When clients land their new job, I ask them this question: “What are you going to do with your new-found network?  You know, that network of contacts that you built during the course of your job search.”    “Stay in touch?” clients say.“How?”  I ask.    “I don’t know,” they say. "Well, here's how . . . . . . . . . " During your search, you

You've landed your new position  -  you have an offer in hand!  You want to tell absolutely everybody, but should you ? ? ? Chances are, if you have been looking for a job, in today's tough, tough employment market, you are working really hard at your job search.  And, when you find a lead, that turns into a real, potential opportunity, and it turns into a bona-fide offer, you've

“What if I run out of network?  What do I do then?” Well, if you’re doing it right, you never do! There are a lot of things to worry about when you are looking for a job or a new or expanded role.  But . . . happily . . . this is not one of them! Upon deciding to look for a new job, most job seekers begin to reach out to the people they know  -  their colleagues, friends,

The dreaded 'L'vator speech!  That short speech you need to make when one of your network contacts You're 'L'vator speech does triple duty! or an interviewer asks: . . . . . . . . “So what do you do?” or “What do you want to do?”          A rambling response or unclear and non-focused answer can stop the conversation in its tracks. Why? Because

Referrals are golden . . .when it comes to your job search.  So, treat then like the gold they are! A referral really can be golden.  Referrals can open doors to company decision makers and organization influences that would not be opened any other way.  So when a network contact hands you a referral, handle it with care! Being referred to a well connected and influential person can

"Do you know of any job openings?"          If the answer is “NO,” it’ll be a short conversation. “Do you know of any job openings?” is an ill-advised way to open a networking conversation.  In fact, it’s a “conversation killer!” Parts 1, 2, and 3 of this 4-part Networking-HOW TO-series discussed the importance of communication skills and

"Do you know of any job openings?"          If the answer is “NO,” it’ll be a short conversation.  “Do you know of any job openings?” is an ill-advised way to open a networking conversation.  In fact, it’s a “conversation killer!” Parts 1 and 2 of this 4-part Networking-HOW TO-series discussed how to have a productive conversation by

Do you know of any job openings?           If the answer is “NO,” it’ll be a short conversation. “Do you know of any job openings?” is an ill-advised way to open a networking conversation.  In fact, it’s a “conversation killer!” Part 1 of this 4-part Networking-HOW TO-series explained why!  It also explained the make-up of a good 1-to-1

Do you know of any job openings?           If the answer is “NO,” it’ll be a short conversation. “Do you know of any job openings?” is an ill-advised way to open a networking conversation.  In fact, it’s a “conversation killer!” Why can’t you ask this “conversation-killer” question? . . . Because if the answer is “No I don’t”,

Do I have to? . . . .  Yes you do if you want to find a better position in a shorter amount of time! If you dread the idea of going up to strangers whose paths you cross and striking up a conversation, you are far from alone.  Many, if not most folks - if the truth were told - deplore the idea.  They’d prefer a root canal! The"Hidden Market" However, the truth also to be told