Joyce Richman: Find out what you want, then network
Joyce Richman: Find out what you want, then network
If you want a job that you can stick with and will stick with you, then figure out what you like to do, what you are good at doing and how that benefits your employer.
If you can improve a business’ profitability by driving its top line or protecting its bottom line, you add value. If you add value, accountability and continuity, you’re worth hiring and keeping.
If you want to enjoy where you work, figure out what’s important to you. If it’s all about salary, then focus on advancement opportunities in careers that combine risk and reward. If it’s all about the people you work for and with, make it about relationships and community.
Whatever your priority, you have to network.
Talk with people you know and people with whom you share a common interest and tell them about your job search. Describe what you want, why you want it and how you make a difference when you do it. Keep it simple, easy to understand and easy to remember, but always ask the key question: “Who do you know who shares my interests or does what I do?” When you’re given a name or two, follow up with: “Tell me about them,” and “Do you think they’d be willing to talk to me about my search?” If you’ve described yourself well and with confidence, you’re likely to get a “yes.” If you’ve been murky, clumsy or ambivalent, you’re likely to get an equally uncomfortable “no.”
When you get that “yes,” and the person’s contact information, ask your “connector” if she’d be willing to give the person a heads-up about your call. If you get another “yes,” get on the case as soon as you get the green light. Make that call, set up an appointment with the contact and continue the conversation by repeating the same description of what you do, why you do it and how you make a difference. Be up front that you are looking to advance your career (whether employed or unemployed) and want to connect with people who share your interests and might know about job opportunities.
If you want to enhance your job search and add value in the process, try volunteering. It’s not only good for the people you help, it’s good for you. It connects you to a community of like-minded people who support each other by sharing a common desire to make a difference. Let the people where you volunteer know about your search and the kinds of positions you’re interested in. Let them know you are open to their ideas and suggestions (be sure that you are) and follow up on them, proving that you are good to your word. The best networking contacts are those with whom you share common interests and values, and to whom you can demonstrate that you are as skilled as you are trustworthy.
Joyce Richman is a speaker and career coach conducting seminars and workshops throughout the United States, and the author of “Roads, Routes & Ruts: A Guidebook for Career Success.” You can reach her at 288-1799 or JERichman@aol.com. Watch Richman’s latest career advice Wednesdays at 6:35 a.m. during “The Good Morning Show” on WFMY News 2. You can find this and past columns online by visiting www.TriadCareers.com/whois/joyce_richman.
