Your networking skills are you biggest asset in a career search.

When I was graduating from the University of Kentucky and looking for a job around Louisville, where I grew up, my father just happened to be looking as well. A CPA by trade, he had been the CEO of a regional kitchen cabinet manufacturer when the founder of the company passed away. Well the second generation had no interest in the company, so they tried to sell it. When that didn’t work they went into “Chapter 11” and sold off the pieces. This left my Dad, in his 50’s, without a job for the first time in his life.

His example taught me so much that I am just now realizing. Someone had given him a book called “What Color is your Parachute” by Richard Bolles (this was around 1990). It is a reference book that is billed to be for “job hunters and career changers”. It has been updated and republished every year since it first came out in 1970. I would like to read a short passage from the 2008 edition………………

“Just remember, contacts are the key. It takes about eighty pars of eyes, and ears, to help find the career, the workplace, the job that you are looking for. Your Contacts are those eighty eyes and ears.

They are what will help you get the ideal job you are looking for, and they are to finding out the name of the person-who-has-the-power-to-hire-you.

The more people you know, the more people you meet, the more people you talk to, the more people you enlist as your personal job-hunting network, the better your job-finding success is likely to be. Therefore, you must try to grow your contacts wherever you go. This, of course, is called “networking.” I call it “building your grapevine.”

I saw my Dad network his way into a job at a start-up bank that he eventually retired from. That job became the happiest 15 years of his working life.

Now I am sure that “Networking” is not a new concept for anyone here in this room. But, what I have learned from my father, this book, and my own experience, is that you must approach your network of contacts in a delicate manner. My Dad allowed me access to his contacts over the years with the only stipulation that I not just go in and ask for a job.

Many people looking for a job are hard workers. They believe the harder they work at finding a job, the more resumes they get out there in front of people’s eyes, the better their odds of landing an offer. Most people lead with their resume and ask for their contacts to forward it wherever they can. This is where I believe counsel can be given.

• Do some research on the person that is your contact. What questions can you ask them?
• How can they expand your knowledge of their industry, profession, or others that they know?
• Ask them what would they do if they were in your situation?
• Who else would they talk with and what other companies would be worth looking into?

Ask for their help, not for a job.

If you ask someone for a job they tend to get defensive. People are busy and that request brings forth an awesome task. If you ask for their help and advice, that is more reasonable. Most people will do all they can to assist you.

I have had friends offer to send my resume on to another and ask about openings. I will thank them but request: “Can you just tell them I am looking for advice and direction. Just see if they will meet with me over coffee to talk.”
I will then send an email to the first contact with this request and ask them to forward it on to their friend. I will thank them for their friendship and always return the favor when asked.

This I believe is a way to truly build a network. You are selling yourself, not a piece of paper that is your resume. Get yourself in front of as many people as you can with the genuine intention of finding the best use of your value. You may be surprised what careers and industries you fall into.

Closing

A few points in closing:
• I bashed Facebook earlier, but there is a networking website that is worth some of your time. It is called “Linked In”. This is part networking and part profile placement. You can create a “profile” that is much like a resume that will become a link that you can use. I have that link in my email signature so, unlike leading with a resume, anyone who is forwarded my first email can click on this link, if they wish, and immediately find out more about me.
• There are many Groups on Linked In, including the Catholic Business League that has become it own network (separate from our local group) with members around the country.
• If you get a profile on Linked In or have one already, please find me and I would be happy to connect.
• The Catholic Business League meets on the second Thursday of every month at the Martin Center in Brentwood. We have just instituted a new policy, at the request of the Diocese, that anyone in career transition or financial trouble be allowed to join with the understanding that they pay membership when their situation changes. Please e-mail these requests to me at president@catholicbusinessleague.org You do not have to be Catholic to b a member, just realize that many of the speakers and practices flow from the Catholic faith.

I pray daily that all those that are un-employed or under-employed find true vocation to support themselves and their family. Please keep the Catholic Business League and myself in your prayers too.

Thank you and may God bless you all.
TCP

Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Matthew 24:41