All the experts agree that networking is the key to finding your next job
Virtually all job-search experts agree that networking is one of the most important things you can do in your job search. In fact, many of those experts will not hesitate to say that networking is the number one thing to expedite your job search.
Easier said that done? Maybe. But if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
That said, where does one begin. In 2021, LinkedIn is as good a place to start as anywhere. Unless you’ve been comatose the past ten years, you probably have a couple of hundred contacts in your LinkedIn account. There you have it – a couple of hundred places to start.
Many of those contacts will suggest that you peruse their contacts to find individuals and/or companies with whom you would like to connect. That can be very useful. Of course, there is a downside here. Be wary of people on LinkedIn who have a couple of thousand contacts. It’s almost impossible for those people to know that many contacts well enough to provide you with a suitable introduction.
Rabbit holes can be very deep.
A common issue among 50+ job seekers is the challenge of changing careers (or industries.) How does one network with people in an industry about which you know nothing? Again, if it were easy…
There is one possible springboard here however. Most jobs and/or industries (or geographic areas, if that is your challenge) have professional societies that regularly meet. (Yes, even during Covid many groups will hold online monthly meetings – many of which are free.) This is a great way to introduce yourself, make a few fundamental contacts, and begin to get a better read on what’s happening in that sphere.
Who knows? You might even learn something.
If you’ve learned nothing else here, take this to heart. To the industrious, inventive and driven, there are avenues through which you can make your mark. And, more times than not, you will find people who are willing to help.
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