Finding the Energy to Network
It’s an interesting phenomenon that often occurs among many job seekers. Everywhere you go, you hear the call to “network, network, network.”And statistics continue to show that the old adage: “It’s who you know”still rings true. Depending on whom you believe, networking in one form or another can account for anywhere from 60% to 80% of all job placements.
Wow! Those are pretty good stats! So why, then, does it seem so hard for all of us, job seekers especially, to find the energy to do it?
I’m not sure anyone can give you exact reasons, but here are a few that I have compiled after having coached hundreds of job seekers each year through the job search process:
1. Networking isn’t linear. You know, when you apply for a position online, it’s pretty straightforward. The company posts an ad; you submit your resume. Never mind that more times than not you will never receive a response from that company, it still feels like progress to you. You can check it off a list. Pat yourself on the back. You did something!
Networking, however, is completely different from that. You show up at an event, have coffee with an old friend, or start up a chat on a social networking site. The experience may be pleasant, but you often walk away feeling like it didn’t do much to further your cause. You talked about the weather, your kids, the latest American Idol winner, etc. How does any of that lead to a job?