Becoming a Networking Star (Part 1)

When you are desperate for a job, you decide to start calling your friends for jobs. After a few phone calls, you found that you have run out of contacts. Or worst still, you might not even have a single contact whom you can turn to. You start to regret not having turned up for annual gatherings, and not joining them coffee talks and sort of stuff.

But, its never to late to start networking. Networking is an ongoing cycle in life. We have been networking all our life. Talking to a family member is one good example of maintaining that relationship through networking. It is important that you keep in contact with the people you now or barely even know.

Networking sessions are rare opportunities which I really do encourage job seekers attend. These are social events that provides you with the chance to interact with your future employers while at the same time find out more about the job. It would further benefit you when you meet your future employers for interview (if you do keep in contact with them, or gave them a good impression).

For those who feels they are introverts or feels shy at social events, adequate practice and preparation will help you survive a networking session. Here are some advices:

1. Research on the company, its background, corporate culture, job challenges etc.
   
2. Prepare some questions you may ask at a networking session.
   
3. Invoke a reply from the other person with open-ended questions. Networking is a two-way activity.
4. Imagine trying to catch up with an old friend whom you have not met for a long time.
   
5. Always end off the conversation beautifully with an exit strategy.

In the next part of this article, I will provide you with ways to work yourself through conversations and perform fantastic exit strategies.

Always remember:

Think relationships first, job second.

How do you want to build your confidence? You decide.

As reported by Telegraph, heading to the gym is an effective solution for many to defeat the economic downturn. Business is taking a slow pace to progress, why not lead your body to some real good and lean shape during this period.

Workouts not only put one into good contour, but also allow individuals to better manage their level of stress and emotional imbalance. Of course, there can be many other approaches of handling stress and working out is just one of them. You have to take things positively and decide what you want to do to build up your confidence.

Think about exercising in terms of Return on Investment (ROI) - the gains you achieve is invaluable. In times of financial crisis, this could probably be the best investment. Stretch your dollar and do go check out your gym rates. If you cannot afford to apply for one, you can always plan for an exercise regimen around your neighborhood. If working out does benefit you from every perspective, why not start it now?

Pre-Interviewing techniques

Three days before your interview, what will you do? Here is a little guideline and essentials that you can follow.

1. Read three days worth of news and gather your facts right. If you are intending to work in a dynamic industry such as the banking sector, this is a crucial step that you must not miss. You must not enter an interview without knowing what is happening around you.

2. Knowledge is power. If you want the power to control the interview, brush up your knowledge by revising what you've learnt in school. Else you might be at risk of showing incompetency and worst still, mumbling abracadabra. If your interviewers do not understand what you say, probably they will not remember you.

3. Know what the company is looking for. Revisit the scope of the position and ask yourself what you have to complement it. Then write down your competencies.

4. Anticipate the interview! Practice, Practice, and Practice! Here is some 50 common questions you can find in an interview. I find it pretty useful. You may want to reinforces each answer with the competencies you possess.

I hope this helps. At this depressing period, job demands are high. If you say you are a fast learner, everyone applying for that position can also claim to be a faster learner. So think about it, what makes you stand out?

Welcome

Mr Recession has arrived.


Are you prepared?