5 Unusual Job Networking Strategies that Work

With the recent advancements in technology, most businesses only accept resumes online or use a third party company to handle available job related issues. Even though online applications and personnel firms are the norm in the business world today, there are still some time-tested ways to locate available jobs. One of the most successful is job networking. Moreover, five unusual job networking strategies that tend to produce great results for people are as follows:
 

1. Cold calling
2. Sending an email directly to hiring personnel
3. Volunteering at non-profit organizations
4. Finding a mentor
5. Attending industry conferences

Cold Calling

While the idea of cold calling can be painful for many people, the results can be very positive. Having the opportunity to talk to decision makers is a chance that allows people to set themselves apart from the competition. Aim to be concise and clear while conveying top your target that you are someone worth getting to know. To simplify the cold calling process you may want to consider following a script like the G.I.R.L.S formula:
G-Greet Your Target
I- Identify Yourself
R- Make Your Request
L – Link Your Need to Their Work
S- Suggest a Next step

Sending an Email Directly To Hiring Personnel

In the same manner that cold calling can be very beneficial, e-mail allows people to directly contact decision makers. However, email provides the opportunity to make contact without having to personally speak to the decision makers.

Volunteering At Non Profit Organizations

A wide variety of people take the time to volunteer at non-profit organizations. The goal of volunteering is to serve and help, but people who volunteer do spend time talking to other volunteers. This can be a great chance for people to discuss their desire to find job opportunities. In addition, there are occasions where people can come in direct contact with decision makers from businesses both large and small.

Finding a Mentor

Even if someone has a master’s in electrical engineering, sometimes people need help concerning the job seeking process and furthering their career. Finding a mentor is an excellent way for these people to receive assistance. Remember though that a successful mentor/mentee relationship is a two way street. You have to be open to constructive feedback and possess a willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed as an intern or employee in your chosen field. You can even find mentors online with services like findamentor.com. Be sure that any potential mentors possess the following traits:

• Willingness to Share Skills
• Takes a Personal Interest in the Mentoring Relationship
• Exudes Enthusiasm in the Chosen Industry or Field
• Gives Constructive Feedback and Guidance
• Is Well-Respected by Colleagues and Employees

Attending Industry Conferences

Almost all business industries have conferences where people go to discuss industry trends and other related topics. For anyone interested in job opportunities, business conferences are a great way to learn more about specific industries and to make contact with people at various businesses.
Job networking is a proven method to find job opportunities. For many people, the situation can be uncomfortable, but the results can be very successful. Strategies such as cold calling, sending email directly, volunteering, finding a mentor, and attending industry conferences can be time consuming. However, each strategy places people in direct contact with decision makers who can either provide job information or actually hire people for available jobs.