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By: Dale G. Klein, M.A.,
Corporate Communication & Speech Specialist
www.profitablespeech.com
Many of us are feeling swept up in the current state of our economy either firsthand or due to the
never-ending media blitz. Certainly I’m affected as well, but then I had an epiphany of sorts…why
not take a different perspective, a positive one. So now let’s look at the 9 letters of this word and
transform them into useful tips.
R= Research Opportunities: Whether you still have your job or not, it’s always beneficial to
look around and find out what other options exist…just in case. If you’re still employed, you can
even look within your own company but maybe in a different department or if you’re willing to
relocate maybe transferring to another location within your company is an option. If you’ve lost
your job or know that it’s imminent, your research should include conventional as well as less
conventional approaches. Be sure to include social networking sites. Another useful site is
jibberjobber.com where you can not only network but also track your job search efforts.
E= Expand Your Skills: As you conduct your research you may learn that some of your skills
are not advanced enough or perhaps need updating. That means that this is the ideal time to
get going and either go back to school, take an online course, pursue self-study or whatever it
takes to hone your skill set. Even if you can’t complete your studies prior to applying for a job, it
will be well worth your while to show that you’re making the effort.
C= Communicate Confidently: It’s natural to feel insecure when your professional life is
uncertain. However, if you fall into a pattern of letting this seep into your communication, you’re
doing yourself a huge disservice. Like I mentioned earlier, there’s no shortage of hearing about
“gloom and doom,” so be sure not to add to it. Instead, concentrate on communicating about
what you can do to help a prospective employer by saving money, making money or improving in
some way. Practice saying this out loud; do you sound confident?
E= Exceed Expectations: If you still have your job but think your time may be limited, I would
advise doing everything you can to “go the extra mile.” It’s tempting to want to slack off when
things get tough and it may take more effort to perform your job during these times…but if you
show up a little earlier or stay later, you’ll exceed expectations and that may extend your stay or
position you to move to another department where help is needed. Strive to be at the top of your
game.
S= Seek Guidance: Some of us are pretty good at asking for help or advice but others may feel
awkward about doing so. During times of adversity it makes good sense to seek out a mentor or
anyone you feel could assist you. Most people want to help but they can’t read your mind.
Figure how what you need to know and then go out and get the answers. Although you may feel
alone…you’re not!
S= Stay Focused: As you walk through these steps, be sure to write things down. In other
words formulate a “road map” for yourself with specific goals & objectives and corresponding
dates. This keeps you on track and helps you monitor your progress. I often tell my clients to
eliminate doubt; map it out!
I= Initiate Informational Interviews: Checking want ads or job postings is always an option but
don’t limit yourself to this route. It’s quite common to learn that jobs exist that aren’t even
advertised. So how do you uncover them…by pursuing informational interviews. As you conduct
your research and network, you’ll determine industries and employers that appeal to you. Your
next step is to call or write and request an informational interview to learn more about the
company, their goals and needs. Of course you’ll need to be prepared with your list of key
questions as well as what skills you bring to the table.
O=Offer Assistance: This is about thinking out of the box or thinking out of your role. Where
else can you offer to help? Is there a project at work where you’re not currently involved or even
an organization where you could volunteer some time? When you open up new doors new
opportunities may present themselves.
N=Never Give Up: Remember that you are your best asset; even if you’ve lost your job or it’s
at risk, no one can take away your great ideas, your skills and your experience. Now more than
ever is the time to learn how to “sell yourself” because when you do, that’s when others want to
buy.
By Dr. Tom Denham www.CareersInTransitionLLC.com
Many people use the classified ads as their sole job search technique. Unfortunately,
statistics show that only 10% to 20% of jobs are ever published, which means that 80% to
90% of jobs remain hidden in the job market. For this reason, networking remains the
number one job search strategy.
Eight Keys to Networking:
1. Be Prepared, First, define what information you need and what you are trying to
accomplish by networking. Remember, your purpose in networking is to get to know
people who can provide information regarding careers and leads. Some of the many
benefits of networking include increased visibility within your field, propelling your
professional development, finding suitable mentors, increasing your chances of
promotion and perhaps finding your next job.
2. Know yourself, your education, experience and skills. Practice a concise, one-minute
presentation of yourself so that people will know the kinds of areas in which you are
interested. Your networking meeting should include the following elements: introduction,
self-overview, Q&A, obtaining referrals and closing.
3. Be Targeted, Identify your network. For some, “I don't have a network. I don't know
anyone,” may be your first reaction. You can start by listing everyone you know who are
potential prospects: family members, friends, faculty, neighbors, classmates, alumni,
bosses,co-workers and community associates. Attend meetings of organizations in your
field of interest and get involved. You never know where you are going to meet someone
who could lead you to your next job.
4. Be Professional, Ask your networking prospects for advice, not for a job. Your
networking meetings should be a source of career information, advice and contacts. Start
off the encounter with a firm handshake, eye contact and a warm smile. Focus on asking
for one thing at a time. Your contacts expect you to represent yourself with your best
foot forward.
5. Be Patient, Heena Noorani, research analyst with New York-based Thomson
Financial, recommends avoiding the feeling of discouragement if networking does not
provide immediate results or instant answers. She advises, “Be prepared for a slow down
after you get started.Stay politely persistent with your leads and build momentum.
Networking is like gardening: You do not plant the seed, then quickly harvest. Networking
requires cultivation that takes time and effort for the process to pay off.”
6. Be Focused on Quality, Not Quantity, In a large group setting, circulate and
meet people,but don't try to talk to everyone. It's better to have a few meaningful
conversations than 50 hasty introductions. Don't cling to people you already know;
you're unlikely to build new contacts that way. If you are at a reception, be sure to wear a
nametag and collect or exchange business cards so you can later contact the people
you meet.
7. Be Referral-Centered, The person you are networking with may not have a job
opening,but he or she may know someone who is hiring. The key is to exchange
information and then expand your network by obtaining additional referrals each time
you meet someone new. Be sure to mention the person who referred you.
8. Be Proactive, Stay organized and track your networking meetings. Keep a list of
your contacts and update it frequently with the names of any leads given to you. Send a
thank-you note or email if appropriate. Ask if you can follow-up the conversation with a
phone call, or even better, with a more in-depth meeting in the near future.
Be Dedicated to Networking. Most importantly, networking should be ongoing. You
will want to stay in touch with contacts over the long haul, not just when you need
something. Make networking part of your long-term career plan.
Questions to Ask During Networking
What do you like most (least) about your work?
Can you describe a typical workday or week?
What type of education and experience do you need to remain successful in this
field?
What are the future career opportunities in this field?
What are the challenges in balancing work and personal life?
Why do people enter/leave this field or company?
Which companies have the best track record for promoting minorities?
What advice would you give to someone trying to break into this field?
With whom would you recommend I speak? When I call, may I use your name?
Dos & Don'ts of Networking
Do keep one hand free from a briefcase or purse so you can shake hands when necessary.
Do bring copies of your resume.
Don't tell them your life story; you are dealing with busy people, so get right to the point.
Don't be shy or afraid to ask for what you need.
Don't pass up opportunities to network.
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