Dec 22, 2008 1:16 pm US/Eastern
'Connections' Often Key To Finding New Work
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
The numbers are staggering. More than 10,000 jobs have been lost in Massachusetts since September. Many are people are now looking for work, many for the first time in years.
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Resource: Post your resume on Monster.com
Darren Shipp has a pretty common story these days. "My position was eliminated as part of an acquisition," he said. As a result, he found himself scrambling to find work. Instead of hitting the classifieds or the web, Darren turned to a job networking program offered at his church.
"By meeting people there, I was able to make acquaintances that led me to a recruiter." Those connections led Darren to a new job.
Resource: Job Searching in a Recession
Judith Hoppin, president of the National Career Development Association, says networking like that can have a real domino effect. "I think every job I ever had, except one, I've gotten because I knew somebody."
Hoppin says the first step to networking successfully is to reach out to everybody you know, including family, friends, and old co-workers. Also think about organizations such as churches, temples, and trade groups. "You contact them and say, 'Here's who I am, here are my skills, here is what I am looking at for employment, and do you know of anyone else who could help me?'"
Continue to call on those connections and don't get discouraged if you they don't call you back. "Keep in contact with those people in your network. Remind them occasionally that you're still looking, and what you are looking for."
Keep accurate records of who you have called, and keep contacts updated on any leads they passed on to you. If you find work, still keep up with the networking.
Resource: Resume Tuning Tips from Career Builder
Resource: Free Resume Review from Career Builder
Resource: Career Builder's Online Job Search Center
Darren is following that advice, and trying to help others that he meets. "I'm active and involved in working with these people. I truly believe there is a strong value in networking."
Here's another skill to develop: the elevator pitch. Think of how you would sell yourself if you have 30 seconds on an elevator with a potential employer. Practicing what you would say in a short period of time can really help you prioritize what makes you unique, and worth hiring.
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