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How to Do Networking and Why to Start When You Already Have a Job

How to Do Networking and Why to Start When You Already Have a Job
All books about career strategies and job hunting list networking at the first place as far as your future employment is concerned. It is more important than excellent resume or polished interviewing skills. In fact, thanks to networking you may land a job without the need of ever sending your resume or going through difficult and stressful job interview process.
It is a common knowledge that some job openings are filled before they even formally open to public, making their way to recruiting companies or to job boards. It is all because the manager may know just the perfect person for the job as soon as there is a need for a new person to join the team.
You will greatly improve your chances of finding employment by expanding your network now, even if you are currently employed, or you still have some time before graduation from the university. Networking often takes time and building wide web of connections does not happen overnight, so you better start working on it now.
Here are few ways of expanding your network and get ahead of your competition:
1. Be a part of a professional group/organization
Joining a group of professionals will not only give you a chance to mingle with other specialists in your field. It will also give you a chance to learn new techniques and technologies and keep up with what is going on in your professional environment. However, just joining is not going to make a real difference - you have to participate actively in meetings, forums and boards, let yourself be seen and known. Some of the groups may only exist online and some may take a bit more of your time with occasional gatherings.
2. Share your knowledge and keep on learning If you are well renowned specialist you may consider giving classes in your chosen subject, either in a college or as a free community service. On the other hand, if you think your skills are lacking, it is advisable to take courses and seminars that will give you the opportunity to expand both your knowledge and your network when you get to know professionals and other students in your class.
3. Volunteer It does not have to be related to your precise field. You can volunteer in a church or participate in charity events. Many professionals feel they need to give back to the community and you may be surprised at the variety of people you will meet.
4. Keep business cards All contacts may be useful. Keep business cards you receive during meetings and seminars. Link a card to a face by making a short note on the back on the card: description of a person, their peculiar manner or some other useful tip that will make you remember them better.
And above all:
5. Be active Simply going to a seminar or keeping a business card is not going to be enough. Keep in touch with people you meet, make them remember you. Your network is not necessarily going to be work related, socialize with other groups of interest, expand your own possibilities. You may reach out to other professions or people within your field who work or live abroad. Be enthusiastic, positive and always move forward.
Margaret Buj is an Interview Coach and a senior recruiter, with experience of recruiting across EMEA for leading organizations in the technology sector, including Microsoft, VMware, Cisco and Business Objects. During a 1-to-1 coaching session with Margaret, you will get the opportunity to practice your interview skills without the pressure and the nerves of a real interview. You will get clear, practical advice and encouragement, and you will become more fluent in your ability to answer any question an interviewer can throw at you. As a result, you will feel less anxious and more confident and you will significantly increase your chances of getting a job offer or a place on a graduate training scheme.
Margaret can also help you develop your confidence and the 'winning' attitude that will make it easier for you to get the job you want. If you're interested in 1-to-1 interview coaching, please visit http://interview-coach.co.uk To download your free 5-Day Interview Success E-course that aims to help you get the job you want, please visit: http://www.interview-coach.co.uk/free-ecourse.html
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