Networking Takes Work - But It Will Pay Off
M.B. OWENS
Seattle Post-Intelligencer - December 6, 2004

AN IMPORTANT ASPECT of a successful job search is networking. To be successful in your networking campaign you need to have and develop contacts that can lead to employment opportunities and eventually a job you truly want.

If you have not developed these contacts while in school or in your previous job, you must now put forth the effort and time necessary to make this a reality.

Developing a network through contacts is not about keeping data or improving computer skills. It is about using interpersonal relationships to accomplish your goal.

Like a salesperson, you are prospecting for leads. You will need to follow a similar approach as they do to land a sale.

The following are different approaches you can take to develop the right contacts.

Write down the names of all your friends, acquaintances (including business) and relatives who are in positions to know key contacts for potential jobs or actual employment opportunities. Call, e-mail or go to social gatherings where these individuals will be and let them know of your search. If they express interest in helping you, make sure you follow-up within the next week or two. In some situations they may be able to make introductions to key contacts. In other situations they may give you key names or at the very least employers that may be looking for employees with your expertise.

Now it is up to you to write, e-mail or call the contacts and let them know of your interests. Also be prepared to meet the contacts you are formally introduced to by your friends or family. Have an appropriate well-written resume available and be able to give an oral overview or your qualifications and skills.

To expand beyond your initial contacts requires going to social events and targeting key people.

Identify events where employer-related contacts should be present. Chamber of Commerce business-after-hours meetings, charity events and other social gatherings may have contacts or interest. When attending these events, be outgoing and friendly. Have a card with your contact information available to be passed out to the right people.

Be prepared to have job opportunities presented to you that you have no interest in following up. Always be polite even if you have no interest. These contacts can still help you meet others.

Identify companies you are interested in working for. Take the time to find key contact names in the departments that can use your qualifications. Now call, e-mail or write letters including your resume. Even though these key people may not be able to use you, they may know of others who can use your expertise.

Talk with the assistants or secretaries of these key contacts. These individuals may be more accessible and can still provide important information on what opportunities are available or what jobs may be coming up in the future. Keep in contact over time. Check with them every month or six weeks.

If you decide to improve your skills by taking a class on the latest subject of interest, use the opportunity to make contacts. Many of these people may know of jobs where they work. Those not working may find jobs in the future and may tip you to openings where they are employed.

Developing contacts can be time consuming and at times frustrating. However, in the long run the process can lead to a great career.

(C) 2004 Seattle Post-Intelligencer. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved
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Connecticut Staffing Services - temp jobs, employment, resumes, staffing
Connecticut Staffing Services - temp jobs, employment, resumes, staffing
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Jobfind; Get Your Words' Worth; Good Writing Vital in Business World
ANITA BRUZZESE (SPECIAL TO THE HERALD)
Boston Herald - November 29, 2004
Nathaniel Hawthorne seemed to be speaking for today's working masses when he said, "Easy reading is damned hard writing."

Just ask Deborah Dumaine, a writing guru for thousands of employees who find themselves unable to climb the career ladder because they keep tripping over the written word.

Dumaine, founder and president of Better Communications Inc. in Lexington, said writing well seems to stump everyone at every level of an organization, no matter the education or experience.

"In the workplace, writing is not just good sentences and paragraphs. It's making things happen. It's getting someone to take action," Dumaine said.

That means that if you write a 500-word e-mail, and the reader has absolutely no idea what the e-mail is about, then you can bet the reader won't do anything more than hit the "delete" button, or file it away. Either way, you've wasted your efforts.

The key, says Dumaine, is following some simple rules when writing anything, and that includes reports, e-mails, letters and proposals.

"Many of those we teach are those in midlevel management for big companies. We tell them that the minute they get one promotion they must show they can write well or they're not going to go up the next level," she says.


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