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Effective Networking Calls for Commitment

In any discussion on job search strategies, the issue of assertiveness is a recurring theme. It seems that the older the individual, the greater the concern about "putting people off" by being too assertive or aggressive. In my view, this is often just an excuse for a more laid-back approach to the job search, an approach that is highly misguided.

By JUDIT PRICE
Sun Correspondent
Lowell Sun

I am well aware that moving from job to job in a world now long gone was far easier. Especially in this region, we have seen industries literally fell apart, we witness the growth of new industries offering new opportunities for growth and prosperity. This community has been through difficult times and prosperous times, but in the past, the difficult times were only a prelude to the next big wave.

The reason I am dwelling on this is that one of the most fruitful opportunities for finding the right job is by networking. And networking requires aggressiveness. Most job openings (some claim as many as 80 percent) are unadvertised, never showing up on a job board and never appearing in the want ads. So how do you find these career gems? You uncover them by networking.

A fundamental mistake many job seekers make is not appreciating the potent opportunity presented by doing a thorough job defining what you do, defining what you do best and promoting yourself aggressively.

We network for three reasons. The first is to gather information, the second to create connections and the third to solicit sponsorships. Gathering information is the easiest, but effective gathering requires solid preparation.

The point is the amount of "wheel spinning" can be significant. You want to reduce that as much as possible, while increasing the chances your efforts can deliver the next step, creating those useful connections. Remember, creating effective connections successfully means don´t ask people for what you want, but rather ask people to help you look for what you want.

People want to help. Perhaps the reason is so many of us (including myself) have all been in the same boat at one time or another. Whatever the reason, when you uncover these gems, it is not that difficult to gather the important parameters of the job and some contact information. Even if the contact isn't a hiring manager, the door is now open to find the right person.

The third component, sponsorship is the most difficult to establish. Friends and relatives can be helpful, but most, meaningful sponsorships come from strangers. So how do you solicit sponsorship from people with whom you have no relationship? Well, create one.

Help with programming, making arrangement, working on membership or other activities. The fact is most organizations survive through the efforts of a handful of dedicated people. These groups are always looking for help and appreciate genuine contributions.

As you become more active, and your contributions become visible, you can build sponsorships with people who appreciate your help in identifying leads, adding value to a group they value, or supplying useful information.

The fact is networking is reconnecting in ways you probably haven't done in a long time, relating to the needs of others and seeking reciprocation by helping and incurring some obligation. The challenge is to reconnect with people and organizations with whom you have an affinity in order to establish meaningful associations. Those associations must be effective in ways that enable you to relate to their needs and establish incentives for them to relate to yours.

And how do you do that? Reciprocity means creating workable mutual relationships that have some value for both parties. It means listening to the needs of others, making an honest effort to help and finally doing whatever you need to do to make yourself available and valuable.

Judit Price is a masters-level career guidance counselor, certified career master, international job transition coach, and a career development facilitator. She is also a principal at Berke and Price Associates, Skills for Career Services, in Chelmsford.

For further Information email: Judit Price or call: 978-256-0482