Networking tips offered to get next job

• Tweet

UPLAND, Calif., Feb. 5 (UPI) -- It's purposeful networking, not simply schmoozing, that lands a person their next job, career coach Ford R. Myers says.

Myers' advice is timely, since Monday through Friday is International Networking Week, an initiative of BNI, an Upland, Calif., business networking and referral organization.

Myers, president of Career Potential LLC and author of "Get The Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring," says job seekers can get hired through skillful networking, regardless of economic conditions.

"Networking is not about 'schmoozing,' or selling someone on the idea of hiring you," Myers advises in a release. "Rather, it's about purposefully and gracefully asking peers for help, advice, input and contacts -- and offering real value in return. Networking boosts job seekers' self-esteem and helps them connect people with opportunities -- especially when those opportunities are hard to come by."

Here are some tips from Myers to position yourself to get a job offer:

-- Schedule face-to-face meetings with your top tier contact list of people in the best position to help you.

-- Schedule phone meetings with other people who might lead you to key industry influencers.

-- Get at least 3-5 names from each person with whom you speak.

-- Be confident and purposeful.

-- Bring a list of questions and ask if it's OK to take notes.

-- Establish good rapport by getting the other person to talk about himself/herself.

-- Don't use the word "fired," be positive and focus on the future.

-- Don't make excuses or sound apologetic for your current career situation.

-- Look for opportunities to offer something of value in return for the other person's help and support.

-- Always send a "thank you" note immediately after your networking meeting.