But I HATE Social Networking…!
Harry Urschel has a great post on Career Rocketeer explaining why social networking is a must in the current job climate – and why you need to learn to like it:
was asked to speak at a Job Networking session this week to a group of Information Technology (IT) Professionals. I was asked to talk about an effective ‘Elevator Speech’ or any other aspect of Networking that I’d like. For the past 23 years I’ve been a Recruiter specializing in placing IT Professionals, and one thing I know, is that with few exceptions, most IT pro’s hate the thought of ‘Networking’! It’s a different story if we’re talking about Networking computers… but actually having to contact people they don’t know??? Please say NO!!!
Like it or not, we’re in a tough job market. I spoke to someone recently that was downright angry that what they did in the past just doesn’t seem to work anymore. In two previous job searches (in 1998 and 2005) all he had to do was post his resume on the major job boards. He got calls, interviews, and ultimately his new jobs. Now he posts his resume, applies to dozens of jobs online… and NOTHING! Now, each job posting is getting dozens, maybe hundreds of responses. Even if you’re a perfect fit, it’s difficult to get noticed in the tsunami of other applicants.
Different times call for different measures.
In the market today, you must network and be a much more active candidate than ever before. Posting your resume, or applying online is passive. You are dropping the bait in the water, but waiting for the fish to bite. In order to get your job today, you have to dive in and use a net!
(Hat-Tip, The Wise Job Search)
