Recruitthebest Daily Digest- What About Networking?

The most interesting and sought-after jobs are scooped up quickly through referrals and rarely make it to the big job boards. Networking is your best entree into a company if you want to find the good roles and reduce your competition.’

A hirer will spend about six seconds reviewing your resume before making an initial decision. Ensure you end up in the ‘yes’ pile by creating a results-based, well-formatted resume that makes it easy for the reader to quickly discern your relevant strengths.’

Include a cover letter. This will set you apart from the pack and is another opportunity to reiterate your relevant strengths, career story, and value.’

Social media isn’t optional. Make sure your brand comes through clearly in your online presence, and remove irrelevant or inappropriate content.’

Few things in life are truly ‘have to’s.’ When you choose to do something, it is a lot more empowering.’

‘You’ve likely been networking all your life. Recall the people you know and the relationship skills you’ve gained. Networking is networking, whether you’re looking for a job or an authentic Italian restaurant.’

You need to network to make a career switch. Stop making excuses, and put energy and time into building mutually beneficial relationships.’

Second- (and third-) level connections are where the action is! Most people in your immediate circle have the same imformation you do, so the goal is to get their network, because that is where your next opportunity lies.’

Introversion is not a flaw, and it certainly doesn’t make you bad at networking. Find strategies that are comfortable, engage your strengths, and build relationships.’

Use your 24 hours each day wisely and don’t waste large chunks of time on 15-minute tasks.’

Networking is a long-term strategy of building relationships.’

Source:

Dawn Graham (2018). Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success.

Recruitthebest Daily Digest- If You Can’t Find A Job, This Is For You (1)

Many of the obstacles Switchers face are self-created. Be aware of falling prey to fallacies such as the illusion of fairness or comparing your progress to others.’

Go all in on Plan A! Don’t undermine yourself by splitting your energy between two goals.’

Boil your skills and the skills needed for your target role down into their most basic components so that you can understand the overlap.’

Take time to map out the intersection of your Interests, your (related) Expertise, and the Market for a solid Plan A. The struggle to reach clarity is vital and will set you up for success in the networking and interview processes.’

Clarify define your target. Don’t fear going too narrow: Most people keep their target too broad, which makes it harder for your network to help you, or for a hiring manager to take a chance on you.’

‘Completing the bull’s-Eye Brainstorming Worksheet is a helpful way to keep your target clear, precise, and at the front of your mind.’

Values play a key role in career satisfaction. Take these into account when making decisions related to your switch.’

Some double Switchers may require a stepping stone career. Depending on the strength of your network, consider if a stepping stone is a useful strategy.’

Going back to school might feel like a worthwhile step toward your new career, but remember that a tough job search will still be waiting at the end. Find out if the return on investment is worth it.’

The rise of the gig economy is creating new opportunities. Don’t rule this out as a creative way to make your career switch a reality.’

Figure out your plan A.’

Source:

Dawn Graham (2018). Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success