Career Resource Center : The final guide

 Network  

Why Network?
It's a common refrain, and it's true: Most of the best jobs are never advertised - anywhere.

From a resume, you can judge a person whether he has a sound education, enough experience and other relevant skills. But it's not so easy to identify the other qualities, which are very important for a crucial position in the organization. These other qualities are not so tangible and certainly don't come out in resume. These qualities include motivation, ability to handle the crisis/pressure, ability to work in a team, how the person responds to various types of managers, and how he deals with opportunities and disappointments. This primarily makes organizations look towards the people they know and the people recommended, when they have to take a decision to recruit fresh blood in the organization. That's where the networking plays an important role. And that's why you need to learn to network.

But don't take things for granted. You have cleared the first hurdle but so do have the others. Even if you are alone and first one, don't assume that the things have finished. In fact, they have just started.

You will have to give your interview. Therefore, you should give it a hard shot in order to stay ahead of the gang. In the panel would be would-be supervisor, as well as that person's supervisor, and other members of the team. Be sure, questions will be asked about your, as well as their company, and your achievements and skills. Therefore, do give enough time to do the backroom preparation. Preparation based on in-depth knowledge of the interviewing process will help you do that and allow you to walk into interviews confident and relaxed. The more you know about the industry and company, the better your chances are at landing the job - and the more people you've networked within the industry and company, the more you'll know. Activate your contacts. Ask friends in the industry to brief you about the various firms and the general information and the trends.

Networking That Will Get You The Desired Job
Companies generally identify their requirement. They are aware that they need to fill up a few positions. However, to finalize the exact job descriptions and the responsibilities take time. Also, add to this the time that placing of advertisement with the dailies/ placing advertisement on Internet, or with a placement agent. You will realize that this process takes time. During this incubation period, people in the organization activate their contacts or ask their friends, if they are interested in the openings. They ask their contacts to look for a talented person who might be available. They may consult advisors, vendors, or customers. And they will be more open than usually to discussions with those who present themselves on their own - or better yet, come with an introduction from someone they respect.

Therefore, it's obvious that organizations themselves engage in networking when they need new employees. As a job seeker, your aim should be to make sure that their networks intersect the network you create. You should be there when the opportunity strikes.

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