By Paul Cecala, December 21, 2019
In Part One of Effective Networking, the main comment was to improve the effectiveness of one’s job search networking, one should mostly network at places and events where employed people will be. I recommend attending seminars, professional association meetings and the like.
The main advantage of going to these meetings is the attendees are people who know where the openings are or will be. The best way to learn about a company and what is going on at it is through insiders. Meeting others who work in similar companies within an industry or similar professions at a variety of industries gives the job seeker a way to research the employers and the industry innocuously.
Even more, these are people who can introduce you to the hiring managers of your target employers. Defining your target organizations is critical to an efficient and effective job search. Once you know where you want to work, then it becomes easy to ask people for assistance in meeting the hiring manager at those organizations. Everyone talks about the need to meet the hiring manager as part of networking. But rarely, do they give hints on how to find them! Networking conversations are a great way to learn more about an employer, especially the key players in the department you want to work.
It is a great way to see and be seen by the key players in your field. This is one easy and successful solution to effectively improve your networking techniques. There is lots being said about becoming a thought leader in your industry. Presenting at a conference or seminar, mingling with attendees at these events or simply going and being seen there helps boost your profile and brand within your field or industry. Volunteer to run an event, especially sitting at the registration table and meet all the participants while getting in at a discount or no cost.
An equally valuable rational for attend is that these meetings often have some educational program as part of the meeting. What better way to keep up on the latest advances or happenings in your target industry? It shows employers you are still heavily involved in your industry and up on current information.
Find the association for the industry or field you are seeking. Attend their local meetings.
For example, if I were a pilot looking for work, I would go to a local chapter meeting of the National Business Aviation Association. Looking for work in the solar energy field, attend meetings of the American Solar Energy Association. Want a position in an SAP company, attend an SAP users group meeting. Find the correct association to gain access to the right hiring manager.
An often forgotten but excellent networking opportunity is with your school or college alumni associations. It is inculcated into our educational psyche to help people from our school. Colleges push this culture because your education can be made more valuable when graduates work for the more prestigious organizations. So, everyone has a vested interest in helping fellow alumni with their success.
Share your experiences with trade associations and job searching. Do you know anyone who has been helped by attending a seminar, workshop, tradeshow or business association meeting?
Let us know at pcecala@cecalacareer.com.
Paul Cecala
Paul Cecala, a Global Career Developmental Facilitator (GCDF) certified career coach, is a principal at Cecala Career Consultants with decades of experience as a career coach helping individuals with finding career success. He has taught over 500 seminars and workshops on conducting successful job searches. Mr. Cecala can be reached at pcecala@cecalacareer.com . Follow him at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cecala-career-consultants.
Paul Cecala can help you navigate to your success. Learn more about his services here.