Networking is typically thought of as something that a business person does in order to promote his or her business. You know the drill: attend meetings, hand out business cards and talk to everyone that you meet about your company and what it is that you are trying to sell.
One thing many people do not think about is the fact that networking can be applied to job hunting as well. Not only is networking great for finding new clients, but if you are on the hunt for an entirely new career, networking might be for you.
How, you ask? First, attend events that are focused on the area in which you want to work. Talk to people at these events and spread the word that you are job hunting. These events might include trade shows, conventions and seminars. Walk in with a resume ready, or, at the very least, a business card to pass out to prospective employers.
Secondly, spread the word among those that you talk to on a regular basis, including friends, relatives, former colleagues, those that attend the same kid related functions as you (PTA, soccer games, ballet class), your dentist and even the mailman. Think I’m kidding? Just consider how many other people talk to these same people and how quickly word can spread if you just happen to mention that you’ve been trying to find a job doing XYZ.
Thirdly, attend job fairs. While many people consider these events only for those that are graduating from college, job fairs can be an excellent resource in which to meet prospective employers, find out about job openings, learn about certain careers and meet a lot of contacts that can help you along your job finding journey. Take a long a stack of business cards to hand out and pen and paper on which you can write any potential contacts in the field of your choice.
Fourthly, keep your ears and eyes open. Just as networking for your company can be done anywhere that you happen to travel, so can networking for a potential job. While standing in line at the bank, at the bookstore, or at the grocery store you just might hear about a job opportunity. Listen to those around you and read every piece of media that you can get your hands on-newspapers, local free publications-that might list available jobs.
And finally, keep your mouth moving. No one will know that you are looking for a new job and that you possess the skill set in which to complete that new job unless you tell them. Don’t be shy. If you are trying to sell yourself for something, shyness will not help. Instead, be friendly, open and inquisitive, and let the world know how interested you would be to change careers. You just never know who might be listening!