Networking for work?

Networking Your Way to Your Next Best Job

By Wade Meyer

When I am at networking events, I cringe when I hear, “My name is … and I am seeking my next opportunity.” I look around the room. Few people if anyone are fooled by this language. You’re looking for a job. Networking can be an excellent tool in job-seeking though. Just showing up at networking events to cruise the crowd to see who is hiring is not the best use of your time. If you want to do that, have a stack of professionally-prepared resumes in hand and visit selected job fairs. What is really meant by networking for your next best job?

 

Simply put – volunteer! Whether or not you are volunteering with a tax prep service because you want to work with an accounting firm, or at a free legal clinic because you want to be a legal assistant, or you want…well, you get the picture. If you are a human resources specialist, join a group like HRACO and show people what you can do. A lot of people tell me what they can do. Talk only gets so far. Show me what you can do. This isn’t limited to just people seeking new opportunities. If you are currently in a job but thinking about making a change, identify a few hours a week and volunteer where people who are currently in the field can see the quality of your work and the high level of your professionalism. How do you network your way to a better job? Use some of your networking time with your future peers.