Networking Myths Versus Reality

Despite the demonstrated success of networking as a primary job search strategy, some people have a very hard time doing it. They recognize its value for other people but do not think that they have the personal characteristics to make it work. If you count yourself among the 'networking nervous,' you probably also think of yourself as a person who is shy, at least around people you do not know well. but you may also be under the influence of one or more false myths about networking.

Myth - Networking is only for extroverted backslappers.

Fact - People who are naturally outgoing may feel more comfortable with networking than their more reserved counterparts, but this does not necessarily mean that they are better at it. Introverts usually have valuable gifts that they can capitalize on -- the capacity to listen attentively, ask thoughtful questions and execute thorough follow-up. And networking gets easier once you take the plunge. Like other mentally and emotionally challenging tasks, it resembles the lift off of a rocket, It takes the most energy at the beginning -- making your first couple of telephone calls and setting out on your first meeting or two. As you gather momentum, it gets easier. Before every contact remind yourself that networking is the standard way of doing business and finding employment in the United States.

Myth - Only the desperate and minimally qualified have to network. People who are good have jobs or they can get them the "regular way" through online job boards and newspaper ads.

Fact - Nealy everybody has to look for employment at one time or another in their lives Many, through no fault of their own, go through the process several times. These veterans know that many of the best positions are not advertised and that highly qualified candidates put more of their energy into networking than scanning help wanted pages. Networking is the "regular way" of getting a job.

Myth - It is humiliating to go around begging people for a job.

Fact - It certainly is. But remember, the purpose of networking is not to beg. In fact, it is not even to ask for a job. You do not go to a networking meeting expecting to get a job. You go expecting to learn about a person, his or her company and the state of the profession in your new area.

Myth - Networkers impose on the people they contact.

Fact - The vast majority of people enjoy talking about their company and their work and are glad to lend a hand to a newcomer. Many people you speak with will have obtained their current positions through networking. At the same time, you will give them an opportunity to add to their network; there may be a time when you will be able to help them.

Myth - Networking is only for executives.

Fact - Networking works equally well for all occupations and both genders.

Myth - Networking is too time consuming.

Fact - Networking does take time and effort, but whether it takes too much time depends on how badly you want a job commensurate with your abilities. The more committed you are to your job search, the more committed people will be to helping you with it.

Number One Networking Tip

Networking, and job hunting itself are emotionally taxing, physically draining and occasionally discouraging. Therefore, do not try to go it alone. Talk to other people with whom you can share your victories and setbacks -- people who can sympathize, but can also keep you on track the days when you want to quit.

Networking can also be enjoyable and rewarding, especially when you keep it foremost in your mind that YOU have something to offer every person you speak with.

If you do not feel that you have something to offer the marketplace and the people you talk to, or if you are unclear on what it is that you have to offer, then you may need to do a little more work on self-assessment.

Throughout the networking process, your focus and emphasis should be not on your need for employment but on your competencies and on what you have to bring to an organization, company or employer.

The Hidden Job Market

One way of finding job openings is to read the help wanted ads or research on-line job banks; jobs can be found by responding to these openings. But, these job listings represent only a limited selection of the jobs available. Many desirable positions are not advertised and their existence is never known to the general public. These opportunities make up what is generally known as The Hidden Job Market. But, if such jobs are not publicized, how does anyone find out about them? Usually through networking. Even jobs that are advertised are often filled through networkers before or while the ad appears. As you identify potential jobs, before they are advertised, and are alerted to positions that will not be publicly available at all, you tap into The Hidden Job Market. Depending on the kind of work that you do, between 50% and 80% of the positions that interest you will be filled at the "hidden" level. These successful applicants, appear to be "insiders", "people in the know", who have "special" access. You may be wondering how these jobs are snatched up by people who are no better qualified than you. The answer is -- connections. People get these jobs by networking or being part of an already existing network.

5 Advantages of Focusing On A Specific Type Of Position In A Job Search

1. Serious job hunting is time consuming. An unemployed job seeker should put 30 to 40 hours a week into the effort. Ironically, people who are unfocused may put considerable energy into their search and thus feel as though they are doing everything they can. But their energy is dissipated in too many directions to be productive.

2. The more contacts you establish in your search, the more likely you will be to uncover a desirable position. Your concentration of contacts is like the application of pressure -- the greater the pressure, the more likely it is that something will happen. This likelihood is decreased if the pressure is diffused over several fields of specialties.

3. Here is another irony of job searching. The unexpected opportunity pops up mast frequently for those whose full energies are marshaled in a specific direction. Job seekers who do not concentrate on an objective rarely make a significant enough impression on anyone to attract unexpected possibilities.

4. Productive job searching requires us to present ourselves convincingly to prospective employers. These employers tend to be unimpressed by statements such as, "I do not care that much what kind of job I do" and, "I am willing to do anything." If we present ourselves in our written and oral communications with persuasive conviction and commitment, we need to fit who we are and what we have to offer with a set of recognizable skills and abilities.

5. To look at it from the other side of this coin, it is hard to be enthusiastic and remarkably well qualified for 10 to 15 different kinds of jobs.

Give Examples Not Adjectives

Many job seekers advertise themselves with adjectives such as "Highly Motivated", "Hardworking", etc. in resumes, cover letters and interviews. These adjectives by themselves do not hold much weight and will not be a selling point for an employer to hire you. Instead of just saying you are hardworking, for example, you need to give examples of how you have previously displayed that quality. Therefore, someone who is hardworking should mention a few situations where they put in overtime for important projects. Just saying you are "Highly Motivated" without any example will not do any trick and will most likely harm your chances. Today's employers can tell when someone is making a blanket statement that they can not back up with evidence. So, its not worth mentioning adjectives that you think the employer wants to hear if you do not back those statements up with examples.

Purpose

The goal of this blog is to provide job seekers and those seeking to advance their career with tips that will aid them, as well as to present the latest news about the job market. If you are currently looking to find a job, want to advance your career or just want to keep up to date on the job market then you should subscribe to this blog.