One of the reasons my job search was miserable was because I was networking wrong.
I didn’t know how to network right.
A pivotal point in my job search was when I devoured the book Never Eat Alone, by Keith Ferrazzi. My eyes were opened, and I changed how I networked, and everything else changed.
Perhaps best of all, I was finally enjoying my job search.
Are you networking well?
Whether you think you are or you think you are not, please check out the book Never Eat Alone.
While you are waiting for the book, check out this post: The 4 Do’s and Don’ts of Networking
I agree with about 90% of what Bruce Rowles says in his post.
Do’s:
In #1, I would say that in addition to (or even instead of) keeping in touch with industry leaders, you keep in touch with anyone in your industry or profession. You never know what position they or you will be in in a few months or years. Develop and nurture those relationships!
In #4, I do not agree with the 100%, and I don’t agree that you have to be in so many places (4 isn’t “so many,” but is sure can feel like a lot!!).
Don’ts:
In #1, I totally agree. Always be prepared to pay, even though you are the one who is unemployed.
In #2, definitely give. And always, always give a THANK YOU.
All 8 points are great and valid.
The key is to get away from the computer and work on human-to-human relationships. Ready, set, go! (that is, get away from the computer, call someone, go to lunch with someone, etc.!)
I dare you to try to network better, and see if your job search becomes more fun.
