Toni Chanakas · Networking Is Still ‘Key’

August 8th, 2009

I have not written in several months because of this summer class that, quite frankly, took a log of energy. Furthermore, I have been back to school for the past year in order to obtain my Master’s in Adult Learning and Development. I have one semester left, if everything goes well.

Even though I have been in school, I still go to networking events because you ‘never know who you might meet.’ I connect with people on facebook, twitter and linkedin, plus blogging. I wrote a few months back that I had a story written about me because I get out there and meet people. I just hate sitting at home and doing nothing. At least it gives me a chance to learn something or connect to one more person. It seem so simple but it isn’t.

A few nights back, I was invited to a JumpStart, Inc. represents the best and brightest in 21st century economic development. (http://www.jumpstartinc.org/) The entrepreneurial event that asked the basic question, why should I work for a ‘Start Up’? Simple, you get to learn a lot (wear many hats) and gain valuable experience. It is a matter of finding these growing entrepreneurial companies and doing your homework. They recommend reading the Business Section of The Plain Dealer or Crain’s Cleveland Business. You basically need to “wow them’ in selling yourself and finding that unique opportunity.

A few basic notes I got out of the meeting which might be review.

1. Reach out to the companies you are interested in. A girl on the panel sent her resume to a company but got no response. Sound familiar? Well, she thought ‘outside the box’ and ’strategically’ targeted emails to specific people in the organization; and guess what? They hired her because she went the extra mile. It sounds crazy and I am sure people don’t believe it, but I heard it from someone who is now employed.

2. From a reputable recruiter, you need to ‘standout’ and do something extra in order to get noticed. You can’t just send in a resume and instantly get hired or get a call back. This recruiter specially said she hired interns who took people to lunch or took an initiative in ‘reaching out’ to others within the organization. It says to an organization that you really want to work there. I realized she talked about interns, but the same rules apply to your current ‘job search.’

3. When leaving a voicemail message on the phone, give your name and SPELL it SLOWLY. Recruiters do not have the patience in listening to your message more than once in order to get your information. Also, it is also a good idea give an email address, sometimes it is easier for HR to just email you.

4. Check and double check your resume and cover letter for grammatical and spelling errors. This still happens.

5. Do not discount a company because it is small and not one of the Fortune 500.

Again, be truthful to your self and decide what will make you happy. If you want structure and stability, go to a large corporation; if you want to be challenged and incur some risk, a smaller organization might be for you. I realize it is a difficult challenge when you have been out of college for perhaps several years.

I actually took a risk and began redefining myself into a new path. I don’t know yet if that was a smart move or not; and I will be back in the throes of looking for work very soon  after 18 months of unemployment. Yes, 18 months. Where did the time go. So far, it has been the best decision that I have made in a long time.

Get out there and decide what truly makes you happy. Because when all is said and done, you inevitably will be at a job for 8 hours a day, so you may as well do something that is fun.

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