Networking

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13 Holiday Networking Tips You Need To Know



It's that time of year again when job seekers think they should stop looking for a job throughout the holiday season. No one will be hiring anyway, so you may as well take the rest of the year off, right? Not true, according to HR and job search experts.

Although some companies may have no budget left for hiring, others still have openings they need to fill by the end of the fiscal year. That means it's unwise to assume a company won't be bringing on new candidates unless they announce a hiring freeze.

The savvy job hunter maintains job search momentum throughout the holiday season and finds fresh ways to leverage networking to open doors with hiring employers. After all, there are increased opportunities to network offline throughout this period, and each event you attend offers the gift of connecting with people you haven't met or haven't seen in a while.

Also, since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual networking has become an essential part of your career, allowing you to continue to grow your professional network from the comfort of your own home. Over the holidays, attending a few virtual networking events will be easy, since you should already be familiar with them from your experience working from home or attending some in the past.

As you launch your own holiday networking campaign, make sure you avoid these “naughty" tactics and follow the "nice" holiday networking tips instead.

"Naughty" Holiday Networking Strategies To Avoid


Two professionals network at a holiday office party

1. Focusing only on your search needs. Leverage a give-to-get strategy instead by cultivating your relationship with the people you encounter in your holiday merrymaking. Ask them astute questions about their workplace needs, and look for ways you can help.

2. Asking for jobs, information, or leads without offering to give one or more of the same first. Above all else, the holiday season is a time to connect in meaningful ways with people you already know and those you don't. You can't do this if your sole focus is on you.

3. Pushing your job search agenda on influential contacts. If you focus on proving your usefulness first, you won't have to push your agenda at all.

4. Sending out networking requests disguised as holiday greetings. Remember: you don't have to ask for something each time you connect with your network. Focus on giving something every time instead.

5. Expecting quick responses from anyone about anything. The closer we get to Christmas and New Year's, the more delay you can expect in any job-search-related communication. Accept this and move on.

Focus your holiday energies on leveraging these "nice" door-opening strategies even Santa would love...

"Nice" Holiday Networking Strategies To Try


Group of professionals at a holiday networking event

1. Attending a wide variety of holiday events and being prepared to make connections. Whether you're going to parties or open houses, joining a friend for a company event, or enjoying dinner with one or more friends, use every outing to gather insight and information. Replace your usual holiday networking outings with virtual networking events if you have safety concerns (or just like the convenience of it).

2. Preparing a two-sided business card for on-the-spot networking. Present your personal branding statement on side one, and showcase your experience, credentials, and impacts briefly on side two. If a two-sided card is too small, try a fold-over card that allows you to print text inside and out. If this is still too small, why not try a postcard instead?

3. Building a holiday list. Like Santa, you need to know what everyone on your target list is seeking. Ask the contacts and job seekers you meet how you can help them, and keep a record of their responses for immediate follow-up. Look for ways to refer job seekers to recruiters and companies, and suggest recruiters and companies to job seekers.

4. Proactively referring potential candidates to recruiters, companies, and hiring managers. Be the star in your network by preparing a brief intro about job seekers you know and feel comfortable recommending, then offer their contact information (with permission, of course) to recruiters and companies that match the job seekers' search targets.

5. Following up promptly. Don't let those holiday connections go to waste! Make sure you follow up with new members of your network soon after meeting them, to let them know how nice it was connecting with them, and to keep the communication lines open.

6. Using the period between Christmas and New Year's to re-contact all previous interviewers. Let your past interviewers know that you're still available. I've known more than one candidate who reopened an opportunity by proactively reaching out during an otherwise slow period.

7. Sending out New Year's greetings to influential contacts in your network. Include a short, brand-driven message about your value proposition, assuming that you have previously sent a holiday message with zero branding included. This strategy allows you to refresh the memories of your influential contacts with your candidacy as they put the holidays behind them and return to work in the new year.

Remember persistence and assertiveness are always in season. When paired with smart search strategies, your holiday networking can yield a bounty of new gifts in the new year.

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Networking is something most professionals struggle with. But the truth is, your network is your net worth.

If you don't have a strong network, your career will suffer. It will also make your job search more difficult than it needs to be.

Need help building your professional network? We can help!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.


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13 Holiday Networking Tips You Need To …

4 Easy Steps To Speed Up Your Job Search



I got an email yesterday from a client wanting to know if I had any job search tips. Unfortunately, he had been recently laid off and found himself on the job market. Talking to him got me thinking...What really makes a job search successful?

The bad news is that there isn't a magic formula. The good news is that there are a number of very simple things you can do to improve your marketability.

Here are four easy steps to follow if you want to speed up your job search:

1. Update Your Resume As Soon As Possible


This might sound simple, but it is by far the most important (and first) step in a job search. You need to have your resume ready to roll at a moment's notice.

The way I see it, there are two kinds of job seekers. There is the job seeker that draws confidence from being prepared and then there is the kind of job seeker that gets blindsided by the unexpected. I know which kind I'd rather be.

The best time to focus on your resume is when you don't need it.

2. Figure Out Who Your Resume Is For


Man on laptop speeds up his job search by optimizing his resume

Is your resume for you or is it for prospective employers? The resume might have your info, experience, and accomplishments on it, but, ultimately, the documents that make it past the ATS not only have the right amount of keywords peppered throughout but also show, very clearly, what the applicant can do for the potential employer.

When writing your resume, always keep potential employers at the forefront of your mind. Make sure you quantify your experience, skills, and accomplishments. Give them a preview of the kind of positive impact you could have on their organization if they were to hire you.

3. Realize It's Not About You


Woman on her laptop uses strategies to speed up her job search

Really. It's not. The most successful job seekers understand that it's about what you do for others, not about what they can do for you.

This is a fundamental idea that for some I hope turns the act of "networking" completely upside down. In every interaction, the most important thing is to demonstrate, "How can I help YOU?" It's the folks who unselfishly look out for those around them who make opportunities happen. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

What connections can you help make? Ask open-ended questions. You may even choose to treat the conversation like an informational interview. What professional needs does the other party have and how can you fill them?

4. Determine Your Target


Man makes a phone call while looking for a job

This is such a simple concept, but it's probably the biggest obstacle I see with many of my clients. You need to have a target. It is as easy as that. How can you expect to reach the goal of employment without aiming for a bullseye?

The first step is to clearly identify the job/profession/industry you are targeting. You may even have a company that you've always wanted to work at. (It's always a good idea to have an interview bucket list—a list of companies you're passionate about that you'd love to work for someday.)

Make sure that your goal aligns with your experience. Then (and only then) are you free to begin outlining a plan to achieve your goal.

Here's an example:

I have an open door policy with my resume clients and I keep tabs on them throughout their job searches. Out of all the resumes and resume clients I've ever had, only one resume didn't work. One. When I wrote the initial resume, my client was targeting retail sales positions. Then she called one day a couple of months into her job search wondering why she wasn't getting any responses. I asked her to send me an example of the jobs she was applying for and guess what? All the online job applications she had filled out were for human resources positions. No wonder her resume didn't work!
After rewriting her resume, she found work relatively quickly and it just goes to show how important it is to aim before you pull the trigger.

Know your audience, be proactive, and remember that it's not about you. If you apply these things to your job search, you'll be employed in no time!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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18 Easy Conversation Starters For Networking Events



I think one of the hardest things about networking events is just getting a conversation going with someone—without being awkward about it. Approaching someone new can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. So, what are some natural and easy ways to break the ice?

Here are some tips and tricks for starting a conversation at a networking event:

Go Fishing At The Food Table


Job seekers network at a conference

While waiting in line for food, start chatting up the person next to you. This is a great opportunity to get a conversation started because you already have something in common: the food. Everyone is thinking about the same thing. What am I going to try? What looks good? So instead of just standing there in silence, start a conversation.

Here are a few conversation starters for this situation:

  • "Oh man, everything looks so good. I'm not sure what to get! What are you thinking?"
  • "Yummy, they have ____! Have you ever tried it?"
  • "Hmm, I'm not quite sure what that dish is...do you know?"
Who knows, you might leave the buffet with a better plate of food AND a new contact! That's a win-win in my book.

Find A Loner


Man networks with a colleague at work

If you see someone standing alone in the corner, clutching his or her drink, and looking miserable, don't be afraid to walk up and introduce yourself. Typically, these people need a little help getting the conversation going.

Here are some icebreakers:

  • "Man, these networking events can be so crazy. Mind if I join you over here where it's a little quieter?"
  • "Wow, there are a ton of people here! The food must be good, huh?"
If someone is standing alone, he or she is probably feeling uncomfortable or unconfident. If you initiate the conversation, it could make them feel more relaxed and willing to connect.

Compliment Them


Woman looks to start a conversation at a networking event

Everyone loves compliments, especially when they are feeling insecure (and many people do feel that way when attending networking events). If you're struggling to start a conversation with someone, find something to compliment.

Here are some ideas:

  • "Yum, that drink looks good. What is it?"
  • "Cute shoes! Where did you get them?"

Talk About Sports


Group of professionals at a networking event

People love talking about sports. If you're a sports person, use it to your advantage!

See someone wearing a Red Sox cap? Say something like, "Red Sox fan, huh? Did you catch the game yesterday?" Overhear a group of people talking about last night's game? Express your interest in the conversation by saying something like, "Are you talking about ____?" and then chime in.

Just Say Hello


Man starts a conversation at a networking event

Sometimes, the easiest way to meet someone is to offer a handshake and say, "Hi, I'm Peter."

Simply introducing yourself with a smile and a dash of confidence can work wonders.

Keeping The Conversation Going


Group of professionals network at a conference

I know what you're thinking. Yes, yes, that's all well and good, but how can I keep the conversation going after the initial question? It's easy! Talk about something else you have in common—the event itself!

Here are some ideas:

  • "I'm Gina, by the way, nice to meet you..."
    • "So, is this your first time at one of these events?"
    • "So, how did you hear about this event?"
    • "What a great place for an event, huh? Have you ever been here before?"

After that, try learning more about them. Questions can include:

  • "Are you from the area"
  • "What line of work are you in or trying to get into?"

Next step: get them talking. Remember, people generally like to talk about themselves. So, once they tell you what they do, ask questions about it. Here are a few:

  • "That's very interesting..."

BONUS: Your Exit Strategy


Professionals smile at a networking event

It's that time: your drink is dry and you're ready to move on. When the conversation starts to wind down, don't try to force more. Remember, you're there to mix and mingle—don't chain yourself to one person all night.

If you'd like to exit a conversation, try one of these lines:

  • "Alright, I'm going to get some food now that the line has died down a bit. It was great meeting you!"
  • "Have you met Lisa She works in your industry as well. I'm sure you both will have plenty to talk about. I've got to say hello to someone, but I'll be back."
  • "Well, I think it's time for me to head out. I would love to talk with you again, though! May I have your card/contact information?"

Remember these conversation starters (and enders) during your next networking event to get the most out of your time there. Happy networking!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date and was inspired by the author's personal experiences and the advice of Susan RoAne, author of How to Work a Room.

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18 Easy Conversation Starters For Networking Events

4 Myths About Job Hunting During A Recession



The COVID-19 crisis has sent the economy into a recession and impacted numerous careers. Although people are naturally on edge right now, it's important to know that while searching for a job during a recession isn't easy, it's not impossible.

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, millions of people quit their jobs or were laid off by their employers, and many are still struggling to find a job. There are record levels of competition for open positions. If you want to stand out to employers, you need to be prepared for the job search process.

Here are four common myths about the job search process during a recession, and what you should do to land a job in hard times.

Myth #1: No One Hires During A Recession


Businesses are always hiring!

There are some businesses that are greatly impacted by recessions that will reduce staff and implement hiring freezes, and others that will slow their hiring, but in general there's always some need to hire people as a result of vacancies and retirements. In addition, there are some industries that continue to do well in a recession.

However, while businesses are still hiring during a recession, the job competition will be greater and you'll need to work harder to market yourself as an employee worth hiring. There are multiple ways you can make yourself a better candidate. This includes finding ways to upskill, networking, improving your resume, and writing a disruptive cover letter.

Myth #2: No One Will Hire You After Getting Laid Off


Business woman takes a minute to compose herself after being laid off during the recession.

Layoffs are a fact of life and businesses realize that.

But from a competition standpoint being laid off puts you at an initial disadvantage. Layoffs are common during a recession. This increases competition because of the number of people in the job market in need of work.

If you're laid off, you have to work even harder to market yourself to potential employees. But at the same time, you don't want to come across as too desperate. Like with any job search, do your research and leverage your professional network whenever you can.

You may also want to consider which industries are still hiring during the recession and taking a job in one of those industries to hold you over. There's no shame in working outside of your desired industry. There may even be benefits to it.

Given the circumstances of COVID-19 and the recession, future employers will understand the career detour.

Myth #3: If You're Over 50, You Won't Get Hired


Woman on laptop looks for a job during a recession

Age discrimination is a topic that comes up from time to time but in reality it's actually called experience discrimination.

People over the age of 50 are staying in the workforce a lot longer but have to compete with millennials and Gen Z that make up more than half of the workforce. These younger generations are highly skilled, tech savvy, and a lot cheaper to employ.

This means that anyone over 50 looking to get hired needs to work even harder to get noticed. You need to clearly understand and sell what it is that you do well (your specialty). You also need to invest in yourself and be willing to upskill whenever you can.

Myth #4: You'll Have To Take Less Money


Man writes something down while working

Finding a job during a recession doesn't mean an automatic pay cut!

Recession or not, you should prepare for a typical salary negotiation process. Do your research and have an idea of the competitive rate for the position you're pursuing.

If you've settled on a salary range, be ready to prove to the company why you would be worth the investment. You can do this by demonstrating why you'd be a valuable asset to the company and how your unique skills/experiences will make you the best fit for the role.

It always comes back to marketing yourself.

Recessions come and go and we will get through this one! Recession or not, one thing about the job search process remains true—you have to work hard and be your own best advocate.

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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3 Sneaky Ways To Research A Company



When you apply for a job, it's important to do your homework on the company so that when you get a job interview and your interviewer asks, "What is it about us that drew you to our company?" you aren't left stumped or jobless.

Not only that, but it's important to figure out if the company is a place YOU would enjoy working at. So, before you send off that resume, check out these sneaky ways to research a company:

Learn About The People Who Work At The Company


Most companies have a staff page on their website. On this page, the company will list some, if not all, of the employees at the company. Here, you can get the names (and sometimes contact information) of people who you'd be working with if you got the job.

How to learn more:

Warning: Don't be creepy or demanding when contacting these people! Simply reach out to them in a professional manner, introduce yourself, and tell them you're interested in learning more about the company and work environment. If they respond, go you! If not, move on and leave them alone.

Find Out What The Company Is Sharing On Social Media


Businesswoman on laptop and phone researches a company on social media

These days, everyone is on social media—including employers. Look them up on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, and so on. Look closely at what they're tweeting, posting, or filming. This is a great way to get a feel for the company's values.

When browsing the social channels of companies, ask yourself these questions:

  • What events are they promoting?
  • What articles are they sharing?
  • How are they interacting with their followers?
Take note of anything that jumps out at you. If something fascinates you, mention it in your cover letter or interview.

See What The Employees Are Saying


Happy employees working at a company with a good workplace culture

Ever wished there was a place that rated companies based on how much people like working there? Well, now there is! Sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Comparably are great places to learn about a potential employer and how people like working there. With these sites, individuals can comment on the company's benefits, culture, work, and more. Not only that, but they can rate a company based on how much they like working there.

You can also learn more about salary and past interviewing experiences! According to Indeed's Employer Branding Survey, 83% of job seekers say their decisions on where to apply are influenced by employer reviews.

So before you apply for a job, make sure you do your research. Doing a little research can go a long way in your job search. Don't be lazy—learn more about your dream company now!

Need more help with your job search?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.


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Top 10 People You Must Have In Your Network To Find A Job



So, you know it is important to have the two Qs as you build out your network: quality and quantity. But have you considered the importance of having a well-rounded network?

In this labor market, having a strong network is critical to your career success. There are plenty of tips and articles on where to find people, how and when to connect with them, and even what you need to say to attract and maintain your network. This article focuses on who should be in your network.

Here are the top 10 people that should be in your network, no matter if you're looking for a job or happy in your current position—because every job is temporary!

Who Should Be Part Of Your Network?


There are 10 types of people you should have in your network:

  1. The mentor
  2. The coach
  3. The industry insider
  4. The trendsetter
  5. The connector
  6. The idealist
  7. The realist
  8. The visionary
  9. The partner
  10. The wanna-be

1. The Mentor


Mentor talks to someone in his network

This is the person who has reached the level of success you aspire to have. You can learn from their successes as well as their mistakes. Heed their wisdom and experience. This relationship offers a unique perspective because they have known you through several peaks and valleys in your life and watched you evolve.

2. The Coach


Man talks with people in his network

The coach is someone who comes in at different times in your life. They help with critical decisions and transitions and offer an objective perspective with no strings attached.

3. The Industry Insider


Man shows an article to someone in his network

This is someone in your chosen field who has expert-level information or access to it. This person will keep you informed on what's happening now and what the next big thing is. Invite them to be a sounding board for your next innovative idea.

4. The Trendsetter


Professionals network at work

This is someone outside of your chosen industry that always has the latest buzz. It can be on any topic you find interesting. The goal in having this person in your network is to look for those connections that spark innovation via the unconventional. It will also help you keep your conversations interesting.

5. The Connector


Professionals network during a meeting

This is a person who has access to people, resources, and information. As soon as they come across something related to you, they are sending you an email or picking up the phone. Connectors are great at uncovering unique ways to make connections, finding resources and opportunities most people would over look.

6. The Idealist


Woman talks with someone in her network

This is the person in your network you can dream with. No matter how "out there" your latest idea is, this is the person that will help you brainstorm ways to make it happen. Without judgment, they are focused on helping you flesh out your dreams in high definition, even if you don't have a solid plan yet on how to make it happen.

7. The Realist


Two professionals discuss their careers

On the flip side, you still need the person who will help you keep it real. This is the person who will give you the raised eyebrow when your expectations are a little to unrealistic and need some grounding. These are not people who knock down your dreams; rather, they challenge you to actively make your dreams happen.

8. The Visionary


Woman works with two people in her network

Visionary people inspire you by their journey. They are similar to the Idealist, but the visionary can help you envision an actual plan to reach your goal. One personal encounter with this type of person can powerfully change the direction of your thinking and life.

9. The Partner


Two people network together

You need to have someone who is in a similar place and on a similar path to share with. In fact, partners do a lot of sharing. This is a person you can share the wins and woes with. Partners will also share resources, opportunities, and information.

10. The Wanna-Be


Young professional gets help from her mentor at work

This is someone you can serve as a mentor. Someone you can help shape and guide based on your experiences. One of the best ways to tell you understand something is to be able to explain it to someone else. And sometimes, one of the best motivators for pushing through obstacles and hardship is knowing someone is watching.

Obviously, you will want to have more than 10 people in your network. The trick is to make sure you are building a diverse network by adding people from different industries, backgrounds, age groups, ethnic groups, and so on that fit into the roles listed above.

Building a deep network by only including people from your current profession or business focus leaves too many stones unturned, limiting potential opportunities. Serious about building a strong professional network that can actually provide the leverage you need to make progress at work and the connections to land your dream job? Evaluate your current network and get started filling in the gaps. Happy networking!

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32 Good Informational Interview Questions To Ask

If you plan on conducting an informational interview, it’s important to be prepared. This is an incredible opportunity to learn about an industry, career path, or company. Don’t waste it! This list of good informational interview questions will help you extract valuable information from experienced professionals while also making a good impression. What is an […]

The post 32 Good Informational Interview Questions To Ask appeared first on Career Sherpa.

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How To Use The Holidays To Become A Better Networker



Perform you find it difficult to get inside contact with people throughout your network (especially close to the holidays)? And/or people struggling to grow your own personal network overall? Even using your present strategy?

The holiday season can be the wonderful time of yr for many individuals. This is a new great time to loosen up, reconnect with friends plus family, and celebrate! You’re probably going to end up being seeing people that you haven’t spoken within quite a few time.

With that being said, this allows you this PERFECT chance to brush upward on your networking abilities and reconnect with these types of individuals PLUS others!

In this teaching, you’ll learn to:

  • Begin networking having the people who are around you PLUS develop new connections
  • Pinpoint the various ways in which you may get started together with your marketing strategy
  • Create meaningful relationships that will assist you enhance your job search

Sign up for our CEO, J. To. O'Donnell, and Director associated with Training Development & Training, Christina Burgio, for this particular live event on Wed, November 9th at twelve pm ET.

CAN'T GO TO LIVE? Which okay. You'll have entry to the recording as well as the workbook after the program!


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LinkedIn Hot Or Not!



Are you interested within learning more about and what will get you noticed in LinkedIn? Do you would like expert advice on the best way to stand out on the particular world's biggest networking system? If so, we are usually here to help A PERSON today!

Join us for LinkedIn Hot Or Not! each Thursday at 1 evening ET / 10 feel PT.

What to be able to expect?

  • A 30-minute RESIDE show hosted by our own CEO & founder M. T. O’Donnell
  • In this session, an individual have the ability for you to share your personal LinkedIn user profile and obtain a FULL survive review (i. e., exactly what looks good, areas to help improve, how to enhance it further, etc. )

Cannot make the live treatment? Don’t worry about it! A recording will certainly be available.


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8 Tips For Conducting An Effective Job Search



If you're conducting an active job search, you've probably realized the traditional methods used to obtain employment are no longer effective. If you only apply for job opportunities using job boards and wait for calls to roll in, it won't get you very far these days. So, we've developed eight tips for conducting an effective job search that will make a noticeable difference.

Here are the basics:

​1. Get To Know Yourself


Before starting a job search, getting to know more about who you are and what you're looking for is critical. Write down what your hobbies and interest are, take a self-assessment, and be sure to utilize aides like these affordable career resources.

2. Ensure Your Job Application Is Professional & Highlights Your Skills


Man writes an effective job search strategy

Your job application includes your resume, cover letter, portfolio (if applicable), and LinkedIn profile. All of these materials are very important to your job search.

Your Resume

This must be well written and organized in a way that a potential reader can quickly see what sets you apart from other candidates. Identify what skills you have, quantify those skills and accomplishments on your resume, and customize your resume for each position you are applying for. By doing these few things, you'll show employers a glimpse of the value you could bring to their organization, and your resume will be more likely to get past the ATS (applicant tracking systems).

Your Cover Letter

It's not enough to write a cookie-cutter cover letter anymore. For an effective job search, write a disruptive cover letter for every job application you send out. It should tell a story and demonstrate why you would be a good fit for the organization.

Your Portfolio

Not everyone will need a portfolio, but if you are in a field that requires examples of your work, a portfolio is crucial to your job search. Include a digital portfolio of your best work. Employers want to pre-screen your work before they decide to call you in for an interview.

Your LinkedIn Profile

If you are not on LinkedIn you don't exist in the employment world. The vast majority of employers use LinkedIn to recruit new employees. Make sure that your LinkedIn profile is optimized and the information listed matches what you have on your resume.

​3. Establish A Brand


Man establishes a brand for an effective job search on his phone

Your brand is formed in various ways including in person, on social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), and on personal websites and correspondence. You always want to leave a good impression on others, no matter if it happens in person or online.

That's why tip number one is so important to personal branding. You must know what you are good at. You also need to know what skills and expertise you possess that you want to leave with people. This will become your brand.

If you perfect the art of personal branding, employers will initiate contact with you.

4. Network Frequently


Woman networks on her laptop for an effective job search

The first place to start when searching for employment is your personal network (former co-workers, family, friends, church members, and even friends on social media). These are the people who know you the best and will be more willing to refer you for an open position.

You must make networking a regular part of your activities, though, not just something you do during a job search. Join organizations related to your field of choice, attend networking events, and become active on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Do what works best for you and be sure to have balance.

​5. Target Desired Companies & Positions


Man on laptop targets companies for an effective job search

Target positions that you would like to have and companies that offer those types of positions, then see if you have any connections to company insiders (referrals are the leading source for obtaining interviews).

How do you figure out which companies to target? Create an interview bucket list—a list of 10 to 20 companies that you would love to work for that also hire for your skill sets.

Be proactive and contact hiring managers, even when there aren't open positions posted on their company websites. Introduce yourself and see if you can obtain an informational interview to find out more about the company and what they look for in candidates.

​6. Create Job Search Plans & Strategies


Woman on phone executes an effective job search strategy

After you've targeted the companies that you feel passionate about working for, put together a plan that will help you get hired at one of them.

Regularly evaluate your plans and strategies and stick with things that have had positive results. If what you are doing is not bringing results, it's time to try a new approach.

​7. Follow Up With Employers


Man on phone follows up with employers during his job search

Once you have taken the steps to apply or inquire about a position, follow up with employers. Send a quick note that reiterates your passion for the company and desire to work there, and share an interesting article or video that you think they would find interesting. It's about providing value in the little ways that you can to strengthen the connection.

The goal is to stay at the forefront of the hiring manager's mind so when they need to fill an open position, you'll be at the top of their list to contact first.

​8. Increase Your Marketability While You Search


Woman on laptop researches effective job search tips

Don't get comfortable with your accomplishments. Continue to develop your skills and gain more experience while you are conducting your job search—and even when you are employed.

In your career, if you're not growing, you're dying. Seek professional development opportunities to make yourself more marketable to employers. Work on your career every day. To truly stand out in a competitive job market, you can't afford to think you have what it takes to get hired. You need to prove it.

Always be looking for opportunities to grow your career!

In order to conduct an effective job search, it's important to follow the tips above.

School doesn't teach us how to get the job. So, don't be so hard on yourself! You can (and will!) find a job. Give these steps a try and see how much of a difference it makes in your job search.

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.







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6 Ways To Position Yourself For A Promotion



How do you get a promotion? It's a good time to start thinking about growing your career and positioning yourself for one.

Here are six tips to get the promotion you want at work:

1. Under Promise And Over Deliver


Man successfully presents data and works towards getting a promotion

With many companies leaner than they were several years ago, there are probably many internal voids. You want to identify and fill them. We recommend looking at how you can informally be of service.

For example: ask your supervisor or team members how you can step in and support them as well as identify where you see hiccups in efficiency. Approach the appropriate person with a case for how you can step in and help.

At the same time, make sure you do not commit to work you know you cannot complete efficiently and to the best of your ability.

2. Be An Intrapreneur


Man becomes an intrapreneur to get a promotion

An intrapreneur is someone who uses an entrepreneur's mindset, relationships, skills, and behaviors within an organization's four walls to develop new, innovative ways of working, new products, or new services.

Whether you are developing a new corporate social responsibility initiative or a new procedure for onboarding entry-level talent, elicit the support of all key stakeholders, do your homework to set yourself up to succeed, and set clear, mutually agreed-upon criteria for success.

By launching a new venture within your company's four walls, you may just create your new position. And when you succeed, you will have evidence of your leadership experience.

3. Get Your Internal Networking On


Work colleagues network during a meeting

It's important to develop mutually beneficial relationships within your department and team as well as throughout your company. Don't forget to connect with your co-workers, old and new, and continuously try to network with those outside of your immediate office or work environment.

To put yourself in line for such an opportunity as a promotion, set the time to get to know all of your colleagues. Be curious about their work and the opportunities they foresee on the horizon.

4. Balance Short-Term And Long-Term Thinking


Woman prepares to ask for a promotion

This is another important muscle to flex when positioning yourself for a promotion. While it's important to have an eye on your goals so that you stay on top of your chief responsibilities, you also want to pay attention to how your work plays into the bigger picture.

Get clear on your department or organization's one, two, and even five-year goals, and work with your supervisor to make sure that how you are spending your time and energy is moving you—and the company—in the right direction.

5. Zap Negativity


Happy woman at work

People want to work with happy people. And—let's face it—right now, too many workplaces are seas of persistent complaint.

Senior leaders also want emerging talent who see opportunities rather than obstacles. Not only does a Negative Nelly or Negative Ned kill moral, but she or he also comes across as someone incapable of solving problems and inspiring others toward solutions, which are keys to positioning one's self as an effective leader.

If you want to get that promotion, focus on being positive at work. Your encouraging nature will show your manager you have the right attitude for a leadership position, therefore making you that much closer to getting promoted.

6. Ask


Woman asks her boss for a promotion

This might sound obvious, but we can't tell you how many people know a position is open in their companies and fail to advocate for themselves or hope that a supervisor will read their minds and make them that offer they can't refuse.

This is particularly important for women.

Men initiate these kinds of conversations about four times as often as women! You don't want to under promise and over deliver forever. Once you know you have laid the foundation for your ask, set a specific day and time to talk to the appropriate person about your aspirations, and make sure you facilitate the conversation in such a way that you are creating a compelling story about what you have achieved in your previous position and what you believe you can achieve moving forward.

Most promotions won't fall into your lap. If you want it, sometimes you just have to ask for it.

Remember, sometimes the greatest impediment to our upward mobility is ourselves. Take this advice and position yourself for a promotion today.

Need more help with your career?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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How To Get Rid Of Your Networking Anxiety



Will this thought of attending some sort of networking event give anyone crippling anxiety? Are people worried you’re wasting your own valuable time on a good networking strategy that isn’t on your side? If so, most likely in the proper place!

The good thing is that not one of us are given birth to with a natural expertise for networking, even often the people who enjoy this.

Like a business-of-one, you need to marketplace yourself. Networking is your skill that anyone may learn. To do so, everyone just need to make use of the best strategy!

With this training, you’ll understand how to:

  • Create a highly effective marketing strategy that gets one results faster than using to countless jobs
  • Identify dream businesses you'd love to function for
  • Turn out to be a more confident marketer and grow your existence online

Join our TOP DOG, J. T. O'Donnell, and even Director of Training Advancement & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live occasion on Wednesday, October nineteenth at 12 pm AINSI QUE.

CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? That's okay. You will have access to your recording as well as the workbook right after the session!


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