Content for Your Personal Development

How to land a job in 60 days (Networking)

5/18/2017

The economy does not look too good and we read in the news that Singapore’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stands at 2.3%, the highest jobless rate since Dec 2009 (Source: www.TradingEconomics.com|Ministry of Manpower Singapore). On top of that, technology is changing the way we work and that could place even more of our jobs on the line. It is important to adopt a lifelong learning approach to stay relevant, but what else can we do to help us land a job when we need one? At the Growthbeans Coaching Circle session on 18 May, Senior Sales Consultant at Oracle with Innoapps Philip Lee shared his views, with some inputs from participants.

What is Networking and why Network?
Based on Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of Networking, it is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.
Whether it is in-person networking (eg, attending events or meetup sessions) or online networking (eg, linkedin, twitter), there are many reasons why people network and should network. We often hear the phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Most certainly, connections could help to increase opportunities for job finding. However, above and beyond that, it is about the knowledge and experience sharing, exposure to trends and insights, personal branding and making new friends. Some say it is also akin to hearing of information through the grapevine! Philip suggested making the effort to network at least once a month.

4 Ways to Make an Impression
The question that most people have on their minds is how to leave a deeper impression on others. Take a minute to recall your last networking experience. Of all the people you met at the session, was there one person who stood out and whom you’d like to reach out to again? What did the person do or say? At Growthbeans’ Coaching Circle, we conducted a quick experiment. Here are the four things to note if you’d like to leave an impression on others.

Smile: A big, genuine and friendly smile is a sure way to break the ice
Be Curious: Take time to learn more about people and be sincerely interested to find out more with good follow up questions. People are usually eager to share more about themselves and their experience, and will be flattered by your curiosity.
Ability to help: People will often remember who they have helped and who has offered to help them. Being able to lend others a helping hand creates goodwill and positive energy!
Deeper Conversations: When we can get pass the awkward small talk phase to engage in more meaningful discussions, that’s when things get a lot more interesting. This becomes an exchange of opinions, insights, advice and more.

The Challenge of Networking
The good news is that many people find it challenging to network. So, YOU are not alone! We are all continuously trying to find our style and that can only come with practice.
Here are the top 5 Networking Challenges:

Starting a Conversation and keeping it going
Presenting oneself efficiently and effectively
Working the room with confidence, and high self-esteem (and without an agenda)
Stepping out of comfort zone
Networking opportunities with diverse yet like-minded groups of people

Here are some tips:

Prepare an introduction of yourself
Maintain good eye contact with people
Remember the person’s name
Listen attentively and ask questions
Re-think Networking. Be a Giver. There’s always something you can do for others
Attend future Growthbeans Coaching Circle sessions to practice and build confidence!

Networking: Quality or Quantity?
Extensive connections can provide you with access to countries, industries, skills, and can also increase your sphere of influence. However, it has its limitations too. It’s like being in a shopping mall, knowing and being able to access every store. However, not every store would provide you with the level of customer service you seek if you are not a priority customer.
Quality connections requires commitment. It takes time and effort to develop each contact you have into a meaningful relationship. However, once formed, both parties will be more willing to share and lend a helping hand.