Network, network, network

My job search involves a lot of networking. If you do a lot of reading about how to tackle and be effective in a job search one common theme is the importance of networking. I think this is especially true when you have relocated to a new area. This is also where I found networking to be both difficult and personal. It is hard to bring up your job search with each new professional you meet; however, the fear of missing on a possible great opportunity usually overrides my anxiety of having to mention I have no current job and am in the market for employment.

Although, I am in what would be considered a small market there are three Fortune 500 companies who have their home office within 20 miles of my house. These companies are supported by hundreds of vendor teams which creates an active job market even in these tough economic times. Based on where I live and the market I think networking may be the key to landing the right job. For this reason I continue to ask for help from each new friend. I have been very lucky that most people in the area are friendly and more than happy to offer assistance.

A September push.

I love the internet as it opens up a wealth of information at your fingertips, but I also hate it becasue it allows so much room for over-analyzing your problem. If the self-proclaimed experts are correct then Septemeber is a hot month for corporate hires. I plan a big push this month to make sure my networking is in high gear so my name is fresh in the minds of these corporate hiring managers for open positions.

Will it work? No one knows but at least the articles give some positive feedback in a situation that calls for the patience that I am seldom able to possess.

The waiting game

I think most of us who have gone through a job search hate the waiting game more than any other part of the process. Make no mistake about it as it is definitely a process. I get up each day and devote hours to surfing or networking to find a few jobs where I think my experience, education and personality meet the hiring criteria and apply for those jobs. After applying I began the networking process and try to find someone who can mention my name to the recruiter and/or hiring manager in hopes it might get my resume a closer longer review.

Then the hard part begins which is the waiting game. During down time you sometimes catch yourself staring at the phone trying to will it to ring. Sure, it is uneasy after an interview to wait for the response but that wait is at least filled with hope. The wait for the phone to ring is filled with nothing but anxiety. However, you have to face the fact that in this economy you are not alone and this is just part of the process to finding the right job.