02/19/2021

Tips on Networking & Meeting People - Career Advice

Drake Editorial

“Networking is about making contacts and building relationships that can lead to jobs or other work-related opportunities.”

Thoughtful networking provides a focused way to talk to people about your job search. Done right, it can help you obtain leads, referrals, advice, information and support. It is an essential component of any successful job search, but it requires planning.

The good news for older job seekers is that by virtue of more years and more experiences, you generally have an edge over your younger counterparts in the scope of your networks. But older workers may be less experienced in identifying and using those contacts. Here are some pointers on how to build and sustain your employment networks.

Know How to Make Your Pitch

A key part of effective networking is being clear about your employment goals. A careful self-assessment can provide pertinent information about who you are and what you want when communicating with contacts. Prepare talking points and practice delivering them, whether you have 10 seconds for an elevator pitch or 10 minutes for an informational interview.

Keep Track of Your Contacts

When a contact gives you leads or referrals, be sure to ask for permission to use the contact’s name. Keep detailed records of your networking activity: to whom did you talk? About what? When? What were the results? For each contact, identify next steps and develop a reliable follow-up system. A collection of index cards will work; so will a notebook or a computer application. The key is to be persistent and actually follow up.

Expand Your Horizons

Your network will include people you know well, acquaintances and referrals. Be creative. Here’s a  partial list of common sources for networking contacts:

  • Alumni organisations
  • Children’s contacts: PTA, sporting teams, Scouts, parents of their friends 3 Classmates (school or university)
  • Community job clubs
  • Former employers, including supervisors and coworkers
  • Friends: local and out-of-town
  • Hobby groups: bridge clubs, gardening, model trains, quilting, etc.
  • Members of clubs: health club, football club, hiking club
  • Members of your church, temple, synagogue or mosque (some religious organisations also sponsor job search groups)
  • Past military friends
  • Neighbours, current and past
  • Participants in trade shows, seminars or workshops you’ve attended
  • Political groups
  • Professional associations
  • Professionals: solicitors, accountants, doctors, dentists, insurance agents, pharmacists, veterinarians
  • Relatives: local and out-of-town
  • Service or fraternal organisations and groups: Rotary, Lions, etc.
  • Services: travel agents, stockbrokers, estate agents
  • Volunteer associations: past and present

Build Your “Net Worth”

Your network is your “net worth.” To get the most from your investment, thank everyone who helps you (in person and with a written follow-up), and keep those who are interested posted on the progress of your search or career change. And remember: make yourself available as a resource for other job seekers, and treat them as you would like to be treated by those with whom you network.

 

Be sure to explore our other job seeking tips - Job Seeker Career Advice page.

 


Looking for more information on developing your personal brand? Contact Drake today on 13 14 48  or visit us at au.drakeintl.com.

02/01/2021

5 Keys to Job Hunting Success - Career Advice

Drake Editorial

So, you need a job. A good job. Maybe you’re graduating soon and have already become tired of hearing your parents and friends ask, “Do you have a job yet?” Perhaps you are temping or being under-utilised in your current job and are seeking a new challenge. Or perhaps you’ve been working for a while in a career-oriented job but are ready for a change to something that pays more or just suits you better.

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02/19/2021

You will be Googled - Career Advice

Drake Editorial

We live in the digital age. Beyond that, we live in a time when anyone, anywhere can share any piece of information they like. And we have many ways for doing so – Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and blogs are just a few of the sites or tools we use to connect and share with others all over the world.

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06/08/2021

Solving the Talent Attraction Shortage

Drake International

The tables have turned! Organisations must now convince employees to choose them. Recent research reveals the average lifecycle of a job is now between 12 months to 3 years, and with talent being much more accessible for your competition, employees have increased bargaining power as the job market has become increasingly more competitive.

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10/05/2020

How can leaders play their part in maximising well...

Andrea Marlan

Wellness solutions are not a business expense and it’s time that we opt for a mindset shift and see the real value derived from wellness programs when embedded into organisational DNA. This year, wellness and wellbeing is more topical than ever before. The onus is being placed on business leaders to be the leaders of change and pivot their business in accordance with the changing times. With this, will come great benefit to not only workers wellbeing, but by consequence - the business’ bottom line.

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01/21/2022

What Work Do You Really Want To Do In 2022?

Michelle McQuaid, Wellbeing Lab

As millions of workers around the world join The Great Resignation, the desire to throw in the towel for the potential of work that has more meaning, more flexibility, and more money has never looked more tempting. 

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02/19/2021

Understanding yourself - Career Advice

Drake Editorial

When you need a job – particularly when you need one now – seems like the wrong time to be thinking about “finding yourself”. After all, you have CV’s to send out, cover letters to write, and interviews to attend. And besides, it’s not like there is a well-defined path to follow that leads to personal understanding.

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