Communications of the ACM
Need a Job? Talk to a Stranger
"The goal when job searching is to put yourself in a position to meet new people who can get you closer to your next employer," says Tory Johnson, founder and CEO of Women for Hire, and contributor to ABC News' Good Morning America.
Credit: ABC News
Tory Johnson, CEO of Women for Hire and the workplace contributor for ABC's Good Morning America, offers insights on the most effective networking techniques that lead to new job opportunities. Based on feedback that she's received at events across the United States, including a recent event for women jobseekers in California, Johnson comments on how to outflank the competition and make the job search process as easy as possible. Jobseekers can get their foot in the door at companies by volunteering at industry events, leveraging social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook and learning how to state their employment needs very succinctly and directly.
One way to connect with new people who can get you closer to your next employer is to volunteer at an industry conference or networking event. Since these events often need volunteers, call the organizers and offer your time and talent in exchange for entry. Working the event and wearing the "staff" nametag puts you in a position to strike up a conversation and get an introduction. You can also go to networking events alone. It's not easy, and can be nerve-racking at first, but it forces you to introduce yourself to new people. Sometimes nothing comes of it, but other times, you will get a new contact, new lead, or new resource that you never would have gotten had you not put yourself out there. Always introduce yourself by sharing who you are and what you do.
From ABC News
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