5 Steps to Building Your Network
If you are job hunting you need to re-connect with everyone you know and expand your network – get yourself in front of the right people in the right industries to get into the companies on your job target list. If you have not looked for a job in a while, or are changing industries, or are new to the job market, here are some ways to build your network: 1) Join the professional association for your job title -Every profession has at least one association and some have more than one. Doctors have the AMA, attorneys can join the ABA, neonatal nurses the NAPNAP, CPAs have NYSCPA, and association execs can join ASAE. Become active on a committee to get to build relationships. 2) Join your alumni association – if you have more than one degree, join each alumni association from each of your schools, including high school. Go to events or become active on a committee. Alumni are more willing to engage in conversation or give advice or make introductions for your job search.. 3) Become active as a volunteer for one organization that speaks to your passion – Housing Works, Meals on Wheels, Girl or Boy Scouts, local religious institution, tutoring, mentoring, etc. You will meet people from all different fields who know all kinds of people. 4) Join a civic or religious organization – a local Chamber of Commerce, Elks, Masons, synagogue, temple, church, mosque, etc. This is one more opportunity to meet new people and build relationships. 5) Follow your passion – Do you like to hike? Join AMC or SIerra Club and go frequently. Do you like to sing? Join a local chorus and go every week… get to know your choir companions. When you follow your passion you meet other people who love what you love and oh, by the way, they work in different fields in different companies. Remember: 40% of people get their next job through networking. Expand your network and improve your chances of getting your next position. (c) 2019 Amy Geffen All rights reserved. — GEFFEN C A R E E R S www.geffencareers.com GetFive Certified Coach5 Steps to Build Your Network5 Steps to Build Your Network5 Steps to Build Your Network
5 Ways to use LinkedIn For Your Job Search
You know you need a LInkedIn Profile, but did you know there are at least 5 ways to use LinkedIn to help you with your job search? 1) Get noticed – Hiring managers, search firms and agencies are searching on key words to find people just like you. That is the reason to use key words in your LinkedIn profile summary. 2) Connect to your bigger network. – Ask your first degree connections to connect you to their first degree connections. 3) Look up alumni from your college or university – search by school and you can find lots of people who attended your school. Alumni are much more likely to talk to you, set up a coffee and are willing to give you career advice. 4) Research a company – Most companies now have a LInkedIn page in addition to their company website. Find out what makes them tick and who works for them. 5) Research your interviewer. – Make sure you know who you are talking to BEFORE you show up for the interview. Look them up on LinkedIn and find out where they worked previously, where they went to school, and any other salient information. You may even find you have something in common! www.geffencareers.com GetFive Certified Coach Amy Geffen, PhD geffena108@gmail.com
Why Do You Need a Pitch When You Are Job Hunting?
A pitch is your commercial or advertisement about you. It states in 30 seconds to no more than 2 minutes who you are, your best skills, an accomplishment and what is your job target. How and when do you use your pitch? 1) When you meet someone for the first time – whether you are at a networking event, social event,or job fair your pitch is your introduction. Smile. Shake hands and state your pitch – 30-60 seconds is best for this type of situation. 2) In your cover letter – When you apply for a job the pitch forms part of your cover letter as a brief introduction to you. 3) During the interview– When you are asked to “tell me something about yourself” the pitch is the perfect way to answer the question. 4) In the follow up – After your interview when you write the follow up email your pitch is another way to emphasize who you are and what you can do for the company. Craft your pitch with a particular job target in mind. You can always refine it. (c) 2019 Amy Geffen All rights reserved — GEFFEN C A R E E R S www.geffencareers.com GetFive Certified Coach Amy Geffen, PhD geffena108@gmail.com cell 347-853-4616Why Do You Need a Pitch?
Overcoming Ageism in Your Job Search
Everyone knows there is ageism. Whether blatant or subtle, it exists. You could be in your 50’s or 60’s and get laid off because they want to hire a younger person for much less money. You could be in your 70’s and still want to work What to do? 1) Be Prepared – Make sure your technology skills are up to date. If you don’t know the latest software application in your field, you are a dinosaur. Take a free course at the public library or if you’re a senior audit a course at any one of the CUNY campuses. Be specific about your job target. If you have had many different jobs, you must zero in on one particular job title for each company you want to work for. 2) Craft your resume – Prepare to re-write your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn Profile to highlight key skills and accomplishments. Overcome the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) that will kick you out by including key skills, key words and accomplishments directly related to the job description. 3) Be prepared for the interview questions such as Why do you want this job (if you have been at a higher level)? Won’t you be bored? Why would you want to work for less money that you were making before? Emphasize your interest and passion for the field or the specific roles and responsibilities. Remember, you need to say “I really want this job!” Free presentation at SIBL March 6, 10:00 AM on “Overcoming Ageism In Your Job Search” — GEFFEN C A R E E R S www.geffencareers.com GetFive Certified Coach Amy Geffen, PhD geffena108@gmail.com cell 347-853-4616