By Andrew Beccue
The current unemployment rate is hovering just south of 10%. This is major cause for concern as people throughout the country are looking for jobs. Many people are no longer worried about finding the right “career” and just want a job, any job.
Networking is one of the most powerful assets when seeking a job. Gone are the days of Chamber of Commerce events producing job leads. This is the digital age and a fresh network of opportunities exists on the Internet. Developing leads online can be a simple process when the right avenues are explored.
Consider turning to your social network for assistance, in essence empowering other people to help you find a job. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn should be visited often, updated and monitored. You never know when people are looking at you and your profile, so be sure to remain active and appropriate. You might be surprised at the number of jobs that are secured across these platforms as employers realize creativity from job seekers can be a sign of good things. Seek out those people who are industry leaders in your prospective field and/or decision makers in a company you’re applying with.
Finding new leads and exploring them will require time and dedication. Expanding your network and sphere of influence is crucial to landing that job you seek. Visibility and availability are key to catching people’s eye. A few tips to explore:
• Friends – reach out to friends and ask them to reach out to their friends on your behalf.
• Co-workers – don’t be afraid to reach out to your colleagues from your past job(s) as they may know of new positions available and can vouch for your performance.
• Suppliers or customers – you’ve worked with them and helped their business succeed, why not reach out to them for connections within their company and/or industry?
• Consultants – as many businesses seek to cut costs, and therefore eliminate employees, they may outsource a certain portion of their workforce. Reaching out to consultants to see if they have (or know of) openings could provide a short-term solution to your job search.
• Recruiters – companies looking to hire employees may retain a recruiting firm to assist with their search. Reaching out to a recruiter could provide useful as they certainly know of the career opportunities out there.
Remember also that you’re not the only person looking for a job; when someone helps you land a lead or secure an interview, be sure to reciprocate. Always be willing to give at least as much as you take in the way of information, introductions and referrals. It’ll pay off in the long run. Furthermore, don’t wear out the welcome mat by calling too much on the same people. This is why expanding your network is vitally important to success. The longer you’re out of work, the more complacent you may become; avoid the temptation to just keep beating on the same doors. This should not be confused, however, with the practice of checking back in with contacts to see if something new has developed.
Your professional references should be part of that same network. Ask them to introduce you to some people in their network as they will likely be viewed as key business leaders in your area or industry.
Contact your local business development center and watch the news for start-ups. These companies may not offer much in the beginning but could be great launching pads to your next career. Be willing to work part time and showcase your vast array of skills to them. With that in mind, be sure to take a fresh look at your skills. Things change quickly in today’s economy. Make sure your skills are cutting-edge. Research career enhancement opportunities in your industry through associations or training organizations to boost your resume even further.
When you stay on top of your game, people will notice. Update your elevator pitch often, step out of your comfort zone by attending new events in new locations and remain focused.
About Andrew Beccue
Andrew is the Vice President of Defense Placements, a defense, aerospace and homeland security recruitment firm. Andrew has completed numerous domestic and international searches up to the highest levels, including President and COO. He also holds the status of Certified Senior Account Manager (CSAM), a distinction held by less than 10% of recruiters.
