Compared with the topics of resume writing, job interviewing and Singapore jobs, there's not much love out there for networking, but we can't help being attached to it in some way. Call us weird or crazy, we won't get mad. Perhaps, we are attracted to it because we know that networking is essential whether or not you have a job to nurture -- therefore, discussing it is like multi-tasking. Whether or not you land your dream job or get a promotion is a matter that has something to do with connecting with people (or building relationships) properly, therefore networking as a topic can be said to cater to both our target markets: career professionals looking to switch jobs and jobseekers of accounting jobs, finance jobs, engineer jobs, IT jobs...ugh, all job industries.
You know, we're just acting like our usual lazy selves. But seriously, networking needs more featuring over here and at http://sg.jobsdb.com/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerIndex because of its versatility. It's a common notion in marketing that you cannot satisfy two markets at the same time. So in order to make sales, sacrificing is necessary. That having said, there's nothing more satisfying than being able to see a loophole to this rule and taking advantage of that.
Okay so, what specific thing about networking are we set to talk about today? It's been so long since we last featured networking skills and how to hone such skills over here. We have every reason to push through with the plan, despite our inexperience in writing about it. Well, there's Career Advice to guide us, so why worry?
The Secrets of Effective Networking at http://sg.jobsdb.com/SG/EN/Resources/JobSeekerArticle/CAREER-2?ID=558 is perhaps, the best article about networking in the section. Here are the most important points in the article, listed for your convenience (because we care):
If you find networking hard because you don't want to use your friends, or because you dislike asking for help, overcome this by genuinely caring about those you call.
Listen 80% and talk 20%. Personal meetings should be interactive, like tennis; but in general, others would rather talk than listen.
It's better to be subtle and indirect rather than blunt.
Tell people you value their suggestions and plan to take action on them.
Don't make the mistake of contacting people only once. Your search will never build momentum. As you meet technical experts and business leaders, become a friend to them, and they'll likely return the friendship.
Your contact network should always be growing, not shrinking.
Were you inspired to hone your networking skills? You might want to attend these training opportunities from JobsDB Learning:
Savvy Networking Skills
Communication: Your Key to Success
Communication Strategies
Or read more about networking:
Effective Communication
Master the Way You Use Your Voice
Have a comment? Let's talk!
