In the last month, I’ve written down a few comments from some of my executive clients who just lost their job or may lose their job: “I need to really develop my network now. I kind of neglected that in my current job.” “How am I going to find the connections I need to get some better interviews fast? My …
Working with staffing companies, recruiters (both third party and company/organizational) can be intimidating. In a recent interview and discussion with one of our longtime networking friends I found some notes I thought would be helpful to our readers. Jeff Raxlin serves in an executive role with a leading recruiting company in North Carolina, Kelaca, and I posed a number of challenging questions to to find out some of what I call the insider secrets to networking with and building a relationship with recruiters. What you will see focus on Mr. Raxlin’s thoughts and my notes and thoughts on this issue of staffing and recruiter communications.
In the last year of market ups and downs and general upheaval in the employment market I have noticed a few interesting trends. Focusing on networking I have noticed that many executives are:
1. Willing to network and reach out more than ever. This is a positive trend and it shows me that executives do not feel that what they have is guaranteed and that they have to get outside of their comfort zone to reach out and grow.
2. Working to network even if they are employed. Again, executives who are employed now have shown more interest in networking for their longterm career (this may have to do with the feeling that no one feels secure. They are now getting outside of their comfort zone to create new relationships and are often more open about those who are reaching out to them.
3. Networking by trial and error if they are unemployed. This is a generally negative sign. It shows that executives in transition may be confident in their skill set but when forced to network for extended periods can become stagnant and repeat mistakes.
Thanks to all my fellow panel members and clients who gave up their time to participate in this discussion. It was really nice to listen, participate and meet everyone. Our Networking for Success panel included Jay Drake, Art Burke, Alicia Keisler and a lot of others who asked great questions. All the military folks who were there benefitted. It was …
One of the most overlooked aspects of networking are employee referrals. Sadly, many eager networkers who are in career transition don’t take time to build the relationships needed to secure a positive referral from a friend, a former colleague or even a new relationship. Handle this networking approach with care.