Career Pathway #167:
Got a Network?
Kate Kriynovich
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 The subject of networking has come up several times in recent
coaching conversations with my clients, and although I've previously written
about the topic, I want to once again bring it to the forefront. This is likely
the single most important tool in career development and job search. A good
resume is a must have, but who is going to make sure it gets to the decision
makers within the organizations you are targeting? Sending it by email, fax, or
postal mail to the Human Resources department, without someone to act as your
personal ambassador, leaves a lot to chance.
Some folks are lucky enough to find proactive recruiters in staffing agencies
who take it upon themselves to sell you to organizations where they may have
established contacts. But even so, that may not be as good as an internal or
collegial connection. And actually, it can be difficult to find the right
recruiter or one that is interested in spending much time on selling your wares.
So that leaves you and your network to poke around talking with professionals
and management in order to locate appropriate and promising leads.
Rest assured that the majority of professional positions are landed through
personal contacts by working one's network. Given that reality, your most
productive job search hours are likely spent calling those you know, sharing
your current job search or career progression goals with them, and following up
with any contact names they offer you.
Of course it's good to have a planned approach to your phone calls or meetings,
so that both your time as well as that of your contact is productively and
efficiently spent. Plan for some specific questions about particular industries,
companies, and/or jobs. Find out how to best approach an individual or
organization, what they might be looking for in terms of skills and background,
who the organization's competition may be, and how you can best leverage your
experience to meet their needs. And, always ask for the names of other people
they may know and would recommend for you to contact.
Don't despair if you haven't kept in touch with some of your past co-workers,
supervisors, or other colleagues. My experience and that of my clients' has been
very positive in reconnecting with past acquaintances. What have you got to
lose? If they don't have the time to speak or meet with you, don't take it
personally; their schedule may be such that they can't give the time right then.
The vast majority will not only be sincerely happy to help, but glad to have the
opportunity to catch up with you. You may find that you have some information or
something helpful to share with them, too.
Coaching Inquiries: What friends, relatives, neighbors, or colleagues would you
list as potential people for your networking? Will you be running into them at
any scheduled events, or is it best to schedule some additional time to call
them? What specific goals can you define for each of those contacts? Are there
some people whom you are more comfortable calling, so that you can build your
confidence and prepare for the less familiar or higher level conversations? How
much time are you willing to commit to this activity on a regular basis?
 To
reply to this Pathway, use our Feedback Form. To learn more about how a LifeTrek
coach can support and guide you in your career development process, please
Email Kate
or use our Contact Form to schedule a complimentary coaching session that will help move you
forward.
May you be filled with goodness, peace, and joy.
Kate Kriynovich (Kate@LifeTrekCoaching.com)
LifeTrek Coaching International
Columbus, OH
U.S.A.
Telephone: 614-488-4659
Fax: 240-465-5848
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