The Art of Writing an Effective Resume

The Importance of Networkingby doug Crawford, sphr, SHRM-SCP Job-Applications.com

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http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comNetworking Is More Than Just The InternetWhile social media truly helps in maintaining career and personal networks, there really is more to it than that.

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http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comWhat Networking Actually MeansWhile social media remains an excellent source for networking and building relationships in the job market, offline sources still benefit all who choose to use them.Networking means enlisting support to comfortably ask for advice, ideas, and referralsProfessional relationships built through networking should be a give-and-take, not one sidedIn the end, finding and using available resources may just get you that job

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comBuilding Your Network

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http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comEasy Ways To Build A NetworkWhat Should Be Done:Use referralsJoin professional associations or clubsVolunteerAttend Networking EventsContact former educators, administrators, and career-services officersContact former co-workers, customers, and volunteer organizationsFind a mentorWhat Shouldnt Be Done:Ignore people trying to help youUse shyness as an excuse not to meet people who can helpLose or misplace business cards given to you in your job huntOveruse a networking option and give nothing in returnForget to follow up

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comWhy Should You Network?Some jobs may be closed to outside applicants.Internal vacancies may become available through referral.Employers may not want to take the risk on the unknown. Knowing someone may help change that perception.

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http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comBut Im New To All Of ThisTeenagers, new high school graduates, and college students just starting out face an uphill battle in getting even the most basic job.So where should you turn:Classmates, alumni, and recent gradsParents, relatives, and parents of friendsTeachers, coaches, advisers, and guidance counselorsWhat if Ive never worked before?Volunteer experiences offer great opportunity to networkAttending charity events and fundraisers is a Whos Who of professionals

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comInformational InterviewingIt isnt a type of job interviewIts preparing for the job interview.Consists of talking to a contact in a highly focused conversationMaterial gleaned helps understand the information necessary to perform the job youre looking for

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http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comUtilizing Informational InterviewingHelps show what a job is really like, beyond a job description on an employment websiteAssists in finding opportunities in your field of choice that you may not have even known existedHelps affirm career aspirationsMay also help you realize youre moving in the wrong directionAids in narrowing down a potentially wide fieldBest of all, you stay ahead of those not talking to anyone

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comFinal ThoughtsNetworking isnt necessarily easy, but once you start to build your network, the rewards speak for themselvesFor new job seekers that are shy or feel as if limited experience will hinder chances:Use a buddy system: pair up with a friend to make the rounds togetherProject enthusiasm: smile often, become self-assured through practiceWork for it: getting the job, in the end, is up to youOnline networking: its okay to use it, just dont let it become a crutchAlways, always, always express gratitude.

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comSo What Have We Learned?What Does Networking Actually Mean?What are some ways you can network offline?List some people and groups who can help grow your network.If youve never worked before, what are some ways you can build a network?Why should you bother networking if there are all these job boards, postings, and Help Wanted signs?

Informational InterviewingWhat does it mean to have an informational interview? How does it differ from a job interview?Are there similarities? Describe how informational interviewing can get you ahead of the game.

http://www.job-applications.com/resources/lesson-plans/Copyright Job-Applications.comAdditional ResourcesFor more information about networking, check out the following resources from Job-Applications.com:

http://www.job-applications.com/http://www.job-applications.com/blog/https://www.youtube.com/user/MrJobApplicationshttp://www.job-applications.com/video-library/https://www.facebook.com/JobApplications

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