ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2008 > December > 17
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Network to the top in a tough job market
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Many in the metro Atlanta area have lost their jobs this year. More layoffs are expected next year. Here’s some helpful advice from e-resume.net expert Chandra Fox:
It is important to network throughout our careers and we all say we do it, but keeping in touch is the hard part. When one loses their job, they tend to want to dive into networking. How can you reconnect with old connections if it has been years or months without seeming desperate or like you are using the old friends only to find a new job? So how should you get started?
Reconnect Build your networking pool by joining Social Networking groups. LinkedIn, for example will allow you to contact previous co-workers at each place you’ve worked that are in the LinkedIn database. You can also connect with alumni from your alma mater. Add your resume and then you will be able to access a list of people from the same office with the same company. It can be very useful. While Facebook is more of a mix of socializing than strictly job networking, it can’t hurt to update your Facebook contacts about your job search. In addition to online networking services, call old pals from previous jobs or drop them an e-mail to check in with them. It will give you an idea of the jobs they have and help you get started in finding your next position. Building a strong foundation for networking and reconnecting with co-workers and industry professionals is very important.
Make it Personal Talk to current friends at your current or most recent place of employment. A dozen sets of eyes are better than flying solo in this market. See what these co-workers are doing and see how you can potentially gain interviews or contacts through these affiliations. What if you learn one of your old buddies is with a new company who is hiring 50 people in 30 days? That is good information to have and will better your chances with any career moves you are looking to make.
Be Informed Join your industry’s organizations to keep a close eye on any changes. Visit the Internet Public Library to find organizations than can be a benefit. You can then keep an eye on industry trends and business nuances and see the changes involving key players within your industry. Maybe become active in your local Chamber of Commerce, volunteer and stay informed in regard to local changes and any news to keep an eye on changes within your community that will be beneficial. This will keep you ahead of the masses.
So you can either be frozen when losing your job and make little to no progress in regard to your career or you can stay proactive and ride out the change with more confidence and information, less isolation and a better attitude.
Please share what you have tried in regard to networking. How did it work out?
