The Importance of Networking For the Experienced Worker

You are 52 years old and you have just been informed that your job has been eliminated because the Company is downsizing. You’ve worked there for the last 14 years and have not considered changing jobs. Sometimes that decision gets made for us. What now? After you’ve finished dealing with the initial stress concerning your job loss and the uncertainty of your future, it’s time to begin to focus on finding that new job.  You’ll of course need to write resumes and cover letters that clearly demonstrate why you are a great candidate, but the experts will tell you that the most important activity during the job search process is to effectively network. What about agencies, newspapers and Internet job sites you may think, but the truth is that these resources are far less likely than your available network to find you that next job. Depending on whose numbers you want to believe, networking accounts for approximately 85% of new jobs acquired. OK if networking is your best strategy for your next job, let’s take a look how to network successfully. First, let’s list some of your networking avenues.

• Co-workers who have moved on to new companies.
• Vendors and clients you have worked with.
• Colleagues you have met at professional conferences.
• Companies that are competition to your most recent employer.
• Place of worship
• Alumni associations
• Linked-In or other social networking sites

These are just a sampling of your networking options, but a great place to start. A co-worker who knows your value as a team member or a customer who appreciated your support can also extend your network. As you explore your options with them, you may be given access to their networks. Most have been in the position you are now at some time during their careers and will be happy to spend a little time with you. Social networks can help expand your networking activities as well as help you to find individuals you cannot locate. They give you an opportunity to describe yourself to a community that may be seeking to find someone with your credentials. Browsing the internet and applying for jobs and waiting for the positive response that may never come, may satisfy your need to believe that you are putting in the time in your job search process, but if you want to greatly increase your probability of success, start networking!

Categories: Job Search Help, Getting Started, Networking, Strategies for Unemployed, Things You Need to Know