Ask realtors for a list of the three most important considerations,
they'll respond "location, location, location". Ask our members
that same question and you'll hear:
Networking! Networking! Networking!
Our members consistently report that networking accounts for 80% of their new
jobs. The very best jobs are not advertised, but obtained though referals, recommendations,
and professional recruiters... networking.
CareerFountain Networking
So what is career networking anyway?
Networking is the staffing industry buzzword for something that you've probably
been doing all your life, and started long before your current job search. The social
experiance of connecting and communicating with friendly people. Many with similar, or related interests.
Networking is simply maintaining those vital social connections with others in your
field. Friends, friends of friends, former co-workers and that rolodex full of
business cards you've accumulated are good places to start.
Networking is NOT contacting everyone you've ever met to ask if they know of any job
openings. It's great to hear from an old friend... the first time. But if you
keep pestering them for job leads, you will soon be treated as if they borrowed money.
Networking is a two way street. Offer something of interest to your friend. Share a story or
news about other friends, co-workers, former employers, jokes etc. Try to keep dialogs posative.
Today, networking by e-mail has become extreamly popular, and very effective.
Be sure to use your own, private e-mail account. Avoid using e-mail accounts supplied by
your employer. Check out our
list of FREE e-mail providers if you need your own independant private account.
Keep your networking e-mails short. No one wants their e-mail box stuffed with long multipage storys or
jokes they have no time or interest reading. Not everyone can tell a good joke, so be honest with yourself.
Be sure to check the current CareerFountain
Cartoon. These jokes are personalized
exclusively for members and designed for sharing to encourage career networking. They are fun, free... and
very effective!
The majority of CareerFountain members were invited through referrals from fellow members. We ecourage
members like yourself to invite and sponsor friends you feel worthy of recommendation. (A
$95 dollar value, FREE to both you, and them.)
More information on this and other career related topics is available at the CareerFountain
Library / Bookstore.
The groups in this collection were contributed by members who found
them useful for networking and discussing their occupation, industry,
learning about current trends and developments.
The career networking groups listed on this page were contributed by CareerFountain
members. Please contact us if you would like your group added to the list.
Networking is NOT contacting everyone you've ever met to ask if they know of any job
openings. It's great to hear from an old friend... the first time. But if you
keep pestering them for job leads, you will soon be treated as if they borrowed money.
Networking is a two way street. Offer something of interest to your friend. Share a story or
news about other friends, co-workers, former employers, jokes etc. Try to keep dialogs posative.
