Job Networking

 

Job networking, whether you believe it or not, has been part of your career progress.  When you look back at how many jobs you have had in the past, you will probably notice that job networking, or networking with friends, family, business associates, was instrumental in most positions you accepted.  Job networking is just as, or more, important today.  So how does it work?

Job networking will fall into one of three categories:

Job Networking Category # 1 - EXPLORATION - You may be exploring your options in a particular job category or industry.  At this stage it would be important to pick two job titles and explore those two by setting up appointments with trusted leaders, business associates or acquaintances of friends and family.

When exploring, look at your talent and skill and do not forget to think about how that talent and skill can be used differently or in a different situation.  For example, this was the dilemma Jill was in.  She had been working in a factory for 25 years.  She knew how to meet deadlines, catch details and she was known for being punctual.  She also had great motor skills because of the handwork involved in her position.  Where could her skills fit outside of the factory environment?  When the factory closed and her job was eliminated, Jill remembered her dream, of owning her own house cleaning business.  Did her talent and skills fit?  Yes!  She knew how to meet a deadline and, more importantly, was great at catching details.  She started by looking at several targets, House Keeper, Hotel Maid, or another factory job.  Jill set out to find and talk with other individuals that had started up their own house cleaning business which lead her to the next phase – “validation”…

Job Networking Category # 2 – VALIDATION – While job networking, you may be in the job validation stage.  You may still be validating the field you want to go into and whether or not the job is a fit for your work patterns.  Empower yourself with the facts.  Do your research.  Seek out veterans in your field of exploration and do your research through them.  Test out a new market, if possible.  Jill met with other house keepers that started their own business and asked the difficult questions to validate if this was what she really wanted to do.  What is the down side of owning your own business?  What is the pay off and what is the worst experience these business owners had been through?  What did they wish they had known before starting their own business?

Another way to validate a career target is to volunteer or find temporary or seasonal work.  Consultants who start their own business have a wonderful opportunity to do the consulting work in the evening and on weekends to validate their skill and the market before they enter it.  Once the position and industry are validated, then we begin to position ourselves for the job.

Job Networking Category # 3 – POSITIONING – In positioning, you already know you have the qualifications for the position and it fits your work patterns and desire.  At this stage your job networking will be to obtain introductions to the decision makers.  There may or may not be a known opening.  You will be developing a relationship with that decision maker.  You should let them know that you are confident that your new role will emerge if you take enough initiative to connect with leaders who can recognize the strengths and industry knowledge you are set to contribute.  If anything, you can be a great resource for them.  If they have a need for other experts, regardless of whether or not you have obtained a position with them, introduce them to your resources. 

Remember when in any stage of job networking, always show enthusiasm for the job and the industry, communicate clearly the value you bring to the organization and connect personally with each contact.  You always want to make the right impression with any contact as you never know if they may become that next decision maker! 

As an additional resource, following are several organizations that can be useful when job networking.  While the following resources include many St. Louis and Missouri resources, you should be able to find those same resources where you live.  A quick search on the internet for the organization in your particular area should do the trick. 

AAIM Management Association
ABWA / American Business Women’s Association
ASTD / American Society for Training & Development
HBWE / Association of Home Based Women Entrepreneurs
AITP / Association of Information Technology Professionals
BBJ / Businesspersons Between Jobs
BNI / Business Network International
Career & Social Networking Sites
Chamber of Commerce - Affton
Chamber of Commerce- Chesterfield
Chamber of Commerce - Crestwood - Sunset Hills Area
Chamber of Commerce - Creve Coeur - Olivette
Chamber of Commerce - Fenton
Chamber of Commerce - Kirkwood - Des Peres
Chamber of Commerce - Maryland Heights
Chamber of Commerce - South County
CSPRC / Community Service Public Relations Council
Computer Consultants of St. Louis
Connect with St. Louis
eWomen Network
Encouraging Supporting & Promoting Women
FENG / Financial Executives Networking Group
FastTrac New Venture
HRMA / Human Resource Management Association
IMA / Institute of Management Accountants
ISPI St. Louis / International Society for Performance Improvement
IMC / Institute of Management Consultants "STL"
KDHX FM 88.1
Missouri Business Development Program
Missouri Venture Forum
NAWBO Greater St. Louis / National Assoc. of Women Business Owners
NHRA / National Human Resources Association
National Speakers Association of St Louis
Places 2Network
PMI / Project Management Institute
PRSA / Public Relations Society of America
River City Professionals
SBM / Small Business Monthly
SLPA / St. Louis Publishers Association
St. Louis Minority Business Council
St. Louis Organization Development Network
St. Louis Society of Woman Certified Accountants
St. Louis Graphic Arts & Communications Association
Strategic Business Network
The Great Game of Business
Yellow Tie