The Art of Job Networking

I have been unemployed for a year, have you been in this situation and have managed to find a good job?

Every phone interview I get, it feels as though the employer thinks that I am lazy because I have been unemployed for a year.

Is there anything out there easy for me to get a job?

Still-Looking
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Dear Still-Looking (SL),

First off, SL, remember that we're in a severe recession and only just pulling out of it. It began officially in December 2007.

Although this seems to escape some employers, who act as though no one should have been unemployed as long as you have, most are aware. When you are conducting a job search don't forget about the art of social networking. Not too many people realize that the actual definition of networking is "interacting with people for mutual benefit". There are unlimited reasons to network, and luckily for you, one of them is for your job search.

When networking, You -- SL -- need to let people know you are available and looking for new opportunities. You want to be on as many radar screens as possible. You also want to explore the "hidden job market", those positions that are filled before they even get posted. Networking will help you to get more referrals, open more channels of communication and increase your chances of finding a great job.

So SL, you may ask WHO makes up your network and how do you grow it? Just about everyone you interact with. Your friends, colleagues, and business associates, your fellow church members, your spouse's colleagues, doctors, lawyers, former classmates, air/bus passengers, and even the parents of your children friends.

While some people are better at networking than others, LinkedNow is more valuable because you can reach working professionals directly via private messaging or by sending a compliment.

The hard part, SL, is maintaining your network. Staying in touch takes time and effort for it to pay off. You have to develop a rapport if you want to be able to reach out for a new job. If you have difficulties re-establishing relationships or asking for a favor, or if you become discouraged, or if you feel embarrassed about approaching a colleague for advice, try these tips:

1. Sharing an industry article or interesting, non-gossipy buzz about a mutual friend or colleague can be a great start.

2. Be inquisitive about them professionally and personally and always be prepared to offer your assistance prior to you telling them the reason you are reaching out to them.

3. Follow-up is equally critical, so do send a quick thank-you email regardless if your network contacts were able to help you or not.

4. Stay in touch with your network on an ongoing basis, not just when you need something. Put them on your holiday card list, email them when you hear of their new promotion. Or simply organize a get together at your local Starbucks.

Top 5 tips to standout in a tough market

When I arrived to my interview 15 minutes early, the interviewer made a remark of how early I was. As our interview progressed, I answered all the questions to the best of my ability, however I was really nervous. After each question he asked, there would be a long silence. Lastly on my way out, he asked if I had any questions for him. I responded if he could tell me one thing he liked and disliked about his workplace. He stopped, thought for a minute, and told me that this question was really inappropriate. I was quick to apologize. At the end my interviewer was reluctant to shake my hand. What do you think? Was this a horrible interview or what?!

Seeking Alpha Interview
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Dear 'Seeking Alpha Interview',

Let me begin by saying that asking your interviewer what he likes and dislikes about his current job is a perfectly normal question. Perhaps, because of his position, your interviewer may not feel comfortable expressing his opinion openly. Next time, be sure to ask the interviewer if he can tell you what a normal day would be like for you if you got the job. Also, do your research by checking out how others rank the workplace of your potential employer. You can do it at LinkedNow.com, where anonymous employees rate their employers.

Before you go to another interview, use these five insider tips to stand out in a tough market.

#1 Polish you credentials:
To make your resume shine quantify your achievements. For instance, say "I increased profits by 9%" rather than "I have sales experience". Any time you email your resume, mention one of your feats in the subject line. For example, you can write "Sales Rep - top 10% performer - seeks position". Finally, address and dry spell by listing what you have accomplished when unemployed (i.e. supported local charity group).

#2 Wear your game face:
Showing confidence in this climate indicates that you can perform well under pressure. To manage your job search, use a spreadsheet to keep a record of where you have applied, and when you need to follow up.

#3 Be open to critique:
Inviting a little scrutiny during an interview could pay off greatly. For example, asking "Do you have any specific concerns?" gives you unique opportunity to attack issues head-on and demystify any doubts over your ability to perform.

#4 Be creative:
If there are no openings in your field, think creatively about how your skills might be marketable elsewhere. You may open your search to different industries. Search job sites like HotJobs.com using your specific skills (JavaScript programming) instead of job title (Web Developer).

#5 Spread career Karma:
Even if you're in dire straits, do a small favor for someone in your circle. For example, you may help your colleague to get connected with a hiring manager. Trust us, this small favor will not be forgotten and will encourage your colleague as well as others to repay your generosity with referrals of their own. This goodwill gesture will allow you strengthen your ties with people who will support your career well down the road.

Why they criticize me

I'm a senior manager at a Fortune 500 company. Recently, our HR Department implemented a 360-degree feedback for my group. For the first time in 20 years my subordinates will be allowed to evaluate my overall performance. It'll also include a self-assessment and, in my case, feedback from external sources such as customers and suppliers and other interested stakeholders. I was assured that the feedback will only be used to plan and tailor my training and development. But, I heard that its results may also be used in making administrative decisions, such as my pay or promotion. As I'm afraid for my job how can I decline to proceed?

"Afraid Manager".
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Dear "Afraid Manager",

By now, just about every manager understands the importance of delivering timely, candid feedback. But very little is said about the art of receiving it. Honestly, I have not yet met any managers who mastered delivering an employee performance review. But, admittedly, for most of us it's still easier to give this kind of feedback then actually receive it.

I'm frequently asked by my bosses to collect and administer feedback to my peer-managers. The best of my colleagues, desperately in need of accurate ratings, embrace the experience. Others, oh well, are incapable of digesting and acting upon this information to modify and improve their management skills.

Of course, sometimes the problem lies in the style in which such critiques are delivered (or their timing). However, in my experience the biggest challenge to accepting such feedback is a recipients narcissism. Although most of us, managers, don't suffer from the excessive narcissism - a recognized severe personality disorder, there are many who do. For those, any criticism makes them feel inappropriately wounded or humiliated. Their reaction is to become angry or dismissive, as well as to resort to other defenses. In fact, one manager I delivered a negative performance review brushed me of by claiming that he was already self-aware and that he wasn't told anything new. He successfully deflected my critique, but also failed to learn from this experience. Others deflect the negative criticism on the grounds of how it's being delivered. Even the most obnoxious feedback, may contain a germ of truth. Harshly delivered assessment may also be a red flag that your peer or subordinate has been long frustrated by your refusal to hear anything negative.

So, "Afraid Manager", the best way to ease the way of 360-performance review is not to reject it. But rather to ask for it on a frequent basis. Think of it as a preemptive action - a strategy that will help you grow professionally, and learn in doses you can handle.