Don’t overdo your networking, says Kim Thompson of Career Rescue. Don’t think of networking as a numbers game – i.e., attend as many events as possible. You can read the full article here.
Her advice rings true. For instance, networking isn’t just about attending events. It’s about creating meaningful connections so you can build relationships. “Often,” she says, “the good job opportunity comes along when you’re simply having a conversation, with no formal agenda.”
I’ve experienced these results with my own clients. I advise my clients to tell everyone they know about their job search. One client was active in her synagogue. She was surprised to get a referral from someone she knew there, ultimately leading to a job she loved.
Thompson urges networkers to “avoid being pulled into every event just to meet people.” She warns that your energy will be drained if you just keep meeting one person after another. When you meet people in your field, you will feel energized and motivated – if, of course, your field is a good match for your talents and temperament.
What I would add is …
Networking for a job search differs from networking for career change. We can contrast the difference by asking, “How do you look at houses when you’re trying to decide whether to move to a new city? And how does this process differ when you know exactly where you want to live and you want to find the perfect home?”
When you’re exploring a city, a good real estate agent or friend will show you all the neighborhoods in town. After you’ve decided to move and you know more about your own lifestyle, you’ll narrow down your search. Your agent then shows you just half a dozen houses in one or two neighborhoods … and you’re in.
Therefore, when you network for a specific job, keep the numbers down. Choose very focused places. Tell everyone you know: “I’m looking for a job in communications software as a systems developer. That means I am a …”
But if you’re changing careers, I’d do the opposite. Go to LOTS of professional meetings. Avoid telling casual friends and family members; they’ll just be confused and they will probably try to advise you. At this point, you don’t want advice: you want information.
For more information on job search, visit https://midlifecareerstrategy.com/searchbk.html
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