Well, maybe you get it… but man, there are lots of people that just don’t get it.
I’m on enough e-mail lists and blogs where I *kind of* communicate with about 40,000+ people a day. And I see a common theme that just gets under my skin:
“I’m back in the job market. Does anyone know…”
Who’s back in the job market? How did you get out of the job market? Are you going to get out again? Are we freaking job market yo-yos??
Can I just submit that we are all in the job market, every day? Every single day, and we never leave it. That is our new world. If you are on the bottom rung, or the top rung, or somewhere comfortable in-between, please realize that you are in the job market. Yep, even if you own your own business.
And once we realize that, can we please do something about it? I’m not talking about lobbying to politicians, or trying to make the flat world round again. I’m talking about taking charge of your career and doing things NOW, little things every day (just a few minutes a day) to really take charge.
I know what I think these little daily things should be but I want you to chip in. Instead of leaving an “amen!” “hallelujah” or “you da man” comment, please help me answer Fred’s question, left in a comment a couple of days ago:
Great advice but where do you start each day? I have had two major companies close on me and then I was laid off from my “dream job” after 6 years. Now I have a great job again but have learned to not rely on security. I got this job from networking which is a great story on its own. What advice do you have for me to keep my network active. I don’t want to seem like I don’t like my current job. How do you get the word out and become “famous?”
That’s it – what do you do (or should you do) every single day? What did you do today?
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Over the years I’ve found my network to be one of the most valuable possessions I have. I’ve spent thousands of dollars and countless hours making sure my network gives me just as much as I give it.
I think that’s the key. Networks aren’t a casual acquaintance. If you only use your network when *you* need something, you can’t expect it to respond.
I spend a lot of time making sure those in my network are taken care of. I make phone calls when I hear pleas for help. I send emails thanking people for their help. I’m always asking what I can do to help people in my network. Most importantly, I try and meet as many as I can face to face. It’s personal. And I’ve expanded my network to online social activities such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Because I spend so much time keeping my network well maintained, I’ve never had to worry about getting work. A great example of this is years ago my Wife was always worried that I would be laid off and that I could possibly be out of work for an extended period. I always told her I never worry about that because I have such a strong network of people who are willing to help me that it would only be a matter of days or even hours before something positive would happen. I still don’t think she fully gets it.
That’s my take Jason, keep feeding the network and it will feed you.
Thanks for the post. I’m always looking for jobs even though I’m currently happy where I am. My feed reader contains about 12 job feeds in areas I might be interested in living. This keeps me fresh on what kind of jobs are available, how often a company is re-hiring, what job requirements change over time, etc.
In the last month, however, I’ve received 2 job offers by email… one by someone in my network and one by a total stranger who read and enjoyed my blog. I didn’t ask for these offers. I didn’t go searching for them. However, it boosted my confidence that networking is the key… I’ve only been networking for about six months.
Thom (above/below) has it right; when you feed your network it will feed you.
The most important thing to do everyday to stay ready for the next job hunt?
Network. So when you need to ask a favor, you’re not a stranger.
Each week contact 2 people that you’ve worked with or wanted to work with… send a note, stay in touch, send an article, email. That way in a year, you’ve covered over 100 people. Do 2 letters from the alphabet each week and work thru your outlook contacts.
Nothing is worse than someone who calls me and asks for help and that last time I heard from him was when I gave him a recommendation for his last job 3 years ago.
Ask other people how you can help. Plan at least 1 1/2 hours per week helping — maybe breakfast with someone in their 25th week of job hunting. Maybe passing along a resume of a friend’s daughter or son who just graduated. Take time to help people & it will come back to you.