Building Your Network | 3 Tips For Getting Started

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If you haven't already heard, networking is the best way to find jobs.  Most people report that they  have found they job that they are in through someone they already know.

Believe it or not, you already have a network. The question is are you using it?  And are you building it so that it is constantly expanding?

Tip #1 - Know Your Existing Network

Do you know who is in your existing network?  If you don't it is going to be pretty darned hard to make use of it.  Start by making a list of everyone you know.  Yes, everyone.  These are all the people that are in your network that could possibly be the one to help you get your next job.

Who should you include?  How about...

• your friends
• your family members
• your doctor, dentist, pharmacist
• your past teachers or instructors of courses you have taken
• friends of your parents
• parents of your friends
• classmates
• and more!

Tip #2 Go to Job Fairs

Job fairs are usually advertised in the newspaper or you can find them online.  They are a great opportunity to get out there and meet new people.

"But I'm not very good in social situations," you might say.  Well, trust me when I tell you that if you start doing things like this you will get better at it. There's only one way for people to get better at social situations and that is by putting themselves out there.

Tip #3 Carry Business Cards

Yes.  You should have a business card for your job search.  You don't have a business to put on  your card but you have something else - your skills.  Create a card with your name, address, phone number, and email.  If you have a resume online put a link to it on your card.  Then in point form, list your most transferable skills. Transferable skills are  the ones that can apply to many different kinds of jobs.  

If they don't have your contact information easily accessible, how are they going to contact you when they find about that job that is perfect for you?

You can get great business cards at Vista Print.  There are many designs to choose from so that you can make a business card that suits your personality and will make people in your network remember you. The best thing about Vista Print is that Everything is FREE!.