CLIENT PROFILE: NETWORKING - YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE
Kent R.
I just heard from a client, Roger, who used his new resume as a confidence booster for networking. From the start of our project, Roger lamented that - in terms of his job search - he was at a disadvantage due to the fact that he had been "checked out" from the world of networking for about 10 years. It happens to many people. You have an effective networking outlet or two and then, suddenly, work and/or family issues become a priority and networking activities have to sit on the sidelines until things normalize. The problem is that things never quite seem to normalize. Life works that way... So many people find themselves in a position similar to Roger's. The chips are down, and he's longing to have his networking connections. Situations such as this are particularly relevant in periods where we experience a tight job market and mind-boggling competition for what few job openings exist. Like so many others, Roger was loathe to appear desperate or like a fool for losing touch with all of his contacts. "People are going to know exactly what's going on when they hear from me again," he said. I let him know that it didn't matter and that, for the most part, people thoroughly enjoy helping other people out when they can. And that's just what job-search networking is all about - suggesting that past and present contacts lend a hand if they are able. No big deal.
With a jolt of reclaimed groove from his new resume, Roger swallowed his pride and sent his resume - along with a sincere, interesting and candid e-mail - to everyone he could think of, including me! Three of those people pointed him in the direction of a possible connection. No other news to report yet, but I wanted to take a moment to share his story. A majority of clients struggle (and I mean painstakingly struggle) with the networking portion of a full-scale job search.
We all know the value of networking. Who are those what-the-heck people that you can send your resume off to? You have nothing to lose, and - even better - networking is more likely to lead to a more satisfying job.
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