Networking Strategies to Speed Up Your Job Search

After weeks of blasting out applications and hearing crickets, my clients realize this job search thing is going to take longer than expected. When I ask about their networking efforts… there’s a LOONNNGGG pause.

Here’s the thing – Opportunities are connected to people.

The fastest way to land a new job is to be referred for it.

Stop spending hours on job boards.

Start connecting with PEOPLE who can actually help you get a job at the company you want to work for – not whatever’s available.

Before I launch into my 3 strategies to boost your networking game, I want to share my free checklist to help you speed up your job search, my Speedy Job Search Checklist will show you 4 things to do daily to speed up your job search.

Networking: How Your Friends and Family Can Help You Get a Job

It sounds WWAAAYY too obvious, but starting your networking with people who know you is the most fruitful way to connect to jobs that are a good fit.

Because they know you.

And they can reach out to their networks on your behalf.

So instead of you searching in isolation, you’ll have a battalion of job searchers hitting the bricks on your behalf.

Let’s say you tell 5-10 people who know really well that you’re looking for a job, and you ask if they know of anyone at your top companies.

That could lead to each of those people connecting to 5-10 more people.

Suddenly you have 50-100 people helping you look for a job!

That’s a massive improvement and fast way to 10x your efforts by simply asking for help from the people who love you most.

Easy peasy.

Networking Online: How to Get a Job in Your Pjs

Strategy #2 is equally easy.

Let’s talk about getting a job in your pajamas!

From the comfort of your home, safely behind the computer (which is ideal for introverts.)

LinkedIn is not just for job searches. It’s an epi-center of professional connections.

Get in there. Set a goal to connect with 5 new people every week. In 2 months, you’ll have nearly 50 new connections.

Then start having conversations.

No pressure. It doesn’t have to be earth shattering – just thoughtful and genuine.

Ask about their work, how they got started, what they think it takes to be good at the job.

Then join LinkedIn groups – your alumni group, groups around your industry, groups who support causes you back – like sustainability or women in leadership.

For more on what to do in LinkedIn groups, grab the Speedy Job Search Checklist

Networking: Face to Face with Local Networking Groups

Old fashion, IRL networking is our 3^rd strategy.

I know this might be intimidating for some. But it’s a great way to meet other job searchers and connect to people in your industry face to face – which you probably already know builds trust WAAAY faster than online.

Start by using sites like meetup and Eventbrite to find face to face local networking groups.

You’re also likely to hear about these events in your LinkedIn groups – so there’s another reason to join groups!

For your face to face networking, make business cards.

Include the essentials – your name, email address and LinkedIn URL.

That gives people a way to check you out first and reach that conclusion you’re not an internet weirdo, so be sure to update your LinkedIn profile.

I love moo.com for business cards. They make fancy business cards, and they’re not cheap but they make an impression.

Also, practice your elevator pitch. Your 60 second statement about what you can do for your new employer.

And finally, follow-up. It’s essential! Send a brief ‘nice to meet ya’ email the day after the event, reminding them where you met and what you discussed.

It may seem tedious at first, but it’s a great way to standout from others!

There ya have it — three strategies to speed up your job search: (1) network with your friends and family (2) use everything LinkedIn has to offer and (3) go to local networking events to meet people IRL.

If you want access to the best jobs at the best companies, before they even hit Indeed or LinkedIn, bulk up your networking efforts using these strategies!

5 Steps to Tackle Gaps in Job Experience when Changing Jobs

Smart career changers know having the right job experience is crucial for getting your foot in the door at a new company. You must have the right experience to excel at your dream job, AND demonstrate ample job experience to the HR recruiter and hiring manager.

But, how do you know if you have the right experience? Or what if you know you DON’T have enough job experience. What should you do?

In this brief video, I’ll give you the lowdown on my 5-step process to identify and tackle gaps in job experience. You’ll learn how to:

simply and easily identify your job experience gaps
find development opportunities to strengthen your resume while you’re still working and
get introductions to people and resources to get the job experience you need to make you a viable candidate for your dream job

[button text=”Yes! I Want the Job Prep Guide!” url=”https://www.amberbeam.com/5-steps-to-tackle-gaps-in-job-experience-when-changing-jobs/popup-click-open-trigger-5″ class=”button”]

Step 1: Identify Dream Job’s Key Skills

In step one, you will create a baseline of the key duties and responsibilities of your dream job. If you have done the job before, you probably have a good idea of what that looks like.

If you’re unsure, or you couldn’t articulate the duties of the job, then do research on LinkedIn. Capture the job titles associated with your search and the top 3-5 duties or responsibilities. Then compare job titles and duties across several jobs (hint – you should see a good deal of similarity amongst your choices).

Step 2: Make a List of Your Key Skills

Make a list of your key skills to understand where you are and what you have to offer right now. Think about the skills you use daily, what you’re good at, your strengths, etc.

If you need some help finding those, get a copy of your latest performance appraisal. Or ask a trusted coworker or a former boss to describe your strengths. You can also get a copy of your current job description. It will list the key duties of your job and you’ll know right away which duties are your strengths.

Step 3: Compare Dream Job Skills to Your Skills

[button text=”Yes! I Want the Job Prep Guide!” url=”https://www.amberbeam.com/5-steps-to-tackle-gaps-in-job-experience-when-changing-jobs/popup-click-open-trigger-5″ class=”button”]

Compare the skills needed for the dream job and the skills you possess.

Identify the areas where you need more experience or knowledge to meet the requirements for the dream job.

Step 4: Create an Action Plan to close Job Experience Gaps

Get the step-by-step prep guide to document the comparison information in step three and design a development plan to close job experience gaps. The prep guide includes examples of ways you can close gaps in your job experience, including volunteering, registering for a class or shadowing someone in the job. You must get the experience you lack before you apply. That might mean taking on some projects at work that are outside your current scope.

Step 5: Share Your Action Plan with Trusted Advisor

In the best-case scenario, the trusted advisor is your boss. I realize that doesn’t always happen, and will talk about other options below. But if you’re lucky enough to have a supportive boss, take your prep guide in and talk about your next steps. Let your boss know you’re planning your next career move and play up how your development will benefit her and the company.

If you don’t have a swell relationship with your boss, return to your trusted coworker or former boss. Share your action plan with them. Ask for their opinion and suggestions. Then go one step further and ask for their help – for an introduction to someone on staff who can help you get firsthand experience or even resources for getting the job experience you need to be competitive for the dream job. The idea is to get support and nurture a relationship with experts who can help you transition to your dream job.

Don’t let a gap in job experience keep you from making a career change. Use the steps above and the Job Experience Prep Guide to create a development plan to get the experience you need to land your dream job.

[button text=”Yes! I Want the Job Prep Guide!” url=”https://www.amberbeam.com/5-steps-to-tackle-gaps-in-job-experience-when-changing-jobs/popup-click-open-trigger-5″ class=”button”]

What Career is Right for Me? Match Your Skills, Goals, and Interests to the Right Job

What Career is Right for Me?

Midlife career changes are more common than you might think. As an overachiever you’re constantly looking for ways to improve your career and life. And if you’ve found yourself wondering, “Should I be looking for something else?” or “What career is right for me?”, you’re in the right place.

Finding the right career can be challenging. But don’t fret, in this video, I’ll show you how to match your skills, goals, and interests to the right job. And what to look for in your next career move before you begin the tedious job application process.

Learn how to find the best career match for your personal and professional goals, then confidently apply for your dream job!

What Career is Right for Me – Define Your Career Goals

You must be able to answer the question where do you see yourself in 5 years. The answer doesn’t have to be rising in the ranks of management or climbing a career ladder.

Consider a career jungle-gym approach. Gather skills that create the ultimate library and use those to land your dream job. But you must be able to articulate how bouncing around will benefit the organization and ultimately create a more well-rounded employee.

What Career is Right for Me – Define Your Skills and Interests (superpowers)

Most people know 1-2 things they’re good at. But I’d like to encourage you to find five strengths that you can confidently speak to (and that align with your goals).

Take the role of project manager for instance. Project management is a key skill, and budgeting and managing others without authority are supporting skills. But don’t forget negotiation and team building. There are a suite of skills at play.

Understanding what you have to offer makes you a stronger candidate and solves the problem of applying for jobs you’re not going to excel at.

What Career is Right for Me – Define the Workplace Culture You Thrive In

Consider the continuum of workplace cultures from giant, Fortune 500 companies to small, family firms.

Define where you thrive. Do you like to have processes and well-defined systems? Or do you prefer organic decision-making?

You’re more likely to accomplish your goals and use your superpowers in setting that empowers you to make decisions and deliver the highest quality work.

Download the cheat sheet for more ways to design your dream job, including creating a plan for the perfect boss.

30 Ways You Can Fall in Love with Your Career in 2017

Surrounded by the buzz of a new year, you’ve decided your professional life is ready for a major overhaul. 2017 will be the year of Y-O-U. You’re going to stop free-falling into the career abyss and chart a path to bigger and better professional growth.

There are many paths to a better career: the scenic route, the straight and narrow, and the meandering. And, let’s not forget the most well-known – vertical. No matter your path, my goal is for you to fall in love with your career by connecting what can be mundane into meaningful and fulfilling work. With over two dozen ideas for finding career success, this article is sure to inspire and facilitate your next career move, be it a promotion, a side-hustle, or volunteering. It’s your time. Time for the career you’ve been waiting for.

Learn New Skills

Keep the fire burning for your current role by adding new skills and expertise to your knowledge base and resume.

1. Enroll in a Free/Low Cost Online Class

In the age of the internet, there are many “MOOC” (Massive Open Online Course) providers. Check out sites like Lynda or Teachable to see courses, or find an informative TED Talk playlist.

2. Check Out Course Listings in Your Field Offered by a Local College

Local universities and community colleges often offer courses that are open to non-full-time students (like professionals who want to take a course in the evening). Google your local universities to browse Spring Semester courses. Most offer enrollment through mid-January.

Click Here to Get the Free Action Pack

3. Search the Internet for Conferences & Academies You Can Attend

Most conferences and academies have announced their 2017 dates. Google your industry plus conferences to see what events are happening – and where. Many of these conferences and academies also offer an “online” option, where you can watch the speakers and talks online at a discounted rate.

4. Research Your Company’s Professional Development Policy/Perk

Most companies have some sort of professional development stipend for each employee, or a policy for each employee who wants to invest in their professional development. Talk to your HR department to see what your company has in place. This knowledge is power the next time you find a good investment for your professional development.

5. Write Your Monthly & Quarterly Professional Development Plan for 2017

Set aside 30-60 minutes to write down one thing you’d like to accomplish each month or quarter, to advance your professional career. From conferences to classes, include all these things on a single piece of paper, and hang it near your desk as a reminder.

Do More of What You Love

Adding more work to your plate isn’t a burden when it’s work you love doing.

6. Lead a Project in an Area You’re Passionate About

As Q1/2017 projects launch in companies around the world, make sure you volunteer to lead the projects you’re passionate about.

7. Volunteer to Join a Team Doing Work You Like

If you can’t lead the team or project due to constraints in your role, volunteer to be part of the team working on these projects or goals. You can add this into your daily and weekly schedule without interfering with your normal responsibilities.

8. Talk to Your Boss About Your Strengths & Assignments that Fit Your Strengths

Schedule time with your boss to talk about your strengths and how you can add more assignments to your workload that use your strengths. Unsure what your strengths are? Take the StrengthsFinder test. (Need help? I offer a 60 minute jumpstart call to help with this.)

9. Talk to Customers About Doing More Work for Them

If you work in a customer-facing role and love the work you do, talk to your top customers about how you can do more work for them. They may have insightful ways you can support the professional relationship outside your normal responsibilities.

Pass On Your Knowledge

Reengage with subjects you’re passionate about by teaching them to others.

10. Mentor Someone Interested in Your Role

A good mentor is hard to find – so make yourself more accessible to those who might want your mentorship. Let others in your company know you’re willing to provide them with insight and guidance, then make time in your schedule to do so.

11. Speak to College Students in Your Field

College professors often look for speakers to come in and give their students “real world” knowledge. Reach out to professors in your community and see if any are looking for someone in your field to speak to their class.

12. Teach a Colleague Something You’re Interested In

Finding an opportunity to teach a colleague can be as simple as asking “would you like to know more about this?” when they ask for your help.

Click Here to Get the Free Action Pack

13. Start a “Lunchtime Roundtable” in Your Office Where Speakers can Share Ideas

Some offices allow employees to gather in a conference room for lunch once per week to have someone share insights into their area of interest. See if your company allows this, and volunteer to be the first speaker.

Widen Your Network

Connecting with others who share your passion is a good way to amplify your passion everyday.

14. Join a Professional Association for Your Role/Industry

Almost every industry has a professional association, so spend time on Google looking for relevant ones for you. Compare costs and benefits, then put in an application to join as a member in 2017.

15. Go to a Networking Event in Your Community

Try checking Meetup to see what networking events are already happening in your community. Even if it’s not in the same industry, you might connect with like-minded people from peripheral areas of your roles.

16. Interview Someone in Your Dream Role

Not quite doing what you love? Find someone who is, and ask them for an hour of their time to interview them and learn more about the role. LinkedIn can be a helpful tool in finding and connecting with these people.

17. Interview a Leader in Your Field

Industry leaders can be hard to connect with, but their expertise and knowledge can be invaluable for helping you map our your own career. Can’t get someone at the top? Try connecting with your boss’s boss, or even higher up the chain.

18. Shadow Someone in Your Company

If you see someone else in your company with an intriguing role or responsibility, ask to shadow them one day. Engage your curiosity to learn more and you may find a new area of passion.

19. Shadow a Customer You Want to Work With More

We all have customers we’d love to learn more from. Take the time to shadow one of your customers. Learn about their business and how you can help them even more.

Enhance Your Introspection

Gain insight into your own motivations and values to understand the root of your professional happiness.

20. Describe When You Felt “Good” At Your Job

Tap into a time when you felt accomplished in your role as it currently exists. Ask yourself who was there? How and when was the project accomplished? Write down your answers and spend time thinking about why these elements made you feel successful.

21. Practice Daily Gratitude

At the end of each work day, write down one thing you are grateful for in your role. Leave this near your computer so you see it the following morning. Continue the practice for one week. Save all of these notes and reflect back on them at the end of the week. Bonus points if you can keep it up for one month.

22. Make a List of What You Like to Do

It may sound obvious, but it can be helpful to spend time writing down the specific things you actually like doing at work. This list can help crystallize ways you can do more of these tasks in the future.

23. Create a Mind Map of Your Skills

Create a Mind Map of all of your professional skills. Connect related skills and identify areas where you can continue to improve. Hang or store your Mind Map somewhere near your work space, so you can refer to it frequently.

24. Write a List of Your Top 5 Favorite Responsibilities – Do One Everyday

Instead of worrying about the tasks you hate, write down the five tasks or responsibilities you most enjoy at work. Start scheduling time each Monday to plan the week ahead, and as you do, schedule one of these into each day.

Use Your Skills Outside the Office

Put your passion to work outside the office with a volunteer opportunity.

25. Volunteer with a Local/Community Project

Put your skills to work outside the office by finding a volunteer project. United Way offers a powerful search tool to find charities and volunteer opportunities in your community, including some that may use your professional skills or personal passion.

26. Volunteer at a School Helping Young Students

While you may not get to apply your highest-level expertise with students, volunteering in the classroom can be a powerful way to remind you what you love about your work, and give back to the next generation.

27. Volunteer to Connect with Elders in Your Community

Find opportunities to connect with elders from your community – you may even find opportunities to connect with individuals who formerly worked in similar roles to you. This is a great chance to learn from people who’ve been there before, and to provide company to those who may not have as much social interaction as they’d like.

Jumpstart Your Side Hustle

Give your creative idea a chance to fly by carving out space for it.

28. Start a New Account for Your Business on Your Favorite Social Media Channel

Almost every business needs a community to survive and thrive. Start building yours by launching a social media channel to share information and value with your potential customers. Unsure how to start? Check out this great guide from Social Media Examiner.

29. Write a Business Plan for Your Idea using the Lean Startup Methodology

Learn about the Lean Startup methodology, then start planning how your side hustle can go from hobby to business using these techniques. This might be an ongoing task as your learn more about your business strategies and how you can bootstrap a business starting now.

30. Sell Your Service to Family & Friends to Test and Validate Your Idea

You may already know how you plan to launch and market your product, but it’s always good to get feedback before you start. Reach out to friends or family and offer them a massive discount to try your offering and give you honest feedback about it.

Wow – that’s a LOT! You probably didn’t realize there are so many ways you can do more of the work you love, each and every day.

To help get you started scheduling these activities in your work day and week, I’ve created the Fall in Love With Your Career Action Pack. This workbook will take you through four weeks of activities to help keep you motivated and start 2017 on a great professional note!

Click Here to Get the Free Action Pack

How to Practice Gratitude During Performance Review Season (E46)

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude. Amidst performance review season, it can be difficult to be grateful in the office. After all, performance reviews are often uncomfortable and not uplifting. But I want to encourage you to see performance reviews differently! Here’s how you can look for glimmers of gratitude.
Continue reading “How to Practice Gratitude During Performance Review Season (E46)”

Harness Your Own Power: The Law of Attraction (E45)

Why is it that some people seem to live the dream while others struggle? Can you determine your fate? This week’s episode explores the power of the Law of Attraction. We also discuss three ways you can harness that power to get your dream job and life. Continue reading “Harness Your Own Power: The Law of Attraction (E45)”

The 5-Step Process to Find the Work You Were Born For (E44)

Do you wake up every Monday dreading the work week ahead? What a terrible way to go through your career! Join me this week as we discuss a simple five-step process that can help you find the work you were born for. You’ll tap into your passions and strengths, and find ways to apply them in meaningful, powerful ways – and improve your happiness in the process! Continue reading “The 5-Step Process to Find the Work You Were Born For (E44)”

Develop Your Determination: 4 Steps to Increase Grit (E42)

So you’ve got some grit, right? Last week, we talked about grit – what it is and why it matters. We even took the Grit Scale to learn how much grit each of us has. This week, we’re kicking it up a notch by looking at how you can increase grit. Guided by Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, let’s look at the four steps you can do to make your dreams a reality.

Continue reading “Develop Your Determination: 4 Steps to Increase Grit (E42)”

Grit vs. Talent: What Matters More to Your Success (E41)

Do you ever wonder why some people seem to achieve so much more success than others? It’s not what you think! In this two-part series on grit, we’re talking about the significant role grit plays in your success and how to grow your grit – thus increase your success. Using Angela Duckworth’s stellar book Grit as our platform, we’ll talk about how to define grit, and why it is so important in this week’s episode. Continue reading “Grit vs. Talent: What Matters More to Your Success (E41)”

Stop Sleepwalking Through Your Career, Awaken Your Professional Passion

According to a 2013 Gallop poll, nearly 90% of people worldwide find their work mostly frustrating and unfulfilling. That means there’s a ton of people sleepwalking through their careers, going through the motions day-after-day, and wishing for something more.

Sound familiar? If you’re focused on getting paid, climbing the corporate ladder, or just keeping your head down, you’re missing out on meaningful work and a fulfilling life.

It doesn’t have to be that way! In my next free, 60-minute mini-training, you’ll discover how to awaken your professional passion without going broke, losing your mind, or taking a sabbatical. We’ll discuss how to find and pursue passion and why it’s so important to have a passionate career.

Ready to sign up?
Click here to grab your spot for:

Stop Sleepwalking Through Your Career,
Awaken Your Professional Passion

A Whole New World (of Work)

It sounds mythical – like unicorns and fairy godmothers. The idea that you can make a living and follow your passion rarely coincide in the same sentence much less in a career. But the new world of work promises to offer more opportunities to do what you love. The corporate 9 to 5 isn’t the only way! The gig economy, the use of mobile technology and so much more have widened the options for non-traditional work paths. These opportunities make pursuing your passion more achievable than ever and you don’t have to quit your day job to test the waters.

Find and Follow Your Passion

But, if like many, you don’t know what you love to do, the path is less clear. You must discover your passion first. As adults, we are rarely pushed to try new things, but this is the time. I’ll share ways to explore new ideas and interests, without losing your mind or scarring your wallet. Learn to challenge the limiting beliefs that keep you stuck and hopeless. Be free to follow your passion and create a fulfilling life.

Why It Matters

The days are long, especially when you’re burnt out or despondent about your job. If you aren’t pursuing work your passionate about you’re more stressed, sick more often, and generally unhappy. This damages relationships and your health. Stopping numbing the frustration. Learn to live each day with wonder and hope.

Join me for this free training to explore ways to find and pursue your passion and create the fulfilling life you deserve.