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#JobNetworking : 5 Unconventional Networking Tactics That Actually Work. Note: Over 87% Jobs are Found thru Networking. Great Read.

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Building connections can be challenging, especially if you’re just starting your job hunt or trying to expand your professional circle. The numbers tell the story: a 2021 study revealed that personal and professional networks decreased by 16%, which reflects the growing difficulty many experience.

Let’s face it—networking is often easier said than done. Your typical events can feel faked and forced, making it hard to find genuine conversations. Why not shake things up by exploring outside the usual? Here’s a rundown of five inventive strategies for growing your network, especially if conventional methods aren’t your style.

Check Out Niche Social Media Groups

Although social media itself isn’t new, many platforms now feature niche groups that can open doors for networking. You can create genuine connections in smaller, more specialized communities on Reddit, Discord, and Facebook Groups by answering questions, offering to help, and sharing your thoughts. Furthermore, this can help show your value and establish you as a trusted community member.

Adding interactive micro-content to your social media posts, such as polls on Instagram Stories or LinkedIn, is another approach to elevate your networking. These are fantastic for sparking more active and personal conversations. Also, try jumping into Twitter chats or even hosting your own. These live, topic-driven discussions are a great way to demonstrate your expertise and connect with people who share your interests.

Like this Article?  Share It!You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Keep Learning

Continuing education offers plenty of opportunities for lasting connections. Whether you’re taking a course, attending a webinar, or participating in a workshop, these learning activities bring together people with a common goal of expanding their knowledge. You can build strong relationships with others while discussing, working on projects, and solving problems.

These connections go beyond the classroom and offer new perspectives, potential collaborations, and mutual support. Aside from networking, continuing education keeps you updated on the latest industry trends and skills, strengthening your position in your professional community.

You can start by figuring out what you’re into or what skills you want to learn. Look for relevant classes, workshops, or conferences through professional groups, community organizations, or platforms such as Coursera, Eventbrite, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning. Don’t just observe—get involved! Ask questions, participate in discussions, and connect with new people.

Engage Others Through Your Content

Instead of always looking for connections, try making content that attracts people. Creating short articles or sharing insights on hot topics in your industry can get attention and grow your network. You don’t have to be a professional writer—just somebody who knows their stuff and can articulate it effectively. Putting out valuable content can start many interactions and help people remember you.

Begin by figuring out what issues or trends your audience cares about. Then, create content that provides solutions or fresh insights. Share it on LinkedIn, Medium, or your blog, and promote it on your social channels. Engage with people who comment or share your posts, turning those into meaningful conversations. You can develop an organic network built around your expertise by consistently following these steps.

Explore Other Circles

If events within your industry are starting to feel bland, it may be time to look into similar or altogether unrelated fields. Going beyond your usual circle can help you develop fresh ideas and get those creative juices flowing. You might learn new methods, strategies, or concepts that give you a competitive advantage.

Networking at these events can lead to unique partnerships. You might meet someone with skills that complement your own, opening up opportunities for really cool collaborations that neither of you would have explored on your own.

When you get out there and mingle, you’ll also meet experts with different backgrounds and viewpoints, helping you broaden your horizons. For instance, a marketing strategist might gain new insights by attending an event on data analytics, or a product designer could find inspiration at a conference focused on behavioral psychology.

Volunteer Strategically

Supporting a cause comes with some fantastic benefits. First off, giving back to a community or organization that matters to you is rewarding in and of itself. Plus, many leaders engage in community work through charities, making it a fantastic way to meet other driven individuals aligned with your values and passion.

Some employers also view extensive community involvement positively on resumes. In fact, a study by Deloitte found that 82% of those involved in hiring said that listing volunteer experience in a resume makes it more appealing. Even if you aren’t actively networking, mentioning your volunteer work on your resume or portfolio can help you improve your professional image.

To make the most of volunteering, pick a nonprofit or cause that aligns with your ideals and interests. Consider offering your time or professional expertise to support their mission. For instance, many small organizations could use a hand with event planning, bookkeeping, social media, or IT.

As you become more involved, joining committees and boards is the next step in improving your networking game. Sometimes, you might need an invite, but you’ll get noticed if you put in the work and build relationships.

Networking doesn’t have to be by the traditional playbook. You can foster professional relationships anywhere, and these creative strategies can make it more exciting. By thinking outside the box, you can turn your professional connections into meaningful relationships and find new avenues for growth and fulfillment in your career and personal life.

Forbes.com | August 21, 2024 | Sho Dewan

#JobSearch : How To Do The Impossible And Land A Job Without Contacts. Start Building Your Network Now! A Must REad!

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You’ve probably heard the famous catchphrase, “It’s not what you know but who you know.” Many people think it’s impossible to get a job without contacts. While referrals are generally four times more likely to be hired than other candidates, it is still possible to land a role without any connections. It just takes a bit of additional planning and preparation.

First, remember that it’s never too late to grow your network. You don’t need to be one of those people with an enormous list of contacts. It’s more beneficial to focus on the quality of your network than the number of people in your virtual Rolodex.

To get a job without contacts, approach your search strategically. That means leaning into your skills, qualifications and personality. Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, these practical approaches will help you get noticed and hired at a top company.

Focus Your Job Search

Your job search needs to be well thought out and intentional. So, the initial step is to have a specific idea of the role you’re looking for. Narrow your selection down to a list of companies and job titles. Because job titles vary across organizations and industries, you may need to broaden your search parameters to include additional roles. At that point, you can set up job alerts to receive ongoing notifications for relevant positions.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Start Building Your Network

If you just graduated from college or are thinking of changing careers, building your network from scratch might be necessary. To begin, start with who you know, including family and friends. A great way to meet new people is to join your local college alum group. Some additional places to connect with individuals to add to your network include:

  • Trade shows
  • Athletic events
  • Volunteer gatherings
  • Seminars and conventions
  • Professional association meetings

Of course, in-person events are not the only place to expand your network. For online networking, LinkedIn is the ideal platform. Start by optimizing your profile and connecting with people who share mutual interests. Join LinkedIn groups and participate in virtual events. Finally, once you gain traction, create content to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. You will set yourself apart in a crowded professional marketplace by positioning yourself as an expert.

Leverage Professional Services

When you’re struggling to get a job without contacts, it helps to seek professional help. A career coach specializes in helping you on your journey of self-discovery. Many people wait to hire a coach until they are middle managers. But having a coach early on can help accelerate your career. To find someone reputable, coaching associations like the International Coaching Federation or International Association of Coaching are great resources. You also might explore a virtual coaching platform like BetterUp or CoachUp. In the end, take your time to find the right person. Most coaching engagements last several months, and you’ll want to find someone trustworthy to whom you feel comfortable opening up.

Lean On References

A professional reference is someone you trust, like a manager, co-worker, client or vendor, who can attest to your expertise and integrity. Don’t overlook recommendations from people at volunteer organizations you’ve been involved with. Even someone who worked for you might be a good choice. Once you have a list of references, contact them early in your job search to ensure they are willing to recommend you. If they agree, give them specifics about the role and remind them of any achievements you would like to highlight. Be sure to prepare them before being contacted by the employer. Afterward, don’t forget to thank your references and inform them of the outcome.

Use A Storytelling Approach

Unlike a traditional bullet-pointed resume, a storytelling or narrative resume communicates your experience and qualifications more effectively. The format is creative and engaging because it uses paragraphs and descriptive language to make your value to an employer come to life. A key advantage to a narrative resume is that it helps the recruiter better understand your competencies while illustrating why you would make an ideal candidate. Not only is the format more memorable, but it also does a better job of communicating your career history and achievements cohesively.

Don’t let a lack of connections discourage you from applying for a position. While it can be intimidating, it’s not impossible to get a job without contacts. Sometimes, taking the initiative, knowing your worth and using a focused strategy is enough.

 

Forbes.com | August 18, 2024 | Caroline Castrillon

#JobSearch : How To Find A New Job During Difficult Times. Unemployment Rate Highest Since Oct21. Great REad!

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The latest monthly jobs report reveals that job seekers in the United States are encountering significant challenges. Those currently employed may be understandably anxious about job security, especially as major companies like Intel have announced substantial layoffs affecting thousands of workers.

The U.S. jobs report revealed a notable decline in hiring during July, with the economy only adding a disappointing 114,000 jobs last month. There was a sizable drop from the average of 215,000 jobs added monthly over the past year, and the report fell short of economists’ expectations of around 175,000 new positions.

The unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, reaching its highest point since October 2021. In response, the stock market plunged, creating a concern over a potential upcoming recession.

The big picture for Americans reflects uncertainty. The unknown surrounding the outcome of the upcoming presidential election can cause consumers to delay spending and businesses to postpone investments and hiring until the political landscape becomes clearer, as well as macro geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine. Additionally, inflation and the high cost of living are anchors on American families.

As the job market continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and acquire new skills has become essential for career success. By embracing networking, upskilling and reskilling, individuals can enhance their employability, navigate uncertainties with confidence and position themselves as valuable assets in an increasingly competitive job market.

Cultivating A Supportive Network

Networking remains one of the best ways to find a new job. The key is to find internal employees at your target companies and have them share your résumé along with a strong recommendation.

When human resources and hiring managers face reviewing hundreds of résumés, it can be overwhelming. However, if the hiring professional is given a résumé by a known and respected employee, it makes their lives infinitely easier. Since they don’t know most of the people applying, it’s rational to first take a look at a candidate who comes highly recommended, especially if several people championed their virtues for the role.

If you haven’t already started, begin to build and nurture professional relationships that will help lead to focused job referrals and insider information about job openings that are not publicly advertised. Attend and actively participate in industry events, and join professional groups. Use and leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn, X or Threads to connect with industry professionals and potential employers.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You can now easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 3.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

Updated NEWS: #BestofFSCBlog – May24 we hit Two Milestones: #1– Hit over 1.6 million impressions on our FSC Career Blogs within 7 days on LinkedIn……. #2– Over 3.5 Million participates on our FSC Career Blog page below within three years!  Both the Team/myself want to thank you all for participating! …… Chris G. & Team,www.firstsun.com

Daily FSC Career Blogs/Articles: Articles/blogs on today’s Job Search (Over 8K Daily Readers)- Go to ‘Blog Search’ & type in updated info on resumes, job search, networking, social media job search, etc.

https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

New- FSC LinkedIn Newsletter– Daily articles/blogs on Today’s Job Market & Seach. Subscribe Today!

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/fsc-linkedin-network-7081658661743308800

Connect with us on LinkedIn (under Chris G. Laughter) : https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs  @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Searching for ‘the Best Daily Career Search Articles/Blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type (Jobsearch, Resume, Networking, etc) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You Have to be ‘Sharpened‘?

 

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 32 years in delivering corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!   Visit us @ www.firstsun.com  OR Ask for a Quote for Services at  info@firstsun.com

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity to serve & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Adapt To The Changes

The importance of adaptability in the current job market cannot be overstated. With rapid technological advancements and shifting market demands, the ability to adapt has become an essential quality sought by employers.

Adaptable professionals are better equipped to navigate uncertainties, embrace change and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This quality not only makes individuals valuable assets to their employers but also fosters a culture of resilience within organizations.

Learn New Skills

In a fast-changing workplace, consider reskilling and upskilling to remain relevant. Upskilling involves improving existing skills, while reskilling focuses on acquiring entirely new skills, often to pivot into different career paths.

Upskilling and reskilling programs offer numerous benefits to both employees and employers. For workers, these initiatives provide opportunities for career growth, increased job satisfaction and improved job security. For businesses, investing in employee development helps build an internal talent pipeline, reduces turnover and ensures the workforce remains capable of meeting evolving market demands.

To stay competitive, job seekers should focus on developing in-demand skills. These include technical skills, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, blockchain and cybersecurity. Equally important are soft skills like effective communication, leadership, project management, teamwork and adaptability. Emerging skills in areas like sustainability, user interface and user experience design and digital marketing are also desirable.

Keep An Open Mind

Be flexible and open-minded in your search. This involves considering roles in adjacent industries or positions that might not perfectly match your previous experience, but could serve as stepping stones to your desired career path. Develop in-demand skills that are relevant across various sectors to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.

Target companies that are known to be recession-resistant or those in industries that tend to thrive during economic downturns.

Brand Yourself To Stand Out

Focus on personal branding and maintaining a strong online presence. Personal branding helps workers stand out in a crowded job market. It builds credibility in your field and helps establish trust with your audience. A strong personal brand can also open doors to new opportunities.

Regularly update your LinkedIn profile, engage in industry-related discussions on professional platforms and create content that showcases your expertise in your field.

Stay positive and persistent throughout the process. Job hunting during difficult times can be challenging and discouraging, but maintaining a positive attitude and consistently putting in effort can ultimately lead to success in finding new employment.

 

Forbes.com | August 8. 2024 | Jack Kelly 

#2023JobSearch : How To Sell Yourself In Your Job Search. Not Getting Job Interviews? Read This.

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If you’ve been applying to jobs and not getting interviews or offers, chances are you aren’t selling yourself enough. You can have the greatest resume or speak brilliantly in an interview, but if you don’t sell yourself, it can often be the difference between getting a job offer or not.

Before you start to roll your eyes because you think sales is a bunch of surface-level conversations, networking, and coercing, let’s take a step back. Not all sales strategies are inauthentic and ethically questionable.

Sales is crucial in the business world because marketing alone isn’t always enough to turn an interested prospect into an actual customer. Sometimes it takes a bit of a human touch.

Great sales people know potential customers often take time to make a purchase decision. Sales people help customers overcome objections and see the tangible and intangible benefits of a product.

You’ve probably heard the common sales mantra, “always be closing.” But what does closing actually mean? In reality, perhaps a better way to phrase this is “always be connecting.” If marketing is about ensuring people know about you and what you have to offer you then sales is about ensuring they connect the dots and see enough value in the product or service to actually buy it.

In your career, when you apply sales strategies to help communicate your value, you can increase the chances that:

  • Your job application is actually read and maybe even flagged as a strong candidate
  • You stand out in the minds of people who interview you, even after a long day, or week of interviews.
  • You’ll be top of mind when friends, former colleagues, family, or acquaintances hear about roles that might be relevant for you
  • And once you’re hired, your boss or manager sees your value and considers you for promotions, raises, or other opportunities

If sales is about connecting, then in your career, you need to focus on building authentic relationships that can help hiring managers and recruiters see your value.

Here are 3 example messages you can send at various stages of your job search to communicate your value. You’ll notice that in all of the examples below, the messages are concise, direct, and clear and don’t use vague requests to have a “coffee chat” or “pick your brain.”

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

Before You Apply: Find & connect with people who work at the company

When looking for a new job, it’s important to know that 88 % of jobs are filled through networking and relationships. But what happens when you don’t know anyone at a company you want to work at? You have to find people who work there and reach out to them and start to build a relationship.

Let’s imagine you want to work at Salesforce and you don’t know anyone there. One of the first things you should do is leverage various professional groups and communities you might be a part of to see if anyone works there. For example, you could post something like this.

Hey everyone, I have a quick question.

I’m curious about working at Salesforce and want to learn more about their interview process. If you’ve interviewed there, what was your experience like? How long was the process, and did anything come up that you weren’t prepared for?

Feel free to private message me your answers or leave your general thoughts below.

Thanks in advance!

[Your Name]

This works because with one post in a group, you’re likely to receive many replies from people who work at or used to work at Salesforce or people who have friends or family who work there. These conversations can help uncover useful information about the culture and what it’s like to work there or maybe even offers from people to give you referral links to apply.

When You Apply: Send a cold email or message to the hiring manager

Contrary to what you may think, it’s not a bad idea to cold email a hiring manager before or after you apply for a job. Cold emailing gets a bad reputation because so many don’t know how to write a good cold email. However, a strong cold email can help catch the attention of a hiring manager.

The purpose of a cold email is to let the hiring manager know you applied (or plan to), provide a concise pitch for why you’re a fit for the role, and start a conversation. Think of it like this, if the hiring manager only read your cold email (and not your resume or LinkedIn profile) would it be compelling enough to make them want to learn more?

Hi [Hiring Manager / Recruiter Name],

I wanted to connect to let you know I applied for the Product Manager role at Salesforce that you’re hiring for.

I’m currently a Product Manager at HubSpot with 4 years of experience. Previously I worked as a Data Analyst for 5 years and have a MS in Data Science. Based on the job description, I think my experience could be valuable on the Analytics team.

If you have any questions or would like me to send you my resume, please let me know!

[Your Name]

After You Interview: Convert job interviews to job offers with follow up messages

If you think no one reads thank you emails, think again. According to a study by Top Resume, 68% of hiring managers said that a thank you email or note can make a difference.

The key to writing an effective thank you note is to use is to use it as an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills and experience, especially anything you maybe forgot to talk about in the interview, as well as demonstrate your written communication skills.

Using our example of the person applying to the Product Manager role at Salesforce, here’s what they might write after an interview.

Hi [Hiring Manager / Recruiter Name],

It was a pleasure to learn more about the Product Manager role at Salesforce and the analytics team. I’m excited about the opportunity to use my product management and data science background!

In the interview you asked me about [insert something they asked] and I forgot to mention [something relevant to demonstrate your skills or experience]. Please reach out if there are any other questions you have.

I look forward to hearing from you when you know what the next steps might be.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

You should try to tailor your message to each person. Sending a generic and vague message that mentions no specifics about the role or company will not help you stand out. In fact, it might do the opposite as it could make you come across as lazy!

If you’re applying to jobs and not getting interviews or job offers, one of the most important things you can do is to leverage the power of connection and sell yourself through fostering relationships and communicating your value to recruiters and hiring managers.

 

Forbes.com | December 28, 2022 | Sarah Doody 

#JobSearch : 5 Hacks For Holiday Networking, Especially For Those Who Hate It. The Holidays Are the Best Time for Networking. Great REad!

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Yes, the holidays are a time of joy, peace and well wishes, but they can also bring stress particularly in and around the workplace. In addition to completing performance reviews and other year end activities, there are tons of social events and holiday celebrations as well. While this avalanche of quasi-coerced socialization along with pressing year-end requests can feel stressful, CEO and Founder of the executive networking and professional development group Athena Alliance, Coco Brown reminds us that this time truly offers a unique and valuable opportunity to take steps to position ourselves for stronger relationships and enhanced success in the new year.

“The holidays are the best time for networking since people are in a relaxed and festive mood, feeling more generous and sociable than normal,” explains Coco Brown. “Learning how to leverage personal connections, especially with people you don’t know that well, can help job seekers bring their careers to the next level.”

Break out of your bubble

While it may feel safer and easier to rely on your own inner circle, Brown warns against making that classic mistake. Instead, she suggests taking advantage of opportunities to spend time with people you wouldn’t normally connect with. “Often we lean into our closest friends or colleagues when we’re trying to network into a new job opportunity, but research suggests that doing the opposite can actually be hugely beneficial,” she explains. “The term for this is ‘the strength of weak ties,’ and taking advantage of our weaker social connections can be hugely advantageous when we’re looking to find our next job opportunity.”

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, Llc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, the UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

Article continued …

Share your gratitude – and your goal

As the year winds down, most professionals naturally begin reflecting on their goals. It’s a great time to take stock of where you are compared to where you want to be—to ask yourself if you’re really on the right track or just spinning your wheels. Brown suggests using this time to actively connect with professionals who are now where you strive to be.

“They’ve been in your shoes, are often willing to help, and have the network in place that made it happen for them,” she says. “Ask questions to learn from their journey, then clearly articulate your goal and make the ask. Do they have any tips or insights they learned on their journey? Do they have any connections who may move the needle for you? Do they know of any open opportunities that may be a fit?” Don’t be afraid to seize the opportunity to gain critical insight from those who have successfully blazed the path you’re seeking.

Know your value and lead with it

Brown reminds us to approach the holidays with a mindset shift, focusing on our unique value and leaning into that during networking interactions. “This isn’t arrogance, it’s knowing what you bring to the table and having confidence in your ability to execute it,” she explains. “Think of your value proposition like an elevator pitch… you should be able to convey it in 60 to 90 seconds: it should sound practiced yet natural, like something you can easily slip into a conversation between sips of egg nog. Be prepared with stories that speak to your leadership and how you’ve shaped the companies you’ve worked at.” It’s nice towards the end of the year to not just reflect on what you’ve accomplished but also who you’ve become and how you’ve grown. Take this time to become more comfortable amplifying the unique talents and abilities that you bring to any opportunity.

Think about what you can do for others

While it can be tempting to approach networking situations with a focus on what you can gain, it’s often more effective long term to also consider what you can give. The most reliable relationships tend to be reciprocal ones so spend some time thinking about how you might be able to be a resource or support system for others. “I guarantee that by focusing on how you can help those around you advance their careers or find their next job opportunities, you will be repaid tenfold,” she insists. “Plant the seeds of generosity in those around you and then sit back and watch them grow.”

Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile

Thankfully, December usually brings some downtime as well. Things tend to be quieter since so many colleagues are on vacation, and there tend to be fewer meetings and deliverables so it can be a great time to focus on some of those “important, but not urgent” tasks that tend to get pushed aside during more hectic times. Brown suggests using this time to update your resume and LinkedIn profile. “Take a fresh look at your resume and your LinkedIn profile with your future goals in mind,” she suggests. “Spend some time connecting with new people on LinkedIn who work in industries that you’re interested in, even if they’re not industries you have firsthand experience in. Think creatively about how the experience you do have can lend itself well to the experiences you want and weave that into your resume.”

While the holidays can be stressful, the last few weeks of the year can offer a healthy opportunity to reflect, recharge and reconnect. Networking is so much more than showing up at an event. Use these tips to broaden and deepen your professional network and hit the ground running in 2023.

 

Forbes.com | December 9, 2022 | Dana Brownlee

 

#JobSearch : 5 Ways Job Seekers Can Keep In Touch With Employers Who Rejected Them. The Holidays are The Best Time to Network. Great REad!

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I’m going to a networking event hosted by an organization I applied to about 1.5 months ago (haven’t heard back, assuming I didn’t get the job, ha!) . Do I mention this if / when I meet people who work with the organization? Not sure the best way to navigate this. I want to ensure that they know I’m open to other opportunities and am overall interested in staying in touch. – Christina

Kudos to Christina for doing several things right that other job seekers overlook. First of all, she’s networking, which is the number one source for timely job openings (a lot of job postings aren’t current or accurate). Secondly, she’s thinking about how she’ll talk about herself as she meets people – we’re all multifaceted, so be selective about what you talk about, to whom and when. Finally, she’s thinking even more specifically about how she’ll talk about her job search – people aren’t mind-readers, and you need to be explicit about the help you need.

The holidays are a great time to network, and chances are you’ll be in Christina’s situation — running into people you previously connected with on your job search. Some people may not be responsive or have even rejected you outright for a job. Here are five best practices for following up specifically with target employers in your job search pipeline:

1 – Continue to follow-up regularly

Attend that networking event. Follow and comment on social media. Stay connected to individuals you met during your research or even from meetings that didn’t lead anywhere specific. A rejection for one opportunity doesn’t necessarily mean rejection for the next opportunity (see three reasons why a well-qualified candidate still doesn’t get the job). The best follow-up keeps you top of mind for the next opportunity (and the next) because circumstances change, and the better fit for you might be another role, another time or another market environment.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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We here at FSC want to thank each of our corporate partners for the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment!

 

Article continued …

2 — Don’t make every point of follow-up about any one job

While Christina did lots of things right, one adjustment to make is to stop assuming she didn’t get the job because she didn’t hear back. No decision is not enough information to presume a No or a Yes. If she’s still interested in that job from six weeks ago, she should continue to try and get an interview for it – until she hears that No.

There are people you meet at an event that are clearly connected to the very job you want, it makes sense to mention your interest in it since it’s a prime opportunity to get more accurate and updated information about the job. A relevant person may be able to direct you – “oh, that job was filled weeks ago but we haven’t announced it yet”. Or, “we decided not to hire for the one, but there’s another similar one you should look at.” Or, “gee, you would be perfect for that one – let me make sure I get your stuff in front of the right person.”

Don’t harbor any assumptions – positive or negative – about the decision on your current application. Continue to network, and discuss a particular job with people connected to it. Otherwise, keep the conversation open-ended – about your job search overall if people already know you’re looking, or just about getting to know each other as people if you’re meeting for the first time.

3 – Mix up your topics

There is so much to talk about that isn’t about your job search, but still moves the conversation forward. Send holiday wishes – this deepens your rapport. Send congratulations if the person or their company has announced a recent win – this shows you’re thinking about them and that you’re staying on top of the news in your field. Send a status update about something, other thank your job search, that you’re working on – this shows that you’re staying busy and keeping your skills and expertise up-to-date without making the other person feel like you’re only reaching out because you need something.

At a networking event, get the other person talking. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the company and what the company needs. You may uncover enough information that you can pitch a job for yourself, or at least, know exactly what skills and expertise you have that meet an urgent need for that employer.

4 – Mix up your media

Showing up at a networking event is just one way to keep in touch. You can also email, post on social (yes, you can build genuine relationships on LinkedIn) or mail a holiday card. If you know someone well and they like to text, then text. People have different habits when it comes to keeping in touch, and what’s important for follow-up that works is that you meet other people’s preferences and not your own. You might prefer 1:1 meetings, but other people just don’t have time. You might not be active on LinkedIn, but if you’re trying to develop a relationship with someone who is active on that platform, it could be more expedient to take your communication there – at least with that person.

5 – Aim for clarity – which could be a decision, or something else

In all of your follow-up, look for signs that the relationship is going somewhere or that the person wants you to back off. For an open job, this means getting a decision about whether the role is still available, whether your status has been decided, or if not, what is the next step and timetable you can expect. Until you get that clarity, keep working on that job and other relationships within that company. Keep trying for new leads all this time, since you can’t control when you’ll get that clarity.

If there isn’t a specific job that’s open, look for the quantity and quality of response from people you’re networking with. Do the responses take a long time and are cursory with little or no opening to continue the back and forth? That could be a sign that the person would rather back off – or, it could be a busy time overall and not you specifically. Slow down the communication (every other month instead of week, for example). Focus on other contacts until you’re clearer about the viability of this one.

Employers should stay in your network as long as you are still interested in them

Whether or not you get a job there is not 100% in your control, but the pace, quality and consistency of your follow-up is. Put in the work to stay top of mind and to develop a relationship built on something more than any one job. This keeps you in consideration when potential opportunities do arise, while also fostering a genuine connection that’s sustainable rather than transactional.

 

Forbes.com | November 21, 2022 | Caroline Ceniza-Levine

#BestofFSCBlog : Over 12K Reads! How To Find A Job Between Now And The Beginning Of 2023. Waiting for the First of the Year is a Very Bad Idea. A MUSt REad!

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If you start searching for a job now, you’ll benefit from the needs of companies to quickly hire before the holiday-season slowdown. If you miss this window of opportunity, position yourself to be ahead of the crowd for early next year.

It’s both an exciting and challenging time for job hunters. There are only two months left in 2022. Historically, once it gets close to Thanksgiving Day, the hiring process starts grinding to a halt. It’s one of the few times of the year when Americans collectively agree on something: they ease back on work and focus on family, friends and social activities. After being cooped up at home, people will be more eager than ever to take extended vacations and long weekends.

You want to be a contrarian. This entails some delayed gratification. Stay the course while most other job seekers take a break during the holidays. With fewer people applying for jobs and interviewing, you’ll stand out.

The odds will turn out in your favor if you keep hustling. It’s a numbers game. If you continually submit résumés to target companies, get job leads from your network and contribute content on LinkedIn to get noticed, there is a higher probability of achieving interviews leading toward a job offer.

This may seem crass, but there will always be some bosses who desperately need to hire someone quickly. They’ll lower their requirements, increase compensation and acquiesce to your work style preference, including working from home as an enticement. By being persistent, you could end up in the right place at the right time, leading to a job offer you never thought was possible.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

The Challenges You’ll Face

It becomes harder to secure a new job as vacation schedules and personal days are taken, making the hiring process clunky and inconsistent. The human resources person is away when you are available to interview. When the HR representative returns, the business people you need to meet with are not around. The in and out of workers involved with the hiring process creates a loss of momentum. Other end-of-year corporate priorities start taking precedence over the recruiting and onboarding process.

During the last few months of the year, businesses start focusing on closing their books. They conduct annual reviews, determine who will get a promotion or raise and those slated for layoffs, and commence working on the new budget and headcount allotments for 2023.

Many white-collar professionals receive a bonus and stock in addition to their base salary. During this belt-tightening time, corporate leadership is not inclined to buy out five-figure bonuses and stock options to induce job seekers to leave their current employer. Their rationalization is that it’s prudent to wait until candidates receive their bonuses and new salary numbers.

Once a job hunter knows their numbers, they’ll either immediately begin a job search, due to feeling disrespected over the lackluster total rewards package, or happily remain with their firm because their needs were met.

Sometimes companies have a use-it-or-lose-it budget. Management allocates a specified amount of funds toward hiring new personnel. If the supervisors don’t hire in 2022, the bosses will contend that the open jobs are not mission-critical and will withdraw the job listings. Savvy, experienced managers understand the game and will aggressively look to see if they can hire someone quickly. Otherwise, they’ll lose the budget for next year.

Focusing On Finding A Job In Early January

Despite the clunkiness of November, December and early January, it makes sense for you to keep interviewing. You need to be mentally prepared that most jobs will linger until mid-January 2023. What you hope for is that there will be at least a small number of job openings that managers want to hire eagerly.

Instead of sitting on the sidelines, take action. The holiday season is a great time to rekindle old relationships. Get in touch with former co-workers, college alumni, people in your community, folks you met online and others to build up your network. One of the best ways to find a job is not through responding to a job advertisement, but to have an insider at a company recommend you for the role.

Seek out recruiters who are active in your field. You want them to know all about you. Sell them on your talents, experience, work history, a record of accomplishments, emotional intelligence and communications skills. Since most headhunters work on contingency searches, they only get paid if they successfully place you. Therefore, the recruiter is highly incentivized to extol your virtues and aggressively pitch you to their clients.

Everyone has areas upon which they can improve upon. Find a mentor to help you devise a plan to accelerate your career. They could offer advice and guidance throughout your job search and career. Utilize the services of career coaches and résumé writers. You can find them on LinkedIn. These career experts provide interview tips, ensure that your résumé looks current and sharp, help with role-playing an interview scenario and offer constructive criticism and feedback.

Write out an elevator pitch. Similar to a catchy commercial on TV or radio, you want to be able to offer your value proposition in a tight, upbeat, excited 30-seconds-to-a-minute sales pitch. It’s also akin to when a politician gives their stump speech with the same talking points.

The goal is to clearly and concisely offer what roles you had at your current or prior firm, some of your great achievements and how your background, talents, education and skills perfectly match the job. Talk in an enthusiastic, but not too over-the-top manner.

Additionally, take a look online for frequently asked questions by interviewers. Then, practice answering the standard, “Why do you want this job? Why should I hire you instead of the other applicants? Can you please tell me about yourself? Where do you see yourself in five years?”

 

Forbes.com | November 1, 2022 | Jack Kelly

#YourCareer : Intimidated To Engage On LinkedIn? Here’s Some Advice. Great REad!

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Before corporate and intellectual property attorney Lacy Bell graduated Emory Law School, she created a LinkedIn profile to facilitate easy networking with law school colleagues and hopefully help secure employment post-graduation. Later, as she launched her own law firm during the pandemic, she created a LinkedIn profile for her business as well. She certainly understood the importance of maintaining a presence on the largest professional social media platform, but she also faced a challenge—her own intimidation about actively engaging on LinkedIn.

“Like most of my peers, I had not engaged much on LinkedIn because it is a professional workspace and can be intimidating when you’re at the early stages of your legal career and trying to walk the line of being an individual with your own opinions and views, but also understanding that past employers and future employers are watching and have access to anything you post,” she explains. “Unfortunately, it can be intimidating and just feel like more work outside of work.”

Bell certainly isn’t the only professional to feel anxious about diving into the powerful LinkedIn ecosystem. Early career professionals in particular may have anxiety around figuring out what to post, what not to post, how often to engage, who to tag/hashtag, etc. As someone who posts on LinkedIn regularly, I’m surprised how often I encounter posts that start with some version of “I’ve been wanting to post on LinkedIn for a long time, but I was too nervous to do it.” Like Lacy many of these timid posts are authored by successful, accomplished individuals who still feel like a bit of an outsider on the platform. While starting to engage on any new social media platform can feel awkward, the stakes may feel even higher on LinkedIn as the site is often mined by employers and recruiters for valuable opportunities.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

 

Global Creator Programs Lead at LinkedIn Callie Schweitzer insists that it’s perfectly fine to observe initially but also cautions against overthinking it. “If you’re just starting to get more active on LinkedIn or interested in upping how much you’re posting or how involved you are, just start commenting,” she suggests. “Follow people you’re interested in, connect with people, and start pursuing different areas. Build who you are and your presence that way.” She also urges newbies to experiment by engaging with different content types and learning from a range of creators.

One great way to explore a range of content types while also learning about the creator journey may be by following participants in LinkedIn’s new Creator Accelerator Program. It’s a 10-week incubator-style program designed to support creators on LinkedIn through coaching, recognition, and resources. Among other support, LinkedIn provides a $15,000 grant to help creators build engaged communities, spark productive conversations, and connect to meaningful opportunities. “I’ve loved following  Creator Accelerator Program participant Elizabeth Leiba as she shares how she’s learning to use and love video even though writing is her ‘safe space,’” explains Schweitzer. Indeed, following some of these creators may be a great way to learn alongside them and build your confidence muscle at the same time.

Follow people you’re interested in, connect with people, and start pursuing different areas. Build who you are and your presence that way.

Before long, attorney Lacy Bell took the plunge and crafted her first post, and she has no regrets. “It felt good to share my content and officially introduce my firm on LinkedIn,” explains Bell. Posting about her selection to Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 in Georgia by the National Black Lawyers last year, she explains “I was initially hesitant to share it, but I am grateful for all the overwhelming support and impressions that post received.”

As for those who professionals who are still terrified at the prospect of dipping their toe into the waters of the most recognized social media platform for professionals, founder and managing attorney Lacy Bell implores them to just do it. “If there’s something positive or otherwise in your professional career that you want to share with your network, try to put your fears aside and do it,” she insists. “LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with other professionals who can support and assist in so many different ways.”

Forbes Author:  Dana Brownlee       Follow me on LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.
Forbes.com – February 28, 2022

#JobSearch : This Summer May be the Best Time for Networking Ever! THIS Summer is Different!!

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As a rule, summer isn’t considered the best time to network, connect for a job opening, drum up new business, or make new connections. People typically are on vacation, traveling, and formal networking events aren’t typically planned. BUT—THIS summer is different!! People have been cooped up in their homes for months, travel hasn’t been happening, venues have been closed, and people are looking to get out and start moving around again. With that comes a desire to get back to some sense of normalcy.

People want to start connecting with other people face-to-face, get away from their screens, and have “real” conversations. This presents a great opportunity for avenues of connection that could prove to be more valuable. Here are some reasons why you may need to look at this summer as your chance to improve your personal branding, make some new connections, and revive some old.

People Want to Connect and Will Make Time

Since many businesses hit their slower months during the summer, you’ll notice people are more relaxed than normal. This means they should be more willing to connect with you. And with restaurants reopening, you can finally grab a cup of coffee or go to brunch. Taking a relaxed and casual approach when networking during the summer can improve personal branding for senior level managers more than you think.

Use Downtime to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

Summer could also prove to be the best time to work on your executive LinkedIn profile. This year, companies are still looking for employees, so you want your LinkedIn profile to be complete and up-to-date when they reach out. Use your downtime to connect with those you haven’t connected with recently, join a LinkedIn group, or make some new connections. You can also job search through LinkedIn and use it to connect with companies directly. Take time to learn about all the tools available through LinkedIn to help in your job search or to find some great new connections.

 

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Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

Be on the Lookout for Networking Opportunities

The summer months offer some of the most unique networking opportunities when compared to other times of the year. You don’t have to be dressed in professional attire in order to make a connection. Listen to conversations at the beach, at sporting events, kids’ events, or anywhere else you may be. As much as people say they don’t want to think about work when they are at different places, many conversations will inevitably lead that way. You never want to miss the opportunity to work on personal branding for senior level managers.Professional Resume Services has plenty more networking tips like these to get you through the summer. Whether you need assistance with your LinkedIn profile development or identifying other networking opportunities, feel free to contact us at any time.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

FSC Career Blog – June 4, 2021

#JobSearch : How To Get Noticed By A Competitive Company When You Don’t Know Anyone. Avoid Application Portals & Bypass the Competition

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I’ve never been one of those super-connected people with a Rolodex of contacts on speed dial. So, it has always bothered me when people would say getting a new job is all about who you know. 

As a career coach who’s helped corporate professionals land interviews and roles at competitive companies like Google, Vogue, Deloitte, iHeartMedia, and an array of other companies in dozens of industries without any secret connections, I know that not having a huge network doesn’t have to exclude you from landing a great role at a competitive company.

But, when you don’t know anyone, you have to know how to approach your job search in a way that helps you skip the line and get ahead of the competition. Here are a few tips to help you get noticed by a competitive company, even when you don’t have a huge network.

Avoid Application Portals & Bypass the Competition

In 2019 alone, before unemployment surged last year, Amazon received more than 18 job applications per minute and more than 200,000 online applications for 30,000 open spots. That’s just one example of the number of applications rolling into competitive companies on any given day.

If your only strategy for getting noticed by a competitive company is applying online, then you are not giving yourself every opportunity to get noticed. Instead of sentencing yourself to the black hole of rejection, as I call it, you need to bypass the competition by reaching out to hiring managers directly. This will help you ensure that your application doesn’t get lost in the application portal and will help you get in front of other job candidates.

 

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

Get Good at Knowing Why You’re Good 

It’s not enough to reach out to hiring managers directly, you also have to know exactly why you believe you’re the right person for the role you’re pursuing. Reaching out to the hiring manager without a clear pitch on why you’re the top candidate for the job can still cause your outreach to get tossed to the side.

To get good at knowing why you’re good, you need to take a step back to evaluate how your previous positions have prepared you for the next role you desire. You need to know the stories, accomplishments, results, and examples that showcase the value you can bring to the position. And, you need to be able to communicate those things as easily as you can tell someone your phone number. Some of my clients have even gotten responses in less than 24 hours after reaching out directly to hiring managers because they mastered this, without any secret connections. When you study yourself just as much as you would study the job description, you’ll increase your chances of getting a response from hiring managers, without a referral.

Create the Connections

Lastly, just because you don’t currently have connections doesn’t mean you can’t create them. But, rather than feeling like you have to hit the connect button on LinkedIn 15 times a day or awkwardly send people your resume when they didn’t ask for it, you can do things a different way. Focus on building authentic relationships by thoughtfully reaching out to people you would genuinely like to get to know, simply because they’re like-minded professionals you find interesting.

Don’t focus on how they can help you when you’re establishing these relationships. Pay attention to how you can help them and learn from them instead. Recently, one of my clients followed this approach, and she found out about a position at a competitive company that wasn’t even available online yet. And the best part? She didn’t have to ask or beg for the person to put in a good word for her, the person offered on their own.

Getting noticed by a competitive company and landing a new role doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. When you’re willing to approach your job search strategically and thoughtfully, you can increase your chances of getting noticed and hired at a top company you love.

Author:  Adunola Adeshola coaches high-achievers on how to take their careers to the next level and secure the positions they’ve been chasing. Grab her free guide.

 

Forbes.com – January 27, 2021