ripe

Your Network - It's Always the Season for Giving

We talked to a senior product marketing manager a few weeks ago, who recently lost his job. And the first thing he did, was reach out to his network to let them know he was back on the market.  He was fortunate – as he has been working to build his network for 15 years – and he could call on people when he needed help.

 

If you haven’t started building a network for yourself, or don’t yet see a reason to have one…read on…

 

A network doesn’t grow in a day.

You’ll notice above we say, “he could call on people when he needed help.” You want to have a network, so you have people to turn to when you need it, but you also need to be there when people need YOUR help.  You get out of your network what you put into it.

 

When you are building a network, you are building relationships. Think of all the people you encounter regularly – through associations, friends from the gym, associates at work (old companies, current employers, people you know at companies where you want to work), people with common interests (think virtual…explore the groups on LinkedIn and Facebook…and join!).  For a list of Online Communities, Forums and Social Networking Websites for Entreprenuers that you might find valuable, check out SCORE’s article from their Women’s Success blog.

 

Reach out to your network regularly – they are your friends, peers, colleagues – see what is new in their lives and where you might be able to lend a hand, serve as a reference, or make an introduction. Help them get what they need and they, in turn, will do the same for you. What goes around comes around – right?

 

Keep your network fresh

You want to always be thinking about growing your network.  You should be exploring LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, OIWC.org, and other social networking sites. While networking online is great, you should also meet people in person.  We recommend that you volunteer for an organization you believe in – it’s a great way to expand your circle of influence (consider OIWC, Big City Mountaineers, Betties 360, or the Conservation Alliance).

Use multiple networks – and as the use of social networks continues to grow – be sure to set yourself up to "see and be seen!"

There are people who are content in their situation, and prefer not to take the time to build a network, yet when they need help, they are jumping to get in front of someone.  And those people aren’t usually successful. It’s pretty easy to spot those that are just joining the network purely to take – not to give. We recommend that you become part of network before you need anything from anyone. Start now, and continue to build relationships by giving.  Share your knowledge, help people who ask for help, and always be ready to connect people in your network.  Now that’s a great gift – and given the current economic climate…most reasonably priced!

First Time Working with a Recruiter? 5 Ways to Set Up Your Relationship for Success (Part 2)

Last week we gave you the first three tips on building a successful relationship with a recruiter. Here’s a couple more tips for you to consider, when you first work with a recruiter:

4.     You found a job you are qualified for, how your recruiter can help. If you see a job that you want to apply for, you should definitely contact your recruiter to see if they can make an introduction for you.   Your recruiter will also have insight as to whether or not the position looks like a match.  At plum, we will help you market yourself – whether or not we have a contract on the position – but can only do this if your skills match the qualifications of the job (we lose our credibility if just send "any old resume" in for a position). We can’t always guarantee the company will take our advice and contact you, and if they don’t get back to us quickly, we always recommend you apply to the job directly so you don’t miss out on the opportunity.

5.     Other places recruiters can help. Do you have a profile on LinkedIn? If not, it is time to build one – and link to us.  Facebook and Myspace are great for social networking but business networking should be done on a professional site where you don’t post pictures of your “after work” shenanigans. Recruiters and hiring managers do reference checks – and 1 in 5 will look at your social networking profiles. Even schools are using them for admissions – so be sure to manage your online image! 

It is best to start networking and building a relationship with a recruiter early in your career – the more information you share with each other, the more you will trust each other. And in the long run, that is what will matter most.

First Time Working with a Recruiter? 5 Ways to Set Up Your Relationship for Success (Part 1)

Whether you initiate the relationship or a recruiter contacts you, we have some recommendations for you to ensure a successful relationship with your recruiter.

1.     Is the recruiter working on Retained or Contingent searches? What does that mean to you?

Retained recruiters – are paid a "retainer" to fill a specific position. They are hired to find candidates for a hard to fill roles that require a specific skill set. Retained recruiters have a solid relationship with the internal hiring teams.

Contingent recruiters – their income is "contingent" on whether or not a candidate referred by them is hired. They are paid a commission for every position they fill and are generally competing with other contingent recruiters to fill the position(s) quickly.  

Be sure to check with your recruiter to understand in what capacity they are working – and where your resume is going (where you are being submitted – and who you are authorizing to represent you).  Being submitted for a position by more than one recruiter on a contingent search can remove you from consideration (as the company doesn’t want to get embroiled in a dispute).

2.     What you should talk to the recruiter about in your first few conversations?

Share your career goals – and ask them how they recommend you achieve your goals.
Talk about your current position – what you like/dislike and what you think your strengths are – this will help determine what types of companies and positions could be best for you. 
Your next step – talk to your recruiter about your vision of your next step (location, company, level, work/life considerations, etc.) – this will help your recruiter know which positions you may consider in the future.

3.     When to follow up?

Determine when and how often you and your recruiter will communicate. Your recruiter should contact you when they see a position that matches your background – and will most likely ask you for referrals for positions for which you might have leads. You should check in with your recruiter periodically and let them know how your search is progressing.  Always update your recruiter when you land a new role.

Stay tuned for part 2 next week!