 |
Employment & Training Information |
 |
Calendar of Events |
 |
News In Print |
 |
Local Employers |
 |
Resource Centre |
 |
Résumé Storage |
|
Blog |
Work Your Network
Work Your Network
Do you remember those old television commercials for shampoo? The one where she told two friends and then they told two friends and then so on and so on? That’s kind of how networking can work for you. You tell two friends that you’re looking for work and then they tell two other friends and then so on and so on it goes until a wide network of people are aware that you’re looking for work. It’s always surprising where a contact or job lead may come from – usually a spot that you didn’t expect or back along that same network from someone that you don’t even know! It’s important that you understand the basics of networking so that you can use it properly to help you get back to work.
- Your network can include everyone that you know but it’s important to take the time to really think about who in your network might be able to help with your job search – make lists and plan your approach. Here are some potential people to start with: former co-workers, family, friends, sports team members, team coaches, business association members, church members, volunteer associates, neighbours and support agency staff.
- Networking can be a casual conversation at the hockey arena with other parents or an arranged information interview with an employer that you’d like to work with – any of these opportunities provide you with a chance to talk about your job search and what type of work you’re looking for – the hockey parent could also be an HR manager at a local firm, you just never know who might be able to help so network at every chance you get
- Practice makes perfect – if you feel uncomfortable with the idea of talking about yourself and your job search, practice with people that you do feel comfortable with. Practice with family members or friends – don’t create a canned speech but just learn to be relaxed with talking about yourself
- Never miss an opportunity – take the chance and when someone asks you how things are going – be honest and talk about your need for work, one person gained a valuable contact while talking to the person next to them in a grocery check out line!
- Make an effort to attend formal networking events – Small Business Club Niagara hosts an annul Business Card Exchange every November and the sole purpose is to get people to talk and network with each other. That’s just one example – watch your local newspapers for events in your area – some areas even hold speed networking events!
- Be ready to share your contact information – keep resumes handy either in the car or in your briefcase but make sure that they look professional and are not rolled up in a tube. If you don’t want to carry around your resume, consider making some business cards with your name and contact information included –they’re easier to carry around and look professional
- Stick with it – like every other part of job searching, sometimes everything goes well and sometimes it just doesn’t. Not every networking experience will be great but stick with it – each attempt will be better and it will pay off!