Um, How Do I Network When I'm Not Ready?

Let's take a step back -- up until now we've looked at networking in a job environment. That being said, I turn on the news and LOOK -- UNEMPLOYMENT IS UP! so, lets see where we can use communication, networking when we are LOOKING for the job.

We often hear people say to look for networking events, meet-and-greets, job fairs in the area when you're looking for a job. this is most definitely true, BUT -- there's always a "but"-- networking is not limited to organized events. Too often we miss out on potential connection opportunities because we don't recognize the interaction. You run into a person in the hallway, at Dunkin' Donuts -- we're not dressed up, with a resume in hand! So take this situation:

Friend: I'll have a large coffee with cream and sugar, thanks...Hey You!
You: Hey Friend! How are you?
Friend: Great! I was gonna call you -- I know this is random, but are you still looking for a job?
I may know someone looking in Pharma. Any interest?
You: *in your head* Man, I just came for a bagel.... *outloud* Yeah, definitely.
Friend: Cool! What your experience in process analysis again?
You: Umm....yeah, I've done it. At places.
Friend: Ok-aay. So this position, it would be a business analyst. Is that something you'd want?
You: I wanna bagel.

Don't be that guy/girl -- be prepared. The art of conversation is one that most of us have, but we don't always recognize when to apply it. Just because there are no name tags or mandatory booths set up, it doesn't mean that this is not a networking opportunity! Again, its a question of just being prepared.

Not everyone is gong to come up to you and say "Hi, I'm about to ask you a question about your experience that may lead me to want to offer you a chance to meet someone about a job." (Note: Actually, I don't think any one will come up to you and say that. If they do, and they're not coaching you, but are serious, umm....that's pretty unique.) That being said, you need to know your experience, your expectations in a true sense, in a non-resume-non-interviewing-not-because-you're-afraid-of-what-someone's-going-to-ask-you sense. It should be part of who you are, like telling someone your favorite flavor of ice cream or your dream car or about your first date ever or your most embarrassing moment. Notice the shift in topics -- you need to be comfortable with sharing those stories, whether its to a close friend or to the mirror. Get comfortable with the words, make the discomfort comfortable.

Take your resume and break it up into small pieces, sections -- categorize it. Think of your resume as a book, with each experience, each area representing a chapter. The title of the chapter is what can change. For example, if I have IT implementation experience, I can title that chapter IT experience, Teamwork, Testing, or Business Analysis. If I have been to Business School, I can title that chapter Knowledge Building, Teamwork, or Career Development. It takes practice to figure out what are the appropriate titles of your chapters' in your resume, so try it again with a mirror, with your friends and colleagues. This will keep you at the ready. Next time you're at Dunkin', you'll know which chapter to pull forward at nail it -- to make the connection.