The “Secret” to In-Person Networking

Most individuals, and especially those in a job search, see networking as a formal event where they attend with the purpose of meeting lots of people.  I would like to challenge jobseekers to think of networking as something you do anytime you go to the store, out to dinner, after a wedding or other event, at a party, etc.  If you leave your home and go where there are other people, you can network.  Allow yourself to bring networking to a conscious level whether you are in a job search or not, and make it part of your daily routine.  Networking doesn’t have to be hard – it is in essence a conversation and should never be done to “get something” from another person.  So, if you think of networking as a conversation to find out about the other person and how you might help them, provide them with something of value (tips, hints, referrals, expertise) you will be ultimately be successful in your interactions and achieve your goal.  To your jobs search and career success!

Job Search Quotes of the Week

Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time. 

O. Mandino

Take time to deliberate, but when the time for action has arrived, stop thinking and go. 

Napoleon Bonaparte

Career Management Quotes of the Week

“To find a career to which you are adapted by nature, and then to work hard at it, is about as near to a formula for success and happiness as the world provides. One of the fortunate aspects of this formula is that, granted the right career has been found, the hard work takes care of itself. Then hard work is not hard work at all.”

Mark Sullivan

“The biggest mistake that you can make is to believe that you are working for somebody else. Job security is gone. The driving force of a career must come from the individual. Remember: Jobs are owned by the company, you own your career!”

Earl Nightingale

September is Update Your Resume Month

On an annual basis Career Directors International runs a September Campaign to “Update Your Resume.”  In this day of job uncertainty and workers constantly moving or being moved between positions, it is highly recommended all employed individuals keep their resume updated.  From company mergers and acquisitions, to layoffs and dismissals, you never know when your job could be changed or even disappear, and having a resume ready to go at a moment’s notice could pay huge dividends.  Far from just being for a negative reason, you want to keep your resume updated for potential promotion opportunities, that recruiter that might call or email you out of the blue, or for an annual performance review to “remind” your boss of your many contributions throughout the year. To your career success!

Career Management Quotes of the Week

“To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work.”

Sister Mary Lauretta

“Trust not what inspires other members of society to choose a career. Trust what inspires you. From this decision alone will come over a third of your satisfaction or misery in your life.”

from The Lazy Person's Guide to Success

Job Search Quotes of the Week

“Desperation works in job search as well as it does in dating.” 
― Darrell Gurney

“What someone may lack in talent can be more than made up for in self-motivation, self-direction, and follow-through.” 
― Miles Anthony Smith

The “HOBBY” Question

Hobby questions can be precarious and you want to consider what you will say before going into an interview.  Most hiring managers and HR personnel like to hear about active hobbies, like walking, gardening, running, travel, etc., volunteerism, and interesting hobbies like woodworking or aviation.  Reading materials can also be nice to include, but stay away from political, religious, romance or science fiction related materials, and instead talk about business related, motivational-type books, doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku.   Avoid talking about watching lots of television or spending lots of time at home in general.  The more active you show your mind and body to be, the more the interviewer will see you as an active and engaged person for their team.  To your job search and interview success!

Career Management Quotes of the Week

“Don't ever let economic alone determine your career or how you spend the majority of your time.”

Denis Waitley

“Desire! That's the one secret of every man's career. Not education. Not being born with hidden talents. Desire.”

Bobby Unser