview, any job seeker wants to make a good first impression.  You want to convey that you are the candidate who can get the job done!  You want to appear motivated and capable. You want to show that you are qualified to perform the duties of the job and then some.  You just can’t seem to say it, or to say it as well as you would like.

Why not?  What goes wrong?  What’s missing?
Generally when a job seeker stammers, and hems and haws at the beginning of an interview, or is just too wordy, what is missing is a prepared and practiced short presentation that "tells the interviewer about yourself."  This short, precise presentation, highlighting relevant experience, qualifications, and skills, is -- by another name  -- an 'L'vator speech!

What is an 'L'vator speech?
An 'L'vator speech is a professional self-description that can be said in 30 seconds or less.. Theoretically, it can be said in the time you travel in an elevator from the 1st to the 14th floor. . . .hence, the term 'L'vator speech!  AND, when you're done, your listener has a pretty good  idea of what you do and do well.

In other words, your 'L'vator speech is a short, concise, prepared in advance, and well-practiced description of your expertise, abilities, skills, and accomplishments that are relevant to the job you are interviewing for.

How do you do it? . . .  With this 5-Step Model
It can be a bit mystifying to try to figure out how to describe the essence of your experience in less than 30 seconds.  So, here's a method to do just that.  Below is a 5-Step Model for preparing your 'L'vator speech.  The model allows you to tell the listener, in 30 seconds or less, what you do and what you are expert at.  It helps you showcase your skills, and highlight relevant accomplishments.  It provides you a way to ask for your desired outcome from the discussion.  So, . . . take out a pencil and paper and begin to craft your 'L'vator speech --  your answer to the #1 interview question:  "So why don't you tell me a little about yourself?"

5-Step Model to craft your 'L'vator speech
Step 1. Start with your profession.  State what you do in a couple of words?
    I am a ________________________________    
    I’m an electronics engineer.   I’m a manager.  I’m an administrative assistant.

Step 2.  Identify your area(s) of expertise. What makes you stand out from the crowd?
    I'm a ____________,with in-depth experience or expertise in ________________
    I’m an electronics engineer, with extensive experience in designing systems that . . . 
    I’m a manager who consistently runs departments that function like clockwork.
    I’m an administrative assistant who never misses a deadline.

Step 3.  Identify your areas of skill that are relevant to the job your are seeking.
    I’m particularly skilled in______________,  or I’m adept at _____________________
    I am skilled in helping the customer implement new systems with no downtime.
    I’m really effective at planning and budgeting so that the programs I manage come in on time and within budget.
    I’m current in the latest office computer software so I’ll be productive right off the bat!

Step 4.  Identify knowledge, strengths, and unique attributes that are relevant to the position.
    I am certified in__________, or, I am trained in__________, or I was awarded the__________
    I hold a Master's degree in advanced electronics engineering.
    I am a certified Program Manager.
    I was recognized as the “Employee of the Year” by my previous employer and earned a cash award.

Step 5. Ask for what you want.  What are you trying to achieve?
    I am looking to__________, or, I am seeking __________, or I hope to__________
    I am looking for a Systems Engineering position that uses_____________
    I am hoping you can refer me to a person in your network who is familiar with ___________________
    I am seeking an  opportunity to _________________

Using the 5-Step Model will help you craft an 'L'vator speech that gets to the point and accomplishes your objective of “telling the listener about you." 

For additional information on marketing yourself and your capabilities, please refer to the many articles found under the Articles tabs of the AJC–Career Strategy website.
 ____________________________________________________________________________

nancy@ajcglobal.com              www.ajcglobal.com             AJC - for Your Career Path

  Linked In:  www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-c-gober/6/14b/965        

Twitter:  @AfterJobClub

The # 1 Networking Question to Avoid. . . .

What is the Number 1 Question to Avoid when beginning a networking conversation? 
        "Do you know of any job openings?"
Why?
        If the answer is “NO,” it’ll be a short conversation.

Instead of asking this conversation-killer, plan ahead.  Plan to ask questions that draw your networking contact out.  Ask questions that get him or her talking, and sharing information.  Remember, your purpose, in a 1-to-1 networking conversation or meeting, is ultimately to learn what the other person knows about potential employers, helpful people, beneficial professional associations, and other good sources of information that could lead to employment.

Design your questions to. . . .

1. Elicit information, and
2. Equally importantly, get your networking contact thinking about you long after your conversation is over so that when your network contact does come across a job lead, or meets a person who could be helpful to your search, he or she will think of you!

 Ask open-ended questions that get the networking conversation flowing.
 Ask about: 
 Organizations or companies     People     Professional associations     "Headhunters"

Here's how:
Part 1:  Set the Stage   - 40% of your meeting
(1)  Begin by telling your network contact about yourself:  Why your are on the market for new employment.  This is, in fact, your “L”vator speech.
(2) Then, tell the person you are meeting with why you requested to speak with them.  This is an opportunity to complement the person about their knowledge of the industry, their reputation for being a leader or a fountain of information when it comes to their profession, a real “Who’s Who” when it comes to knowing “everybody who’s anybody” in the industry. . . you get the point.  A little “schmoozing,” as long as it is sincere, can work to your advantage!

Caution: Your goal in a networking is to learn.  So set the stage and STOP TALKING ABOUT YOU!  In a networking conversation, you should only talk about 40% of the time!

Part 2: Ask Questions - 60% of your meeting
The point is to get your networking contact to share information; he or she should be talking the most. A good guideline is that he or she should be doing at least 60% of the meeting!

Ask these 4 Target Questions:
Target Question 1: Are you aware of any good organizations I should be looking into?
This gets your contact thinking about companies which have impressed them.
    Question 1 Variation:  Tell me about your organization.  If the person is employed, this is a natural place to begin.  It gets the conversation going and allows your contact to be helpful.
    Follow-up with your question about additional organizations your contact thinks well of.

Target Question 2: Are there people you know who it might be good for me to talk with?
Receiving a referral to your contact’s contacts, is networking at its best.  Here, you begin to meet people whom your contact believes can be helpful to you.  As contacts refer you to contacts, and they in turn refer you to their contacts, the multiplier effect occurs.  Talking with people to whom you are referred is the best route to finding opportunities on the hidden market, and to your next position.
    Importantly, in order to know how to proceed, clarify if he/she will make the referral, or if you will simply use the name of your contact in contacting the referral.

Target Question 3: Are you aware of any good professional associations or groups that you have benefited from participating in and that I should attend?
Professional associations provide a wealth of opportunities to a job seeker.  You meet people in companies in your profession with whom you can schedule meetings, or contact for information.  Give them a call the next day, and they’ll take your call.

You hear the “who’s who's” of your industry, the association meeting speakers, present topics that are relevant and timely to your profession, giving you additional information to discuss in interviews.

Target Question 4: Have you worked with any “headhunters” (executive search firms) or employment agencies that you found particularly effective?
While no one but you can or should be responsible for managing your career and your job search, headhunters are another avenue to employment.  Finding 1 or 2 who you can work with is simply taking advantage of another avenue to employment.

Caution: Don’t rely solely on the use of an executive search firm - headhunter - or employment agency to “find you your next position.”  However, the use of a firm to also identify opportunities, in addition to those you generate,  is a good strategy.

To Sum it All Up
Asking questions that draw your networking contact out, encouraging them to share information and refer you to others, will yield returns in leads to opportunities, and lead you to the door of your next position! 

For additional information on marketing yourself and your capabilities, please refer to the many articles found under the Articles tabs of the AJC–Career Strategy website.
 ____________________________________________________________________________

nancy@ajcglobal.com              www.ajcglobal.com             AJC - for Your Career Path

  Linked In:  www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-c-gober/6/14b/965        

Twitter:  @AfterJobClub

Networking Meetings Generate Interviews

Networking can lead to interviews.  Getting comfortable with networking can generate the kind of meetings and conversations in which you uncover leads to your next position or to enhance the one you already have!

Why networking?  Through networking, you can often identify needs before they turn into openings, and openings before they are announced on the Open Market. With networking, you can get a jump on the competition!

In fact, networking meetings are actually "interviews" of a sort.  They are informal conversations / discussions that could lead you to your next job as you discuss your capabilities and demonstrate how you could benefit a potential employer.  Isn't that all an interview is anyway? 

So, set a goal to schedule networking meetings.  This does not mean sending an impersonal, cursory e-mail, or leaving a voice mail message with only your name and phone number.   It means setting up meaningful meetings, phone calls, or e-mails that offer information about your capabilities as well as needs you can fulfill for a prospective employer and the benefits you can provide. 

Set a goal:  So, schedule networking meetings.  Set a goal of at least one networking meeting a day.   You’ll be surprised by the number of new people you meet, business connections you make, and needs and potential jobs you discover.
For additional information on marketing yourself and your capabilities, please refer to the many articles found under the Articles tabs of the AJC–Career Strategy website.
 ____________________________________________________________________________

nancy@ajcglobal.com              www.ajcglobal.com             AJC - for Your Career Path

  Linked In:  www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-c-gober/6/14b/965        

Twitter:  @AfterJobClub