brip blap - Latest Comments in job jumper tip #2: be a discriminating networker

Re: job jumper tip #2: be a discriminating networker

Dividend Growth Investor — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:45:29 -0000

Brip Blap,

I do know that networking is a powerful tool for landing a job. Unfortunately though, I am pretty bad at networking.
I have been able to help "friends" in finding a job, but after a while, when I really needed help in myself getting a job these same friends would not scratch my back. What should I do :-)

Re: job jumper tip #2: be a discriminating networker

Asithi — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:33:26 -0000

At this stage, I certainly have more to offer than she does to me. I know she will be taking her state registration exam within the next year, there is much I can do to help her prepare for it without much effort in my part like recommending study guides, review courses, etc.

This is going to sound weird, but I think 20 years from now, I would like to be employed by the federal government once more for the health benefits upon retirement. She will be in a position by then to help me out if that is the case (if she haven't jumped ship like I did between now and then). I just need the to be covered by their health insurance 5 years prior to retirement to be able to carry the benefit through retirement (long term planning huh?).

I think I will wait and see on this one. This year, I plan to attend the department Christmas party (2008). If I still feel forced when I am trying to be nice to her, then I will just not act upon keeping her as a contact.

Re: job jumper tip #2: be a discriminating networker

Steve (Brip Blap) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:43:28 -0000

@Asithi: Let me put it in the context of my post - do you have something to offer this woman? Is there some reason she might be glad to hear from you? If there is, don't be hesitant to reach out.

On the other hand, if you have nothing to offer her - no friendship, no resources, etc. - then you have to ask yourself whether there's much point in staying in touch with someone you disliked enough not to come up with a way to help her.

I know that's a little bit philosophical, but it's the best way to look at it - because if all you're doing is trying to force a connection with someone you didn't really like much anyway, how long will you be able to keep that connection up?

@fathersez, plonkee, deepali: I definitely WAS a connector but I've tried to tone it back. For a while I was Mr. Touchbase with the Heyhowareya emails - but then my approach shifted to the method I describe above. I cut my address book down and tried to become a Normal Human rather that a Connector. It just felt more reasonable. Some people can do it, though.

Re: job jumper tip #2: be a discriminating networker

Asithi — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:57:21 -0000

What about the person from a last job that you got along with, who you thinks is a good worker, but was a little competitive with you? Would you try to maintain contact with that person?

I am in that dilemma. I have an old co-worker that is about the same age group and same field as me. It can potentially lead to some job leads in the future because I think she is really bright and will be going places. But my problem is that she is one of those passive aggressive woman that bug me a bit when I used to work with her. I have not left my old job long enough for it to be weird to contact her, but I am still iffy about it. What do you think?

Re: job jumper tip #2: be a discriminating networker

plonkee — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:33:51 -0000

My problem with this is that it feels to forced. I guess I'm not thinking about it right and I don't actively network. I'm probably naturally the reverse of a connector. :(

Re: job jumper tip #2: be a discriminating networker

deepali — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:45:04 -0000

Some people can manage the 1000-person network; I think Gladwell calls them "Connectors". But most of us are not connectors. Great post!

Re: job jumper tip #2: be a discriminating networker

fathersez — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:15:24 -0000

The best networker I know is a friend who has a phone list / address book of about 300 people and he keeps in touch regularly...maybe one call at least every three months.

He is sincere and his USP is his great memory. he remembers things like how many children, their names and stuff like that.

I don't think he started this because of job concerns and anything like that, but when he needs something done, he has tremendous resources at his disposal.