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career advice

Networking 101

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Now that we are solidifying our resume and obtaining a thirst for a job search, we are ready to start reaching out to those around us and networking with them because every little bit of information that those in our network contain will continue adding up and go a long way for job searches and/or career advancement.

When all else fails in the land of unemployment or career miserableness, I highly recommend looking into that network of yours. Friends, colleagues or acquaintances may have seen us at our best and our worst, but they usually know us better than anyone. We need to start utilizing this power.

Chris, what network are you talking about? I don’t know anyone in Career Services at NYU? Well, friend, it is not the end of the world because thanks to the Internet we have the world at our finger tips. (yawn).

networking with and without social media

Networking is not about what you know; or what they know but it’s about WHO you know. Yeah, I know we have been hearing this a myriad of times before but let’s take a moment to begin thinking about it like this:

A) Do you still talk to your friends who you grew up with?
B) Did you hold a job in high school or college or university?
C) Did you do any extracurricular activities including sport; music; knitting; etc?
D) Where does your immediate and extended family work?

The list can go on and on but those are just some starting points for Networking.

The simple yet more challenging rule of networking is that networking is not using and abusing relationships or stalking friends via Social Media.  Additionally, we must also not become lazy because know we have the resources for successful networking at hand. Nothing good ever came out of being lazy.

Despite what we may believe, we have all been accomplishing many things in our lives that have been exposing us to a large subset of individuals. Some of those folks can help us; guide us; or at least point us in the right direction. That is networking, friends.

Ingredients for Successful Networking:

  • 1 computer or laptop or cell phone device with Internet access
  • 1 Wifi internet connection
  • Fully finished Linkedin Profile (SOCIAL Media aspect)
  • Local paper or business section (In-person aspect)
  • HOURS upon HOURS of time
  • 1/2 cup mentality
  • 1/2 cup of MOTIVATION
  • 1/2 cup of communication skills
  • 1/2 cup of patience

No, there is not a perfect recipe for networking but there are many ways to get out there and make something happen. In regards to making something happen, you’ll notice how I been including both in-person networking AND Social Media Networking. We mustn’t forget that both exist and that BOTH help a person land their next gig, not one or the other. Yes, there are instances of a person obtaining a position through Twitter. While this is a great venue for job applications, it is not always the best venue for networking.

You can find additional information on online AND offline networking groups via these websites:

  • Linkedin Groups
  • MeetUP
  • Company websites
  • Local newspapers

Even if your networking involves a simple follow-up e-mail or voicemail message, it can be the small pebble that may just destroy that career Dam. Do not bombard a friend or employer with e-mails or phone calls because the last thing that any of us need is to be inundated with MORE e-mail, so Patience is our best friend.

Whether we like it or not, by enabling and accepting the very virtue of Patience will make networking that much more attainable.

Networking 101
Networking 101

 

Career Transitions & You: Is The Grass Actually Greener?

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Like many of you out there, I am sure you have considered a ton of new career choices over the past few years and/or career transitioning into new roles. The eternal question of Career Transitions & You: Is The Grass Actually Greener?

For a long time, I felt that the grass might be greener and my reactions would appear similar to the character, Dug, the dog from ‘Up’

While I knew I always wanted to end up in Education, I felt compelled to try this greener grass and explored different career choices. SQUIRREL!

Career Transitions! Grass is Greener! SQUIRREL!
Career Transitions! Grass is Greener! SQUIRREL!

During my four years in university I switched majors about 7 times (Sports Business, Marketing, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, and lastly Education).

Fortunately for me, the past four years I have worked in recruitment, training and social media and I have finally  discovered the greenest grass possible and my true calling:  Higher Education Admissions and Career Advisement. I want to work with college students in regards to discovering their career development whilst in university. There is no looking back now!

While the positions I have held taught me about business practices, recruitment strategies, cold calling and sales, they have also allowed me to learn how the business world operates and conducts itself. If it was not for these experiences, I would have missed my true calling which was discovered through the conversations with thousands upon thousands of potential candidates looking for new job opportunity beyond graduation.

After closing the chapter in my last position, I am now ready to find myself a new role.  I want a career transition. Was I prepared for changing opportunities? No. Was I ecstatic for such a big change? No. But I am grateful for this moment because I am ready for a career change. I can almost smell that freshly cut grass.

One of the things that I appreciate the most is the networking tenacity that Adecco has taught me. The myriad of colleagues who I have met and gotten to know have each showed me a different way to connect with people and reach my potential – for that I am very thankful. I am not leaving because the grass is greener. I am leaving because I want to be in a career that will combine my love of business and education.

Now, before you get all excited and jumping for joy. Just keep one thing in mind and before you jump ship, ask yourself, “Is the Grass Actually Greener enough for me to make a Career Transition?”

Breaking into a New role: Is the Grass Greener? if-the-grass-is-greener-on-the-other-side
Breaking into a New Role: Is the Grass Greener? Are you ready for a Career Transition?

 

If you spend even just a few moments to research this answer, you may just save yourself from a lifetime of regrets and ‘what-if’s.

1) Analyze the Work Environment/Current position. First things first, are there areas for advancement in this current position? If you want to grow within your position or advance be sure that you are in the right job that will allow you to accomplish this goal.

On the flip side  do you foresee your current job disappearing anywhere in the next year? 5 years? 10 years?  I understand this might be a challenge but by turning those wheels in your mind, it might help you find reason in staying or leaving a position instead of just stagnating.

Push yourself.

2) Apply internally. As I say to anyone who I have helped with career development, before you up and leave an opportunity try look within your company or current position and build the skills you would like to use in your next position. Hey, you might end up liking this new strategical approach and end up staying in your position; or you will utilize that experience to propel you forward with another opportunity.

3) Research that green grass. If you are positive that a career transition is in place for you, then conduct some intensive research. You need to make sure that this transition is right for you and will help your current situation.

Some new positions require additional schooling or certifications.

4) Organize your resume/cover letters. If you are actively job seeking, the resume and cover letter need to be spot on and perfect. No exceptions. Now that you are focused on a career transition remember to RELATE your current skills to the skills being sought for each position. While some jobs require additional degrees and years of experience, many of these jobs have skills that are transferable from other fields.

5. Go with your gut. Changing careers is scary. Very scary. The ‘what-if’ and ‘grass is greener’ mentality sets in and the idea of committing to anything becomes more and more challenging. But if you can relax a bit, the process will give you confidence in your abilities and you will hopefully be starting a position in a field that you are truly passionate about.

 

Have any of you ever transitioned careers before and lived to tell the tale? Let’s hear it! Is the grass actually greener? is it browner?

Filler is a Killer: Do Not Let Cover Letters Own You.

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When it comes to applying for a job, you have your resume all set, ready to go but as with most jobs you need that added boost: a cover letter.

For you Mario Fans out there, it is almost like you are about to fight Bowser & you need the Fire Power or Invincibility star to pop up so that you have an advantage.

invincible-mario-starman-new-super-mario-bros-wii-artwork
Cover Letter Invincibility! Much Needed Advice! Super Mario!
Source: http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2009/11/18/new-super-mario-bros-wii-cheats-and-tips-guide.htm

Cover letters provide that boost and act as a resume translator for hiring managers. Yes, I realize that cover letters are not easy. They are not meant to be but they are there to help you with attaining your next position and not hurt your chances.

A wise colleague of mine once told me that, ‘cover letters show off the personality that does not exude itself from a resume’.

1. Be Concise. Filler is a killer. Case and point, do not write the romantic schpeal such as, ‘I like long walks on the beach, flying kites into the sunset’. However, DO reflect upon your achievements thus far and make the connection as to why you can go above and beyond any other candidate being considered for this position

Filler is a killer.

These words speak volumes to me as a recruiter and a person who plays a hand in the hiring process. If you cannot concisely describe why you are a great fit and what you can provide for the company that no one else can, you are not the best fit for the job. You did not prepare yourself for the cover letter. FAIL.

2. Show your personality.  This does not mean you should lose your business sense and write unprofessionally, but your resume will reflect your experience but your cover letter reflects the examples and personality that is not represented on a resume. Bring that out in an appropriate manner.

3. Make the connection. Sometimes in life we have to reach out and take what we want or at least reach out and ASK for what we want. While it tough to do this make an attempt to explain why and how you can make a difference in this position for the company.

Do you know a person within the organization? Mention to that person you will be applying to the position and be sure to include this connection in your cover letter.

No, we do not need the entire length of history here, just a brief statement explaining the connection and importance 🙂

4. Research and review. Do some background research on the company and positions for which you are applying. If you do not know a single detail about the company, it makes it a lot harder to make the connection to the companies specific wants and needs for a position. Without knowing information about the company and their current events or recent news, it also makes you looks like a disinterested candidate during the job interview. 

Utilize Google and also websites called GlassDoor  and Linkedin to assist with your research and even locate the potential hiring managers or colleagues within the company.

4. Adjust accordingly and honestly.  Your resume AND your cover letter should be altered to reflect the position you are applying for regardless of who you know and how well you think you may know the position.

In terms of the changes, do not change/lie/or misrepresent information on your resume but DO alter your resume to reflect how your experience matches the specific information listed or required for the position. Sell yourself but in an honest manner 🙂

Each cover letter should be different and adjusted according to the jobs and companies for which you will be applying. While most of the time the jobs remain the same, there will be different reasons for why you apply each time and how you can help that company.

5. Avoid General Salutations. The days of ‘Dear Human Resources Manager’ and ‘Dear Staffing team’ are gone. Most jobs these days do not provide direct contact with hiring managers because most managers work with staffing agencies like (Adecco, Randstad and Manpower). BUT a large chunk of managers and human resources managers do have profiles on Linkedin and that could be a great resource for reaching out to them regarding a position.

If all else fails, you can call the company directly and ask who is hiring for the opportunity. While that is bold, it is a solid approach in sales and has worked since the dawn of time.

Go the extra step and find out that information. Go the distance, Hercules, go the distance.

 

Please, please let’s hear some stories about your favorite type of cover letter, or even better…what are your thoughts on VIDEO cover letters? They seem to be taking off quite a bit.