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And don’t be sorry…
Networking? You’ve got this!
Hi, there lovely people, does the word ‘networking’ strike fear in your heart? If yes, well, you’re not alone. Let me tell you about my delightful client, Norm. Sweet and shy, a man of the monosyllable, a man who, at the word ‘networking’, suddenly developed an extraordinary fascination with the exit door. The conversation went thus:
Norm: ‘Not comfortable talking to strangers, don’t even talk to my wife, don’t know any people, don’t like to invade other people’s privacy.’
Jane: Norm, you’re not alone; the concept of networking strikes fear in many a heart. Can I give you a little reassurance, though? None are entirely accurate so let’s address those worries ok? And when I’m finished, you’ll be saying, ‘Networking? I’ve got this!’
Norm: Ermmm...(not sure he actually heard me – something to do with those glazed eyes)
I’m not comfortable talking to strangers…
Networking isn’t about talking to strangers; that’s cold calling. Networking is simply talking to your friends and the friends you’ve not yet met. Having a chat, getting and giving advice, sharing information, and being introduced to other people. Still sceptical?
I don’t know many people…
Just say you’ve moved to a brand new town. Your new neighbour leans over the fence to welcome you. An hour later, you’ve learned the name of the best hairdresser, doctor, dentist, the fastest way to the beach, closest supermarket, and the worrying traits of the dog over the road. You’ve made a friend, and you’ve secured a raft of helpful info thanks to asking a couple of questions. That was informal networking.
I’m too shy…
Are you comfy chatting to fellow work colleagues and clients? What about family members, that bloke beside you yelling ‘carn tigers!’ at the footy, the guys busting beers by the BBQ, the girls supping champers in the kitchen, the fellow school drop-off Mums and Dads? All beautiful fonts of knowledge. And these people know other people. Considering the six degrees of separation concept, I call our city 1.5 degrees!
The folk I know can’t help me…
Would it surprise you that up to 85% of jobs are found through networking, according to research by PayScale? An example…
I urgently needed to employ six new team members. The time taken to advertise, cull applications, phone screen, conduct background research, interview and finally, make a job offer was not an option. Instead, I reached out to my LinkedIn network, fellow team members and friends and, within three weeks, had my new additions on-boarded. Each came highly recommended, reinforcing that it’s all about the ‘people who know you, know what you do and can speak well of both.’
I don’t like to invade other people’s privacy…
I’ve found that most people want to help you; they were once in your shoes, and they remember who helped them when they needed advice and guidance. From finding a new job to moving ahead in our existing, networking should play a massive part in our career paths.
I don’t know how to network…
It’s simple: find a good friend, pick up the phone, organise a catch-up, and have a coffee or a beer after work – informal networking right there.
For those in the job market, reassure your friend that you don’t expect them to know of a job for you, merely that you’d like to benefit from their advice and guidance. Focus your conversation on getting the advice and information you need (don’t forget to reciprocate) and ask for referrals, ‘who else would you recommend I chat to?’ Afterwards, send a thank you note and an invitation to connect on LinkedIn so that you both stay on each other’s radar and then keep them in the loop as you progress.
Spending a little time putting yourself out there through networking can help you gain more visibility, particularly with those who have decision-making capacity so go for it. Back to Norm…
Norm: I suppose I could start with my friend Martin and may test out my commercial with him?
Jane: Great idea, Norm! And you might even want to ask him if he knows anyone you should be talking to in the companies you’re targeting?
Norm: Steady on, Jane!
Jane: Have fun building those new friendships, Norm. Oh, and did you know that you’re building social capital when networking, which increases your emotional IQ. And this is often listed as the No. 1 most valuable career skill.
Three weeks later…
Norm: (excited phone call): Jane! I just received a job offer! My meeting with Martin really relaxed me, he introduced me to someone else, and it went from there. Thanks so much for convincing me to give it a go.
Jane: (thought bubble – Norm, that’s the most words you’ve ever shared) This is brilliant news, Norm, congratulations! Let’s go celebrate over a (network) coffee!
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Resume in need of an ‘old-school’ makeover?
Happy April, lovely readers; let me tell you about my latest ‘Hey Miss Jane’ moment with a sweet chap called George who, after experiencing one too many application rejections, recognised it might just be worth taking advantage of our career transition support after all.
George: As he handed over his rather quaint (read ‘old-school’) resume…’Jane, it’s a buoyant market, and my skills are in demand; surely I don’t need to go through all this palaver with updating my resume?’
Jane: ‘Yes, we are currently in a booming job market, George, thanks to the national talent shortage, and yes, your skills are in demand, but so too are the skills of your 300+ competing applicants.’
Like fashion, resumes change, and if you’re not keeping up with the changes, your resume will go straight to the ‘no’ pile. What’s more, ‘old school’ resumes will ‘age’ you, show that you’re not up to date and potentially make you a less desirable candidate.
G: ‘Ok, guess that’s why I’m here, after all, to seek advice from the gurus in the industry.’
J: Right answer, buddy! (said my thought bubble). ‘I’m just as keen as you to ensure you land this job, George, so let’s make sure you stand out, beginning with removing a few of the obsolete items.’ (said I)
Resume in need of an ‘old-school’ makeover? Here’s what NOT to include:
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Objectives – a statement telling the employer what you’re looking for in a job – are irrelevant in today’s market. You’re applying for the job, so your objective is already pretty obvious, isn’t it. Let’s swap out that objective statement with a well-written Summary introducing them to your brand title and most relevant skills and experiences as they relate to the job you’re targeting. Use it to tell them why they need you rather than why you need them.
UNRELATED AWARDS, HOBBIES, AND INTERESTS
Sure it’s great to receive awards, but are they relevant to your work target? Same with your hobbies and interests. Collecting stamps or being a pig wrestling champion might be interesting, but it doesn’t tell the employer anything about what you actually offer. Leave them out.
The exception is if the award, hobby, or interest is relevant to the role. For example, suppose you’re changing careers from accountant to food blogger. In this case, the fact that you’ve won the Noosa Foodie Festival Guava Jam contest for the last three years is relevant to the job, and you could include that information.
EXCESSIVE FORMATTING
Resumes are mostly just words on a page and, yep, quite dull to look at, and the urge to jazz things up and make your resume stand out with fancy fonts, colours, columns, and graphics OR the urge to use one of the many visually appealing templates available, is strong.
Today, most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) that may be unable to read columns, fancy fonts, and graphs. Recruiters may also read your resume on their phones, making it hard to see your resume columns or the whole graph. Instead, keep it simple. Avoid fancy templates, use a font that’s easy for humans and machines to read, and use formatting sparingly.
RESPONSIBILITIES LISTS
Providing an exhaustive list of tasks and duties for previous positions won’t “wow” a hiring manager. That’s just like sending your job description.
Instead, provide a high-level overview of your primary accountabilities in a short, succinct job scope. Then, replace the finer details with the results you delivered when executing those responsibilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to help employers understand how you did what you did and why it made a difference to your company. This will help them understand the potential value you bring to them.
THE BASICS
Knowing how to use Windows, Microsoft Office, and email is expected; therefore, ditch them. Instead, highlight the skills that will help you stand out. Knowing how to use a spreadsheet is one thing. But can you set up macros and run pivot tables? Those are the kinds of skills you should be highlighting.
G: Gosh Jane, I had no idea; I’d better get cracking!
J: Indeed, George, and once you land that job, we recommend you update your resume at least once a year, whether you’re in the job market or not. Can’t wait to see your cracking new resume!
What are the things you feel you just can’t leave out of your resume? Drop your answers in the chatbox.
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