Networking When Stuck in That Dead-End Job

Do you ever feel like you're not challenged at work or simply need something different? It's a problem many of those lucky enough to find full-time employment during the Great Recession have. You got the job, the paycheck, health insurance, but it's time to move onto something better, more challenging or enjoyable. Still, you got to find that new job and with an unemployment rate over 9.5 percent, there's a lot of competition. But if you do the search right, it could speed up the process. Gordon Curtis, author of the networking guide Well Connected says the key to finding that new job in the down economy is all about connecting with the right person. "For many, the mere thought of having to embark on a job search under such conditions is overwhelming," said Curtis. "Therefore, the key is to be as focused and strategic about one's networking in order not to waste any precious hours that can be eked out for a campaign." And those grasping at social networking followers need to take note that more friends you have, doesn't necessarily mean you have the friends that will land you a new job. Curtis says besides simply finding 1,000 friends on Twitter, you should research and figure out whom in a company could help you land that perfect upgrade. "It is very easy to succumb to the false sense of security derived from spreading oneself too thinly and just adding to their LinkedIn connections, Facebook friends, Twitter followers, etc. Hence one needs to determine exactly the knowledge, intelligence and relationships they need to fulfill a specific goal." Once you find this person, you're also supposed to figure out how you can help that individual's company. After all, why would this powerful professional want to waste their time with you, unless you bring something to the table as well? Ughh, that sounds like a lot of work, still thinking about finding that new job? Curtis also had some advice for media professionals on the prowl, looking to network. "People in sales, communications and media are expected to be great networkers," said Curtis. "However, just hoping a prospective employer will notice how many social network connections you have isn't going to demonstrate that you know how to network. So, every move you make in approach to an employer is a pure demonstration how good a networker you [are]."

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Networking When Stuck in That Dead-End Job

Ryan Derousseau

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Ryan Derousseau