Networking

Wasted Opportunities

Networking is probably the best job search tool you could use. It is through networking that you connect with someone who can help you connect with someone else who can help you connect with someone else. . . . ultimately resulting in you connecting with someone who can point you in the direction of a job.

It’s wise never to take contacts for granted. If someone you trust offers you the opportunity to talk with one of their associates or connections, appreciate that offer. Thank them graciously. Follow through. Above all, do not say you will talk with that person if in fact you have no intention of doing so.

One of the things about networking—and, in fact all of life, is you just never know who you are going to meet who can have a tremendous influence on you. Why would you not want to take advantage of that opportunity?

 “The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work.”

~ Robert Kiyosaki

Job Search

IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER A BRIDGE JOB?

Sometimes you do everything you can to find a job and none of it works. If you’re in that situation, you may want to consider a “bridge job”.  Bridge jobs are often perceived as a part-time or short term jobs following a full time career. For our purposes, a bridge job is just what it sounds like – a job to bridge where you are now to where you want to be in the future and can be either a full-time or part-time position.

Although frequently appealing to retirees, bridge jobs can actually meet the needs of any job seeker. 

Bridge jobs are a way for parents to stay in the workforce while taking time off to raise children. They can be valuable while pursuing education or training or while transitioning to a new career. A bridge job, providing connections to other people, is a great way to network—in addition to providing income.  

 Some examples of possible bridge jobs include:

Working for family or friends

Computer work from your home, which could include typing, bookkeeping, creative assignments

Other home based work: sales, personal services, organizing, home or yard maintainence

 

If you're discouraged with your job search, maybe it is time to consider a bridge job. Bridge jobs, as are other full time, part time, degreed and non-degreed jobs are posted on Hire-a-Shocker.

 

 

Panel, Group and Committee Interviews

Interviewing takes many forms. I won’t ever forget the first time I walked into an office, scared enough about talking with one manager – and much to my surprise, saw four people armed with interview questions for me.

Why would an employer inflict such punishment on someone eager to work for them? Perhaps to enable them to make a better hiring decision, based on the opinions of several interviewers rather than just one.

Panel interviews are common with nonprofit organizations as well as in academia.  Panels may be made up of four to six people. The panel may include someone from human resources, department managers and even potential co-workers. Panel interviews may also be called group or committee interviews.   

Some tips for a panel interview include:

Interact with each person on the panel. But, direct your answer for each question to the person who asked it, maintaining eye contact with that person.

If you can, try to remember the name of each interviewer. Shake hands with each person as you leave the interview, thanking them and calling them by name.

Immediately after the interview, send an individual thank you note to each interviewer. If possible try to address some point each person made in your thank you note to him/her. If you are not able to get a business card for each interviewer, call the person who set up your interview and ask for that information.

Remember – Career Services offers mock interviews as one of its services. We’ll be happy to simulate a panel interview and send you off with more confidence for the real thing.