6 Links to Networking for Job Search - Its Not Who You Know, Its Who Knows You - CareerAlley

6 Links to Networking for Job Search - Its Not Who You Know, Its Who Knows You - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. It aint what you dont know that gets you into trouble. Its what you know for sure that just aint so. Mark Twain One of my friends has been spending a lot of time building his LinkedIn contacts. Hes been working for over 25 years and is in the 500+ club on LinkedIn. He is in the process of looking for a job and, like all good job searchers should, hes tried to leverage his[easyazon_link asin=1118380983 locale=US new_window=default nofollow=default tag=caree07-20 add_to_cart=default cloaking=default localization=default popups=no]network[/easyazon_link] big time. Whenever he applies for a position he checks his contacts for direct connections at that company and lets his contacts know. Similarly, if he gets an interview, he will try to leverage his contacts as well, going to 2 level (connected through someone you know) or even 3 level (connected through someone you know that knows someone and no, Im not kidding). For all of his work, this tactic does not really seem to help that much. What he has found very effective is leads from people who know his background and the work hes done. Now Im not suggesting that you ignore your contacts when interviewing or applying, but your greatest resource are those that know first hand what you are best at (so dont expect too much help from your grandmothers friend who happens to work at a company where youve applied). So where am I going with this? Read on. Categorize Your Network This may sound crazy at first, but think about it. Your network is most likely made up of friends, former coworkers, relatives, maybe an old girlfriend and who know who else. How many of your connections truly know the work youve done and your strengths? Whatever the number, these are your #1 network contacts and the group that is best positioned to help you land a new job. There are probably 10 different ways to categorize your networks, but I would suggest that the next tier in your categorization are those people who have worked with you, but not close enough to know your specific strengths. How do you categorize the rest? CATEGORIZING YOUR NETWORK FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT 36 Sources of Networking Contacts Know How To Use Your Network A few years ago, a guy I used to work with tried to leverage me in his quest to find a new job. I gave him a few leads and kept an eye open for opportunities. But this guy almost became a stalker. He would call me several times a week and send emails on a regular basis. It got to the point where he became too needy and he fell off of my let me try to help list. Leveraging your network is not as easy as letting everyone know you are looking for a job and then bugging them on a regular basis. Your #1 contacts (from the list youve just created after you read the paragraph above) are not only the most likely people to help you find a job, they are your most valuable resource and should be treated as such. Use them but dont abuse them. Networking etiquette: respecting your professional contacts Top Ten Linked-In Dos and Donts The Art of Networking Like all forms of art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and Networking is no different. But art is art and there are some tried and true methods of networking that will help you get the best results. 5 Tricks from a LinkedIn Jedi Job Search and Career Networking Tips We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey what where job title, keywords or company city, state or zip jobs by