In my last post I recommended 5 things you can do over the holidays to help you find a job. In this post I want to encourage you to volunteer as a way to find your perfect job. That’s right, volunteer. There are many ways to go about it, and lots of organizations need you – especially during the holiday season. Here are some suggestions followed by reasons why this is great career advice! In fact, volunteering may be better than a great resume for getting your foot in the door.
Where to show up. (Continue reading at http://careeradvice4u.com/find-perfect-job-volunteer/)
Help get the word out to Engineer-types in OR & WA.
I met with a sharp group of graduate students from Portland State University the other day and learned as much from them as they learned from me. They have a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge of the International Business scene! I was impressed.
I shared with these students my “5-Finger Exercise” for Networking. Here is what (I hope) THEY learned form me:
Rule # 1 - Networking is about what you can GIVE, more than about what you can get!
(O.K. — RIGHT NOW make a list of what YOU have to offer in a Networking setting (30 seconds).
Rule # 2 - DON’T FORGET RULE #1!
There’s an old saying “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
Rule # 3 - People want to help other people.
Rule # 4 - Know what you want - the clearer you are about what YOU are hoping to get out of the networking meeting, the better!
Rule # 5 - Use the meeting to expand your network.
Three questions you should ask at the end of every networking meeting:
1. “Who do you know that I should talk to for further information?”
2. “Would you be willing to give your comments on my resume?” (Be sure to send it by email — NEVER carry a copy with you to a networking meeting.)
3. “How would you like me to keep you informed of my progress?”
