On which I have a few ideas. As my husband keeps telling me, I won't get a job by spending hours in front of the computer submitting applications to online job postings. The best use of any job-seeker's time is spent talking to friends and acquaintances and letting them know that you are looking for a job and what your skills and interests are.
So here is what I found tricky about networking:
How hard to push?
Working parents are busy, so if I asked a friend, who is a working parent, about a position I had seen at their company, do I ask a second time? How soon after? And what if there is another position - do I talk about that too? If that friend is very enthusiastic about getting more information for me on a post then I hear nothing, what then? Is it realistic to think they'll get back to me? I find it difficult to broach the topic again. I might ask a second time but for me there is no third time.
What do I trade in return?
In the networking scheme of things, and good behaviour generally, it is best to "pay it forward" - sharing information about positions and people, interview tips etc. Sharing my own network. However as an unemployed person, who has been out of work for more than 2 years, I always feel that the I always get the better end of the deal. I have felt better about this over time as I have been able to share tips with others who are also searching for a job. So for any job-seekers out there, I have some pay it forward debt to clear.
The uneasiness of being (viewed as) a user.
There is just the ever-so-slight discomfort of feeling like I am only contacting my friends and acquaintances because I am looking for a job. While that is true, these are people that generally, I am on good terms with, and would socialize with outside of my immediate networking needs. I have also concluded that I like people, so while my time may not permit me to interact with many of them on a regular basis, I think that I have also come to terms with this aspect of "networking".
Networking is necessary, but may not sit comfortably with some while others conquer the networking dance. We all know those - makes friends easily, always has a good story to tell and can talk about any topic under the sun. Me? Well I think I muddle along well enough.
So here is what I found tricky about networking:
How hard to push?
Working parents are busy, so if I asked a friend, who is a working parent, about a position I had seen at their company, do I ask a second time? How soon after? And what if there is another position - do I talk about that too? If that friend is very enthusiastic about getting more information for me on a post then I hear nothing, what then? Is it realistic to think they'll get back to me? I find it difficult to broach the topic again. I might ask a second time but for me there is no third time.
What do I trade in return?
In the networking scheme of things, and good behaviour generally, it is best to "pay it forward" - sharing information about positions and people, interview tips etc. Sharing my own network. However as an unemployed person, who has been out of work for more than 2 years, I always feel that the I always get the better end of the deal. I have felt better about this over time as I have been able to share tips with others who are also searching for a job. So for any job-seekers out there, I have some pay it forward debt to clear.
The uneasiness of being (viewed as) a user.
There is just the ever-so-slight discomfort of feeling like I am only contacting my friends and acquaintances because I am looking for a job. While that is true, these are people that generally, I am on good terms with, and would socialize with outside of my immediate networking needs. I have also concluded that I like people, so while my time may not permit me to interact with many of them on a regular basis, I think that I have also come to terms with this aspect of "networking".
Networking is necessary, but may not sit comfortably with some while others conquer the networking dance. We all know those - makes friends easily, always has a good story to tell and can talk about any topic under the sun. Me? Well I think I muddle along well enough.
Comments
I wish you all the best in the job search but I hope you keep writing though.
Well, my job search has been successful, so I've had a hard time keeping up with the writing. But I love keeping my blog up and intend to continue to do so - I just need to figure out when that happens!
Thank you for the encouragement - it makes me want to make the effort.
Sal