You are here: Home / Your Guide to Job Search / C. Getting Started - Your Network

Who is your network?

December 15, 2008 By Mark

Identifying your network begins with a simple exercise – writing down people you currently have connection.   To organize your thoughts consider placing each person into a category, which is how I got mine underway.    I focused individuals who could help me in my search due to their current position held, industry, etc.   I used this list to begin my networking.

Caveat #1:  There is also an informal network that comes from telling other people what new role you are seeking.  I got several good connections from friends of my wife, because I told them about my situation. 

Creating your initial list:

·         Family

·         School (High School, College and Graduate School) – former students & teaching staff

·         Former employers

·         Service providers to your companies (bankers, lawyers, etc.)

·         Colleagues from competing companies (hey, they are not competitors anymore!)

·         Boards

·         Social Groups

o   School associations

o   Sports associations

o   Volunteer Groups

o    Religious

Caveat #2: Don’t try to edit it too much, just fill in as many names as possible.  Once you get it completed, then you can sort out how to prioritize each person.

Filed Under: C. Getting Started - Your Network Tagged With: Initial network list, Who is in your network, Your network

Best resource for jobs – people with a vested interest in you

December 15, 2008 By Mark

After meeting over 600 people between networking for my own job and continuing to chair the finance executive networking group, I have noticed a key observation in people landing jobs.   They often go to work for former bosses, colleagues, friends or associates at service firms (law firms, accounting firms, etc.) – all people who have a vested interest in the person they hired.  

People who know your work style, results delivered, leadership abilities and personality, can make an easier decision to hire you because there is less risk.

This is how I landed my job at RBC Dain Rauscher – my boss, Lisa Ferris, knew my background and style.  I still had to go through 10 interviews and a psychological screening, but I the job came because Lisa knew me.

As you build a list of your network contacts put those who have a vested interest in you at the top.

Before you reach out to those with vested interests, make sure you have a clear vision of what you want.   No matter how well someone knows you, respecting their time is still required.

Filed Under: C. Getting Started - Your Network Tagged With: Vested Interest, Who is in your network

LinkedIn – Find people with a vested interest

December 15, 2008 By Mark

Besides talking with former colleagues, my favorite method of finding people is LinkedIn.  I cannot tell you how many people from 10+ years ago who I’ve found on LinkedIn. 

LinkedIn has a number of great tools to help you find former colleagues from work, school, etc. – all the type of people who might have a vested interest in you.

The key to making the connections is creating a full profile.   See the tool “How to Use LinkedIn” for other tips.

Filed Under: C. Getting Started - Your Network Tagged With: Linkedin, Using LinkedIn, Vested Interest

Remember Your Support Network

December 15, 2008 By Mark

If there is a mistake that I made from time to time during my search, it was not to thank my support network enough.   It’s easy to get focused upon your search so completely that you take them for granted.

So to solve the problem, I simply put in blocks of time in my calendar.   I sent out very short e-mails that said my search was still underway, but appreciated all the support.  If there were key people I met or opportunities presented that resulted from their help, I also mentioned those as well.

Don’t kick yourself too hard if you have overlooked this step.  Easy to do.  Easy to solve.

Filed Under: C. Getting Started - Your Network Tagged With: Support network, Thank you

Last system check – Seek an honest opinion

December 15, 2008 By Mark

When you network, you are asking busy people to take time out of their day to help you.  So while you want to get going, you need to be prepared to get the most of the time.  So make sure you are ready.

Here is a great role for a good friend or your outplacement firm: Give you an honest opinion

·         The 30 second Resume test – What do they see and does it match the image you want to portray?

·         Does your ‘pitch’ match your documents  - You will not get a VP job if your document emphasize Director level experiences.

·         Does your 90 second pitch take 5 minutes – Give them your pitch and ask them to tell you: What role you seek and what makes you unique.

·         Style – Remember that a job search is selling.  You have to be comfortable presenting a self-confident image.

Filed Under: C. Getting Started - Your Network Tagged With: Checking your documents, Honest opinion, System check