Consider that the  idea of  “added value” is a basic truth which is not disputed, everyone wins with it in the mix and customers and co-workers are happy and, because of that, the organization flourishes.

It is true that our society needs successful endeavors in every facet; why not add “added value” to the mix?  Here are ways I know I add value to an organization:

* Match your manager’s priorities to yours; the end result will be that you will be in alignment with your company’s goals and vision.
* Focus on your skills, projects, and assignments which have had positive outcomes.
* When you typically deliver results on-time (or even early) this action shows that you are organized and dependable.
* Keep up on your knowledge about your profession; attend company-sponsored training, professional association events, and read trade journals.
* Show your flexibility and team player spirit. Offer to help out colleagues when it appears that they need it. Never state, “that’s not in my job description”.
* How about responsibility. Own up to your mistakes and focus on what you’ve learned rather than on what went wrong.

The primary purpose of any business, service or industry is to add value in greater proportion than the costs connected with its’ establishment in the first place.  As noted by Albert Einstein:  “Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.”

I recognize that  through individual efforts; through a focus on building the customer base into a profit center,  I can truly add value.

Well, my friend had already created a 30 – 60 – 90 day plan of action and was prepared for this question.  The answers he gave from his thoughtful preparation probably assisted greatly in landing the job for him.

So what is a 30-60-90-day plan?

It is a written document outlining what you will do as an employee within the first 3 months of your employment. It’s broken up into sections: the first 30 days usually includes training, as well as getting to know the company and customers; the next 30 days are more focused on getting out on your own and into the swing of things; and the last 30 days are often more about branching out and being effective with the key elements of the position – what you were hired to do in the first place.

Here is what the 30-60-90-day plan can do for you.  Here is why is it so important and really makes a difference:

• Shows initiative. You are already doing something that’s not required, but that would be helpful. It gives hiring managers a clear idea of what they can look forward to if they hire you-an outstanding, take-charge, thoughtful, focused employee.
• Shows preparation. A 30-60-90-day plan can’t be done at the last minute. Creating one shows you are thinking and planning ahead, and know how to work. If you’ll do that for the interview, it’s a good bet for them that you’ll do that in the job.
• Shows your writing skills. That’s important. It shows your communication skills, your Word Document skills, and your ability to put something together. It shows that you know how to impress.
• Shows that you’ve done your homework. You took the time to get to know the company. When you can name specific things relating to the company in your document (types of clients, names of competitors, top products, business and CRM systems, what their initiatives are or what their mission statement) it presents you as a very desirable candidate who is interested in THIS position and not just a job .
• Shows that you know a lot about the position. You’re already writing down what you will do in the first 3 months. You know what’s going on, and what you’re getting into.
• When you present a 30-60-90-day plan correctly during the interview, it shows that you can control a client-customer interaction or a presentation, that you can effectively communicate the points you want to make, and that you can gather information because hopefully you’re asking questions as you present it.

Suggestion: Along with your thank you note after your interview you might include some items from your list; do not include all.

Rather, save most of your items for the second and third round of interviews.  This is how you will stand out – to show that your are focused, have a story – a presentation to tell, are excellent with communication skills – verbally and in writing.

Now go out and get that job – just like my friend did!

New Year’s Resolutions get a bad reputation for being something you say in January, but quit by February.

This year, make a resolution that you will …

• think about what I liked and disliked in previous jobs and develop the ultimate job description. I will use this to give my search focus and meaning
• network 80 % of the time and use the Web 20 % of the time
• be open to exploring many new options in the job market, understanding that there may be interesting opportunities beyond my traditional field
• review which tactics did and did not yield results in 2009, and I will work to understand how I might improve in those areas that did not do as well as I had hoped
• promise not to apply for positions I am definitely not qualified for
• ask friends or acquaintances who manage and hire people to evaluate my cover letter and resume and give me real feedback – even if it hurts to hear it
• set myself weekly goals during my job search and keep to their deadlines
• consider new industries and career paths, but I will research the likelihood of being able to make that switch easily
• work on building relationships with my recruiter by helping him/her as much as they help me
• will apply immediately (with a tailored cover letter and resume) and search for friends and colleagues who could act as referrals to help me network into the organization
• consider my job search a full-time job and will not become complacent with my current situation. I will prioritize my job search above television, video games, or recreational internet use
• meet (on the phone or in person) three new people a week who can help me with my job search
• be thoughtful about when to send my resume, and I will not send my resume to everyone I know
• not spam my resume to companies where I am seeking employment. Instead, I will tailor my resume to each company, so that my relevant skills are stressed for each specific position of department. The company will know I am serious and intent on working there
• learn to leverage Social Media as a vehicle for communicating about myself, and not just as a distraction for hours chatting with new friends be specific about the type of work and organizations, including names of target organizations that I find most interesting
• send thank-you cards after every interview, whether I thought the interview went well or poorly
• not assume a person cannot help me find a job.  They may know a great contact I need to meet
• set up informal discussions with decision-makers/hiring managers even if they are not hiring right now.  They may be hiring soon be open to exploring many options because an interesting opportunity may exist beyond what I can see on the surface start attending more job fairs and networking events, including those that may put me outside of my traditional industry
• consider that my resume may not be as good as it could be and seek advice
• acknowledge that I may not be an interviewing pro. Especially if I’ve interviewed a lot and have not landed a job.  I will seek professional advice
• start considering a wide array of employment opportunities, instead of only the areas I’ve been used to
• build a plan for my job hunt by outlining resources to research and key people to contact.  I will create a schedule, too.  Milestones and goals are important
• provide or demonstrate my value to my newly-made contacts first, before asking for their help
• share my concerns with a few trusted friends who can offer good advice (instead of giving up hope)
• re-examine what my real financial needs are so that I can be more open to opportunities that may pay me less than what I want
• meet, whether by phone,direct e-mail, or in person, three new people who can help me in my job search each week
• will volunteer.  I will make good use of my time by meeting new people and creating substance for a discussion on “what I’ve been up to recently.”  I will make a difference when many can use my assistance
• evaluate opportunities by recognizing that this job can be a stepping stone to another job (inside or outside the company) – especially as the market improves
• not depend on my network to find a job for me, but will view it as one of several methods of finding employment
• Read.  Learn. Teach.  I will educate myself or others on a subject-matter than is pertinent to my profession
• do volunteer work to keep myself busy, and to also answer the question interviewers will put to me regarding what I have been up to recently in my unemployment
• consider exercise to be a good stress-reliever and pick a program I will enjoy (not necessarily bring the fastest results)
• ask friends or family to give me full and honest criticism of my resume and of my interview tactics, even if it may be difficult to hear
• not become frustrated with my job search, or, if I do, I will not take out that frustration on my friends or family.

• not give up

http://www.usnews.com/money/careers/features/best-careers-2010

Science and Technology

• Computer software engineer
• Systems analyst
• Network architect
• Biomedical engineer
• Environmental science technician
• Hydrologist
• Environmental engineering technician
• Civil engineer
• Meteorologist

Health care

• X-ray technician
• Veterinarian
• Lab technician
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Registered nurse
• Physician assistant
• Optometrist
• Physical therapist assistant
• Dental hygienist
• School psychologist

Education and Civic

• Firefighter
• Mediator
• Clergy
• Urban planner
• Special-ed teacher
• Court reporter
• Medical and public health social worker
• Emergency management specialist
• Marriage and family therapist

Business and Finance

• Actuary
• Training specialist
• Financial adviser
• Financial analyst
• Market research analyst
• Accountant
• Loan officer
• Public relations specialist
• Cost estimator
• Meeting planner
• Logistician

Creative and Service

• Commercial pilot
• Technical writer
• Funeral director
• Security system installer
• Landscape architect
• Plumber
• Film and video editor
• Multimedia artist
• Gaming manager
• Curator

Every actor knows that verbal messages are enhanced by body language, facial expression, voice intonation and props. Remember the job interview is a one time only performance – so make it a superb one!  When the job interview spotlight shines on you make sure your words, body language, and voice work work together to land you that position!

• Deal with Nervousness:

A little nervousness can actually aid you in being sharp and improve your performance. But heart-thumping, face-twitching, voice-quivering nervousness will reflect poorly on you and your self-confidence.

To rid your body of nervous tension, just before you go into the interview find a private spot outside or in the
restroom, shake out your arms, legs, and hands. Take a couple of deep breaths. This physical exercise releases tension that has built up and helps calm you. Then, close your eyes and visualize a scene about winning, seeing yourself as the “winner.” This visualization helps get you into a positive,  “I can do it” framework.

• Come Prepared:

The night before the interview pack up what you need to bring including a couple of resumes.  Have your list of references. Be sure all addresses, emails, and phone numbers are current and accurate. Include any work samples and the list of questions you intend to ask.   Check Google Maps to be sure you know where you are going.

Be on time; in fact, be there 10 minutes early.

• Pass The First Impression:

Before you even say hello, the employer’s mind is evaluating attire, hygiene, style, and formulating an opinion as to whether or not you fit into their  organization.   Even in today’s more casual, dressed-down workplace, appearance
counts a great deal with employers. Therefore, dress professionally. Greet the interviewer with a smile, and offer a firm handshake.

Nothing creates a poorer impression than a weak, couple-of-fingers handshake.

• Non-Verbal Cues:

Movements, gestures, posture and facial expressions are an important part of your overall performance. A sincere
smile sends a warm, confident message. Eye contact is one of the most important things employers notice about you. It conveys confidence that your message is believable.   Smile often, and be yourself. Douse vocal intonations to make your point so you’ll seem personable.

• Offer Support Documentation:

Every employer loves to see proof that you can do their job. It’s impressive to bring samples that demonstrate your abilities to do the job. Some examples: a spreadsheet that is an efficient tracking system, reports you have written,
materials you have created, brochures that list you as a panelist or speaker, etc.

• Listen:

Listen to the hiring manager / recruiter’s questions, hear their needs, hear their expectations. If you listen carefully, employers often reveal everything you need to know. It is frustrating for the interviewer to ask questions that never get answered, so listen closely. Many employers reveal their “hidden agendas,” those few things that really influence their decision. Paying close attention allows you to really address their true needs and land the position.

So how do you attract the attention of the reader?

The obvious solution for positive results is that you have matched to their requirements and that the reader is able to recognize that from your resume very easily.  But there may be simple reasons for an outright rejection -  it gets tossed out without a careful review — read on to see what top-level recruiters state is how candidates blow their chance to get a foot in the door:

Resume Layout

You must organize and arrange your resume in such a way so the reader will see what they are looking for quickly. Make sure there is plenty of white space.  The length of your resume should be no more than two pages.

Overwritten or Too Little Information

Too much information in lengthy paragraphs makes it hard for the reader to find the relevant information.  And not providing all the relevant details of your qualifications, career history and other experiences will leave the reader without anything to determine your suitability for the job.   Tip: check the job requirements for the job, then include relevant and appropriate information from your skill set.

Does Not Demonstrate Results / Achievements

Your resume is your personal marketing tool. If you do not demonstrate past results and achievements to prove to the employer that they should employ, then your resume has failed. You must clearly state that you are suited for the job and then present evidence for that suitability.   Olaf Weckesser, a former recruiter for McKinsey & Co. says “Phrases like ‘Managed a budget of $500,000’ or ‘Led a team of two’ might catch my eye in a bad way,” so its better to write: “Managed company’s largest budget.

Spelling Mistakes, Typos and Poor Grammar

You should always get somebody else to read your resume for grammatical errors; no matter how hard you look and check over your work, there always seems to be something that you have missed.  Spelling mistakes, typos and poor grammar can make you appear unprofessional and as someone who is careless.

Non Formality

Don’t succumb to the informality of email. “If you send a cover letter by email that starts with ‘Hi,’ it and your resume will probably end up in the trash,” says Cynthia Shore, an assistant dean at the University at Buffalo School of Management and former director of its career-resource center. Treat an email as you would a proper letter: Instead of “Hi,” write “Dear Mr. Case.” Instead of “Thanks,” conclude with “Sincerely.”

Overused Keywords

It’s true that recruiters sometimes use scanners to sort through resumes looking for certain keywords. But resumes appear contrived when candidates consciously try to include them.  Since fewer than 25 percent of all recruiters even use scanners, note that a human will be reading your resume.  So adding more keywords is a misguided strategy.

Revealing Personal Data

“If you mention your age, we have to trash your resume,” says Jeremy Eskenazi, vice president of talent acquisition at Idealab!, the California incubator firm. Since it’s illegal for a company to solicit a candidate’s age, race, or marital status during the hiring process, firms have adopted a “don’t tell” policy to avoid potential bias suits. Many won’t risk even having it handed to them.

It Looks Too Fancy

“A recruiter who receives resumes in pretty plastic folders will likely toss them,” says Dave Opton, CEO and founder of ExecuNet, an online executive recruiting service. “I don’t have time to take the damn things apart.” Another faux pas: Folding a resume so that it fits into a standard business envelope. Heavy-stock paper that retains its crease can be a nuisance. Says Opton: “They’re easier to store and photocopy if they’re flat.” Also, don’t try to differentiate your resume with boxes or ornate lettering.

When recruiters see a resume that’s designed differently, they think the person’s trying to hide something. Instead, focus on content. Your resume will rise to the top of the pile.

Staying current is not only important to be on ready to be in top shape for your future employer, but given your weekly, variable schedule, you may be in an even better position to be able to step right into a new position, refreshed, knowledgeable and posed for a new opportunity.

What can you be doing now?

PARTICIPATING IN social networking

* Twitter – Follow people in your industry and you will find more links to articles and information than you can ask for.
* LinkedIn – Join groups, ask questions and answer questions.
* Blogs – Write, read and comment on blogs – it’s fast and an easy way to learn
* Other social networking sites and communities – Seek out other relevant sites based on your industry.

READING books, industry newsletters, magazines and blog posts (use Google Reader to assemble your RSS feeds in one place.  With the internet continuing to explode, finding websites with good, relevant information is easy.  I subscribe to over 30 industry blogs and have read a few social media books.  In addition, Slideshare is a website that allows individuals to post presentations, so searching the site can provide you with a lot of relevant content to learn from.

WATCHING online webinars

Ultimately, companies create webinars to get potential customers familiar with who they are and establish themselves as experts.  Lucky for us, they are usually incredibly informative and can easily fit into a busy schedule, as they are typically only an hour long.

VOLUNTEERING

I am volunteering at the California Academy of Sciences museum and at Taproot Foundation – to help the HR department select an applicant tracking system.  I am not getting paid for these engagements, but they provide me an opportunity to put something new on my resume, and keep my skill set current.

Overall, there are a multitude of opportunities to stay current while you’re out of work.  Doing so, could make the difference between getting a job or remaining unemployed and getting “rusty”.

Read on…

For a Skype job interview you will need to dress up, be professional (no noises in the room or neighbors outside mowing the lawn).  Although it may seem informal, try to take it just as seriously as a real interview.

Tip: you can be the one to recommend to have a  Skype job interview.   If you think they’re techy enough to go for it, it’s a win-win-win for you.  Why?

• You’re being proactive.
• You’re offering to save them money.
• You’re also showing that you’re tech savvy.

Another plus: if you are the first one who have offered to do a virtual interview for them – this will indicate your initiative.

So what is Skype you ask?

Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet. Calls to other users of the service and, in some countries, to free-of-charge numbers, are free, while calls to other landlines and mobile phones can be made for a fee. Additional features include instant messaging, file transfer and video conferencing.

To get started, download and install Skype and create a free user account.  Your computer should have a fast broadband Internet connection, and you need a USB headset and mic (cost is from $25 to $30).  If you have laptop, the built-in mic will work, but a headset sounds sound better. If your computer has a Bluetooth chip, you may be able to use the Bluetooth headset you use for your cell phone.

Now you are all set to make Skype calls from your computer.  The software will allow you to test out your setup with a  prompt asking you to say something. Skype will then play back what you said—if you can hear yourself, your setup is working.)

Calling other Skype users is free so arrange for your interview call in advance with an employer who is willing to use Skype for the intervew.

Calling people who don’t use Skype: This can be done but it is not free.  Skype can connect to the phone system so you will need to give Skype your credit card number (or your PayPal account). Then type in the phone number and press Call.

Bottom Line: Since you are already paying for an Internet service connection, there really is no need to pay for phone service, too. The Internet is already your phone. Use it.

a) Select this link to watch a short  Time magazine video entitled  How to Ace a Job Interview on Skype:

Time Video – Using Skype

b) Select this link to read the original  Time article entitled How Skype Is Changing the Job Interview:

Time Magazine Article

Blurb from the article:

“Get ready for a closeup: your next job interview might be on webcam. Looking to save time and money, companies are turning to video-chat software as a cheap, low-hassle way to vet job candidates. That means a growing number of people looking for work are meeting their prospective new bosses not at the office but in the comfort of their own home.”

Don’t forget an important feature of Linkedin Groups!

With the increased competitiveness in the job market, job seekers need to take advantage of every opportunity to follow a job lead and make a good first impression. One of the easiest ways to engage recruiters and hiring managers is through the group function of LinkedIn.

3 Suggested Groups for Job Seekers, not to be missed:

Job Openings, Job Leads and Job Connections!
Get hired. Apply for jobs. Post your Profile. Job, career and employment leads and advice. Network and connect with gatekeepers and decision makers. HR human resources headhunters recruiters recruitment staffing hiring education consultant management coaching alumni headhunter corporate recruiter.   JOIN

Helping Friends Career Network (LI2HF)
Welcome to the LinkedIn2 HFCN group — a business and career network of networkers for entrepreneurs, hiring managers, recruiters, and talented professionals worldwide to make meaningful win win win connections!   JOIN

Personal Branding Network
The Personal Branding Network is a consortium for all of those who are looking to build powerful personal brands, from around the world. We come together to provide each other with expert guidance so that we are better prepared for the future, while being able to delivering our brand promise today.   JOIN

Groups are a great way to develop your online brand presence in addition to the traditional uses and features of LinkedIn.  Use this excellent feature to keep your name and professional profile fresh in the minds of recruiters and hiring managers.

You can join up to 50 Groups on Linkedin – Take advantage of this privilege

Leave comments frequently within your Groups. This is highly recommended:

Leave interesting comments, tidbits, and other information on a regular and frequent basis that are professional and related to the group you are member of.

Also, note that messages between group members do not require an “introduction”.   When you are a member of a groups … you can contact anyone in the group – no cumbersome “introduction” process is required.   Make sure to reference the group you are both a member of when contacting them directly.

Group Management

LinkedIn Groups is your destination to find and join communities of professionals based on common interest, experience, affiliation, and goals. Stay in touch with organizations, schools, and companies that you are and were a part of, network with professionals with similar interests and goals, and collaborate in a professional community online.

LinkedIn Groups allows group organizations to extend their brand’s reach and strengthen the brand with existing users by providing additional value through LinkedIn’s features.

Groups Directory

Linkedin’s Groups Directory allows you to easily find the right group. Click on the “Category” dropdown to sort by different group types (Alumni, Corporate, Non-Profit, Corporate, etc). Once you have found a group you are interested in joining, click on the “Join Group” link to request to join the group. Clicking the  Share button lets you invite your connections to join the group as well.

Clicking the “Join Group” button starts the process of application to that particular group. If you should be denied access to a group you can see who the administrator or managers of a group are and approach them directly about gaining access although this needs to be approached with care.

Underneath the group summary you can also see who is involved in this particular group and is also a member of your network, either as primary contacts (”1st” symbol beside their name) or secondary contacts (”2nd” symbol beside their names – this means that they are  not directly in your network but are linked to someone in your network putting them 2 “links” away).

Once you have chosen what groups to be involved in, have a review of the discussions currently listed and get involved.

Your membership may be subject to review by a group manager. For instance, college and corporate groups may require a valid e-mail associated with the account. If you have any questions about joining a group, you can send a message to the group owner listed on the group information page.

A search able database of groups already in existence within Linkedin. This is the place to start upon entering Linkedin for the first time to establish the selection of groups that interest you and apply for permission to join.

Begin by searching for groups with titles associated with your industry (for example) and take your time.  There is no need to rush into joining groups straight away (although you can leave a group any time you wish). Browse and search different words to see what groups are available.  Alternatively you can use Linkedin Answers and ask what groups other established users would recommend for you in your field, saving you a lot of searching.

Groups are managed by the creators who choose to authorize access to their particular group so upon requesting permission to be accepted you will have to wait until moderation has been completed and you will receive an email informing you if permission has been accepted or denied.

When you select a group you are presented with a brief description of the groups theme and on the right side some basic information regarding the date of creation, group type and current number of members associated with the group.

My Groups

Once you have joined a group, it will appear on your left side navigation bar under “Groups”. Click on the Groups link to view all of your groups. This page gives you a quick overview of all of your groups, and allows you to access the homepages for each of your groups.

Your Group homepage gives you an overview of the activity in your group and allows you to take part in a private discussion. You can also click on the “Group Profile” link to view information about the group such as the owner, managers, website, and other information.

Discussions

LinkedIn Groups are now the best place to communicate with your group or organization online. Click on the “Discussions” tab on your Group to get started and view recent discussions.

This is a great way to keep in touch with organizations you are a part of, such as corporate and college alumni groups, non-profit organizations, trade groups, conferences, and industry-specific groups. You can discuss issues that are of interest to the entire group in this vibrant and professional atmosphere.

On the Discussions tab, you can also use the navigation links on the right side to sort discussions by most recent, popular topics, and those that you’ve participated in.

Members

Your group’s Members page allows you to view all the members in your group. To get started, click on the “Members” tab in your group and enter in your search terms in the “Search Group” box. You can search by name, company, and other keywords such as specific areas of expertise. This is a great way to find experts and utilize talent from within your network.

Settings

The “Settings” tab allows you change your contact and privacy settings for each Group. You can elect to display the group logo on your profile, change your privacy settings for network updates, and also decide how you want group members to be able to communicate with you.

Another important feature is the “Digest Email” option which allows you to receive updates by e-mail from your group. You can receive a summary of the recent discussions and other important messages from the group.

If you would like to change the order that your groups are displayed in, click on the “User Groups” link on the left-side navigation and scroll down to the “Change display order link”. This page allows you to change what groups are displayed on your navigation and groups homepage.

__________________________________________________________

Top 20 LinkedIn Groups recommended for Job Seekers:

1. JobAngels – Non-profit job search network of professionals helping other professionals find job advice and opportunities.
2. Executive Suite – Community of over 100,000 US-based executive-level and recruiter members.
3. Star:Candidate for Hire – Group working in tandem with Linked:HR, the largest Recruiters’ Group on LinkedIn, to help top candidates find jobs quickly and efficiently.
4. Career Rocketeer – Career Launch Network – Fastest-growing professional network for career search, career development and personal branding, bringing job seekers and employers, recruiters and career experts together for mutual success.
5. The Talent Buzz – Group for job seekers, recruiters and HR professionals interested in expanding their professional networks.
6. Helping Friends Career Network (LI2HF) – Business and career network where entrepreneurs, hiring managers, recruiters, and talented professionals worldwide can make meaningful win-win connections.
7. JobsDirectUSA – Official job search group on LinkedIn for JobsDirectUSA.com.
8. Career Change Central – Group linking job changers and professionals in career transition with recruiters, hiring managers and career coaches.
9. CareerLink Network – Community providing job seekers spiritual, physical, social, mental, economic and personal growth to meet their ever-evolving needs
10. Jobs Alert – Job search group for middle and senior-level managers worldwide.
11. A Job Needed – A Job Posted – Group is for all LinkedIn members searching for employment, posting employment or recruiters helping members find employment.
12. Looking for a Job? – Group designed to allow job seekers to share ideas, network, post jobs, advise on job market trends and ultimately help them find work.
13. MyCredentials – Career Presentation – Group helping members to network, expand their resumes and enhance their interview skills.
14. JibberJobber – Career Management – Network for executives, professionals, students and all those involved in the career services industry, including counselors, coaches and resume writers.
15. ResumeMaker Career Network – Forum connecting qualified job seekers with hiring managers and corporate recruiters as well as allowing candidates to discuss and share career opportunities.
16. Personal Branding Network – Consortium for all professionals looking to build powerful personal brands.
17. Indeed.com – Official job search group on LinkedIn for Indeed.com.
18. Project: Get Hired! – Motivational support group exclusively for job hunters to share creative strategies and stay motivated.
19. Job Search Help – Discussion group for job seekers sharing advice and leads and networking to help one another.
20. IMPACT Hiring Solutions Job Search Network – Discussion and networking forum for executives seeking job opportunities.

Additional Feature of Linkedin Groups: Create your own Group. Take control of your networking and create your own group allowing you to control the content and the members.

The creation of your group is a pretty simple and straight forward process.  The only part that needs some sort of skill would be the addition of a logo or brand name.

Creating the type of group, add the summary and description and link it to your site finally sorting out your contact details and geographic location and language.

Summary: Time to start adding professionals to your group by inviting or notifying possible interested parties to its existence. You could also add a link or page to your group on your website or blog  if the group is “public” and you want to expand and increase awareness and membership.

Check this HowCast video:

It is logical and common for professionals to build up their network during a job search, and then stop being in contact with their network once they have a job. This definition encourages people to continue networking even when they are not looking for a job.

• Networking is the most effective method for gathering job information from contacts to assist you in a job search. It does not require you to know scores of people or that you only talk to incredibly important people.
• Networking is essentially understanding the nature of relationship networks, talking to people you already know and developing relationships.
• Networking is about getting people you know to introduce you to people who are connected with your targeted organizations.
• Networking should not make you cringe. It is not just for extroverts ….. anyone can network successfully … all you need to do is: prepare, plan and spend the required time.

There are many ways to build your network. It isn’t just about going to after-hours networking meetings to stay connected. It’s about extending your efforts to everyone you know. Choose people you know and ask for introductions of those you don’t know.

Check this CommonCraft video on Networking:

Getting the word out about you and your job search is a very effective job search technique. Be sure to let everyone know what you are looking for, using your marketing plan and target list where appropriate.

Consider setting up a personal Web site. It is easy to build and customize your own professional looking Web site using materials you have already prepared, such as your resume and marketing plan.

Note that body language and how you actually say something are more important than the words you use. Remember, every time you send an email, you forfeit 93% of your communication. We tend to use email a lot, as it’s easier and faster, but remember how it limits real communication. When you talk on the phone, you’re still only getting 45% of the communication.

Telephone Calls: Another tip is when you call someone at the recommendation of someone else, start by mentioning the connection first.

Check this FoxNews video:

You know the saying, “It’s all about who you know.” But how do you network … if you don’t really know anyone yet? This week Adam wonders how he can get his foot in the door at top marketing companies in a new city, without an initial contact. Nicole shows him new strategies to connect with top executives, and how to ensure a call back.

Network Your Way to a Job Offer

BONUS INFO:

Hierarchy of a Network “Database”

• Database – Everyone in all of your contact databases (email, LinkedIn, personal address book, Twitter, etc.).
• Network – All he people who would return your phone calls! They’re people you are in touch with and you trust. Based on statistics, this group shouldn’t be more than 200-250 people, as after that amount, it’s more difficult to stay in touch.
• Inner Circle – People you could go to to ask their advice about what they think you should be doing for a living.
• Personal Board of Advisers (PBA) - These are the people who should champion you in your life. It’s like a Board of Directors, but for you, rather than for a company. You should have about 4-5 people on your PBA each year.
• Friends, Family, or Fools (FFF) – This is an obvious group… that actually likes you.