| The other day I spoke with someone who told me | | | | talk of your job hunt is over the top, to be sure. But no |
| she's one of the few who actually loves networking. | | | | one minds a simple inquiry as everyone has either, at |
| She's right-I think those folks ARE few and far | | | | one point, looked for a job or been a good friend of |
| between. And as the founder of a successful | | | | someone looking for a job. You'd be surprised how |
| conference/forum targeted to moms returning to the | | | | many people actually like to help others find jobs. |
| workforce, I know that networking is one of those | | | | 4. Networking means organization...that is, keep track |
| things most of us dread. | | | | of names given to you, phone numbers, emails sent, |
| The irony is that moms are some of the best | | | | etc. Make sure to thank the original referral and then |
| networkers out there. They just aren't always aware | | | | keep a list of your follow-ups; often, the name you get |
| they are networking-nor are they always able to | | | | ("I think Bill needs marketing help") doesn't pan out, but |
| convert those conversations into the "next step". | | | | when you speak to Bill he has 3 other ideas...find a |
| Here's a few things to keep in mind: | | | | system, and then keep track of the contacts as they |
| 1. Networking is almost a must, these days, in job | | | | come. |
| hunting. The percentage of those who get their jobs | | | | 5. Keep an open mind: your assistant from 5 years |
| from online resources (such as Monster) is low; most | | | | ago may be a VP by now, and ready to hire you or |
| job hunters find their job through word-of-mouth. This is | | | | refer you because you were such a great boss! Make |
| even more so for moms in today's tight employment | | | | those calls to everyone in your address book, even if |
| market-if you have a gap on your resume, it's just as | | | | you've not talked to them in some time. Set yourself a |
| easy to toss it aside if the recruiter doesn't actually | | | | goal of 5, 10, whatever calls a day or a week-and hit |
| know you and how successful, experienced, etc you | | | | that goal. |
| are. | | | | 6. Keep talking. You never know when you're |
| 2. Networking is talking to the other moms in your | | | | brainstorming with someone, if they'll think of someone |
| playgroup or PTA or (fill in the activity). If they aren't | | | | that didn't immediately come to mind. |
| working, their husbands likely are. Or their sisters, or | | | | The point of networking is to get a team of friends |
| brothers. Mention what you're looking for ("I'm trying to | | | | and supporters working for you and your job hunting |
| jump back into my marketing career") and you'll be | | | | goals. You don't need to put on a blue suit, hit a job fair |
| surprised how many people know someone who | | | | with 100 resumes and a smile, and shake hands for 5 |
| knows someone... | | | | hours to be an effective networking-be yourself, be |
| 3. Networking doesn't have to make you | | | | honest, and you'll be surprised how many people want |
| uncomfortable. Sales-y pitches, nagging, and incessant | | | | to help. |