With more and more people facing the reality of unemployment, networking has never been more important. And while many people may think that one of the most awkward situations for a person to be in is to be unemployed and networking, those who are out there networking - and networking right -- definitely have a much stronger advantage in today's competitive job market. As someone who has spent the past 25 years helping people advance their careers through networking, some of my best networking success stories have come from helping some of my unemployed networking contacts find new jobs. Why? Well, not only do I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment in helping to connect the right people to the right jobs, but -- almost always -- the people that I help network for jobs are people who have consistently gone on to either refer me to their new company for business or to put me in touch with others they know Network Now: Just because you don't have employment now, doesn't mean that all the people you've "collected" over the years suddenly vanish.
Think about connecting with people from other places where you've worked, people whom you've worked with, your church/synagogue, your children's contacts, your spouse's contacts. Just because you are out of work doesn't mean you have to be out of the loop and out of touch with others. In fact, so often people who are out of work tend to focus on their need to get a job, that they can't seem to see beyond that and miss out on some great opportunities to make some new connections that can help them in the future. Connecting with people from the past is a great way to connect with people who just may be able to shape your future. Thanks to social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, you can look up former colleagues and re-introduce yourself to them. In addition, read your alumni publications closely and take note of former classmates and friends you've lost touch with who may be in your field (or who may be good overall contacts.)
Don't be shy about letting them know you are out of work, because chances are, if they can't help you directly, they know someone in their business circle who can. There's no stigma to being unemployed these days, so there should be no shame in letting everyone you know that you are seeking a job - from fellow parents on the PTA to the barista at your local coffee shop. When spreading the word, be specific about what you're looking for -- instead of saying "I'm looking for a job in sales," say, "I am looking for a job in Internet advertising sales." Use Free Time Wisely It's a proven fact that the best jobs are ones that come from insider knowledge and direct referrals, not from newspaper classified ads. So motivate yourself to go to events, outings, meetings -- realizing that you don't want to be "out of the loop" in terms of connections and contacts, because once you do land a position, you don't want to have to explain to other professionals where you have been for the last few months.
Effective Networking Tips for Job-Seekers
* Create - and use - a great "elevator pitch" to remind everyone you know about what you do.
* Attend any and all networking meetings that you can... and ask the group leader if you can make a very short, brief announcement at the start of the meeting that you are currently looking for job opportunities
*Utilize your free time to identify people within the industry you want to work in, and request a twenty minute meeting with them. You'll be surprised at the positive responses, However, don't use this meeting as a way to "sell yourself" or try to land a job -- instead, use it to garner information about the industry and your potential fit... and to make a valuable new networking contact.
* Use today's technology to connect with anyone and everyone you can - use sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media resources to let people know you're looking for a job... and re-discover past valuable contacts through the power of technology.
* Finally, while you are unemployed, it's always a good idea to sign up for volunteer work - all of your free time should not be devoted to your job hunt. You never know; by reaching out to help others, you may just connect with someone who can help you find a new job.
There is no shame in being unemployed. So inform everyone you come into contact with that you are seeking a job, and be very clear and specific about what you are looking for. And remember, networking works... so let it work for you. And before you know it, you'll be on the path to new work... gaining not only a great new job, but a whole list of great new contacts that you'll keep with you as you continue on your career path.
