How To Take Your Networking To Next Level

Networking is one of the best ways to use your time

- Heather Huhman

While being on the job search is a daunting task for most, it’s important to enjoy the process. After all, having a positive attitude can  search is a daunting task for most, it’s important to enjoy the process. After all, having a positive attitude can make a world of difference! But how can you maintain a positive attitude during a long, frustrating job search? Good networking!

Instead of spending all your time and  energy on mainstream job boards, get off your bottom and meet new people! While I don’t recommend giving up on job boards altogether, I definitely feel networking is the best way to use your time wisely during your job search.

For example, one great analogy I love to use is the person who goes to the gym for an hour but doesn’t even break a sweat. This isn’t working out. Sure, you drove to the gym and stayed there for an hour, but did you truly leverage your abilities? Similarly, when on the job hunt, it’s important “sweat” a little – work hard and use your time strategically to obtain your dream job.

The key to networking is to create mutually beneficial relationships by expanding your professional contacts. These contacts may provide industry advice, other contacts or the key to your future job. The following steps will without doubt get you on your way to be a networking expert.

Pre-Networking Check-List:

Figure out what you want to be “when you grow up” and make a list of your target organisations and key people within those organisations.

Have a defined unique selling proposition (USP) that describes what value you would bring to the organisation.