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Use Networking to Find a New JobDevelop Contacts to Look for Work in a Tough Economy
Looking for a job is a job. In this challenging economy, use networking as a job search tool.
The Wall Street financial crisis, a rising unemployment rate and high gas prices have made looking for a job very challenging. How can job seekers find a position with the economy in turmoil? This brief guide will provide some new ways to help job seekers develop and implement a job search plan. Networking is a Valuable Tool in Today's Job MarketExperts say that the most effective way to find a job is to network. Sound like another buzzword? It's not. One Massachusetts area Outplacement Firm advises clients to make 30 new contacts a week during a job search. Job Search professionals says that more than 60 percent of job seekers have found new jobs through networking. Sound daunting? Perhaps. However, a contact can be anyone from a friend, a former co-worker or a next door neighbor. These people can all lead to more contacts, some of which may lead to job interviews. What Job Seekers Should Say When Speaking to a ContactPractice what you will say and how you will say it. Keep it simple and explain that your are kooking for a job and need some help. Most job seekers find that friends and co-workers will be happy to help. For more thoughts about how to find the words to say, read on. Create a Value Proposition to Help the Job SearchCraft a "Value Proposition" in addition to a resume. What is a Value Proposition? This is a written document that contains all of your unique personal and professional abilities and goals. A resume is marketing tool. It tells what you have done in the past. However, a Value Proposition is a statement of what you want to do in the future. Writing it will help you figure out strengths and goals. It will also help one to re-gain confidence in one's abilities and skills. Two other key networking tools: are An Exit Statement and Position Statement Create An Exit Statement to Help the Job SearchThis is a one sentence spoken statement that says: "I left my job because...." The purpose is to have a short and focused planned statement about why you one is looking for a new job. Think of your exit statement as a personal press release. It is what tells the world about this change in your work life. An exit statement is short, upbeat and non-defensive. Practice saying it and be confident. It will get you past the first challenge of explaining your situation . Potential employers will ask why one is looking for a job and job seekers should be well prepared with a straightforward answer. Create an Elevator Speech to Help the Job SearchAlso known as a "Position Statement." This is a brief spoken statement about your qualifications and skills. It answers the question: "Tell Me About Yourself." Job seekers should make it conversational and practice saying it so that they could turn to someone next to them in an elevator or out on the street, and deliver it naturally and calmly. Job hunters should use this statement in networking, on resume and cover letters and even in job interviews. It could be one of a job seeker's most useful tools on a job search. These networking tips will go a long way to make the job seeker more comfortable talking to people about his or her job search.
The copyright of the article Use Networking to Find a New Job in Job Search is owned by Marilyn DeAngelis Pennell. Permission to republish Use Networking to Find a New Job in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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