While watching a commercial on the television I saw a question and a link to successful job transitioning. The question is how to successfully change or find employment, and the link is the six degrees of separation theory.
Six degrees of separation is a theory that a chain of only six people connects everyone on the planet. The idea was advanced by Marconi (inventor of the wireless telegraph) and popularized in a 1990 movie of the same name. This theory, while founded in logic, is virtually impossible to disprove. If we are part of a chain of six connected to anyone else in the world, how difficult can it be to network into a job? How do we find the right six people? Or better yet, how do they find us? How do we do it?
The first step is to understand what networking is, what it is not, and what you are trying to accomplish by networking. Networking is not meeting with others under false pretenses. Networking is not about \\\\"begging\\\\" for a job or even asking for a job. Networking is about finding the opportunities (hidden jobs) before a company knows they have an opening or before an opening is widely known or advertised. Networking is the sharing of information, developing an interest and establishing a mutually beneficial relationship. You are gathering information about careers, opportunities, job leads, helpful hints concerning transferring skills to different industries, getting informed opinions, tapping into their expertise, etc. When you ask someone's opinion for a good auto mechanic or dentist, you are networking.
The best jobs are not advertised. You have the best chance of minimizing the competition by learning of, or being considered for, a job opening before it is public knowledge.
So how do you begin?
You must have a plan of attack and you must know yourself. Not having a plan is a lot like driving a car without a destination - you will eventually arrive someplace, but is it where you wanted to go? A big part of your plan is knowing what you want, identifying your transferable skills and identifying your target companies.
Make a list of everyone you know. Don't worry about whether they can help at this juncture. Don't forget to make a list of vendors, customers and peers with whom you have worked. They are all networking prospects. Once you develop this multiple page list, categorize the list into close business acquaintances, business acquaintances, personal friends, and casual relationships.
Develop a 30 to 60 second commercial. Know what you are going to say when calling your contacts. You must inform them about your situation in a positive way. Develop a script that includes briefly explaining what your situation is. For example, \\\\"You have probably heard by now that ABC Co. has been in the process of a major business reorganization. As the result of these changes, my department was downsized and I find myself in the job market\\\\".
Inform the person of your skills and accomplishments. \\\\"I have over fifteen years experience in ....with skills and accomplishments in the areas of....\\\\"
Inform your contact of your job or network target. \\\\" I've decided I would like to transfer these skills to the distribution and transportation area\\\\".
Ask for specific assistance. \\\\" Based on the research I've been doing, I've identified X, Y and Z companies as companies I'd like to learn more about. Option 1 - Do you know anyone who works at ...?\\\\" or Option 2 - \\\\" Since you are currently in the distribution area, I'd like to discuss the types of skills you believe are necessary for success.\\\\"
If you are networking telephonically try and set an appointment with your contact for further discussion. \\\\"I'll be in your area next week, how does your schedule look on Wednesday.\\\\"
Another networking channel is to volunteer with professional, community and other groups. This is a good way to get visibility and develop relationships. Accept volunteer positions that accent or highlight your skill sets. For example, if your background is in accounting, volunteer to help with bookkeeping/payroll/accounting related activities. If you are trying to change fields or careers, volunteer in your area of interest to gain that much sought after \\\\"experience\\\\".
Join the local chapters of professional organizations that serve your specialty. These organizations are \\\\"network friendly\\\\" and give you the opportunity to meet and greet decision-makers.
Networking takes time and practice. By networking constantly, you will eventually meet someone who will be interested in your skills and experience or refer you to someone that is. Expand your network by asking for information, and referrals. You may even be able to assist your contacts with their problems or challenges based on your expertise.
NEVER FORGET LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT IS A FULL TIME JOB
Vince Barrett, Principal of Quad City Career Counseling, Bettendorf, Iowa. Quad City Career Counseling provides a full range of career management services, counseling, coaching, and marketing.
Six degrees of separation is a theory that a chain of only six people connects everyone on the planet. The idea was advanced by Marconi (inventor of the wireless telegraph) and popularized in a 1990 movie of the same name. This theory, while founded in logic, is virtually impossible to disprove. If we are part of a chain of six connected to anyone else in the world, how difficult can it be to network into a job? How do we find the right six people? Or better yet, how do they find us? How do we do it?
The first step is to understand what networking is, what it is not, and what you are trying to accomplish by networking. Networking is not meeting with others under false pretenses. Networking is not about \\\\"begging\\\\" for a job or even asking for a job. Networking is about finding the opportunities (hidden jobs) before a company knows they have an opening or before an opening is widely known or advertised. Networking is the sharing of information, developing an interest and establishing a mutually beneficial relationship. You are gathering information about careers, opportunities, job leads, helpful hints concerning transferring skills to different industries, getting informed opinions, tapping into their expertise, etc. When you ask someone's opinion for a good auto mechanic or dentist, you are networking.
The best jobs are not advertised. You have the best chance of minimizing the competition by learning of, or being considered for, a job opening before it is public knowledge.
So how do you begin?
You must have a plan of attack and you must know yourself. Not having a plan is a lot like driving a car without a destination - you will eventually arrive someplace, but is it where you wanted to go? A big part of your plan is knowing what you want, identifying your transferable skills and identifying your target companies.
Make a list of everyone you know. Don't worry about whether they can help at this juncture. Don't forget to make a list of vendors, customers and peers with whom you have worked. They are all networking prospects. Once you develop this multiple page list, categorize the list into close business acquaintances, business acquaintances, personal friends, and casual relationships.
Develop a 30 to 60 second commercial. Know what you are going to say when calling your contacts. You must inform them about your situation in a positive way. Develop a script that includes briefly explaining what your situation is. For example, \\\\"You have probably heard by now that ABC Co. has been in the process of a major business reorganization. As the result of these changes, my department was downsized and I find myself in the job market\\\\".
Inform the person of your skills and accomplishments. \\\\"I have over fifteen years experience in ....with skills and accomplishments in the areas of....\\\\"
Inform your contact of your job or network target. \\\\" I've decided I would like to transfer these skills to the distribution and transportation area\\\\".
Ask for specific assistance. \\\\" Based on the research I've been doing, I've identified X, Y and Z companies as companies I'd like to learn more about. Option 1 - Do you know anyone who works at ...?\\\\" or Option 2 - \\\\" Since you are currently in the distribution area, I'd like to discuss the types of skills you believe are necessary for success.\\\\"
If you are networking telephonically try and set an appointment with your contact for further discussion. \\\\"I'll be in your area next week, how does your schedule look on Wednesday.\\\\"
Another networking channel is to volunteer with professional, community and other groups. This is a good way to get visibility and develop relationships. Accept volunteer positions that accent or highlight your skill sets. For example, if your background is in accounting, volunteer to help with bookkeeping/payroll/accounting related activities. If you are trying to change fields or careers, volunteer in your area of interest to gain that much sought after \\\\"experience\\\\".
Join the local chapters of professional organizations that serve your specialty. These organizations are \\\\"network friendly\\\\" and give you the opportunity to meet and greet decision-makers.
Networking takes time and practice. By networking constantly, you will eventually meet someone who will be interested in your skills and experience or refer you to someone that is. Expand your network by asking for information, and referrals. You may even be able to assist your contacts with their problems or challenges based on your expertise.
NEVER FORGET LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT IS A FULL TIME JOB
Vince Barrett, Principal of Quad City Career Counseling, Bettendorf, Iowa. Quad City Career Counseling provides a full range of career management services, counseling, coaching, and marketing.
