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Networking
By Norm Peplow
Today it is a challenge to find a new job. Many positions are not listed in the newspapers or posted on the WEB. They are part of the hidden job market that are usually filled by word-of-mouth referrals. Here is where networking plays a role.
Networking is the process of using business and personal contacts, people you know, to help find jobs in the hidden job market. Your contact list may include anyone you know, including:
· Friends and relatives
· Business contacts
· Business executives
· Church members
· Former employees or employers
· Professionals (example, Drs., Dentists, etc)
· ASQ Members
Your network should keep growing as you progress, and it should be maintained in a card file or computer database. Your network should be built as an ongoing resource for your job search and later personal and professional use.
Some Networking Basics
Networking can take place at meetings, one-on-one conversations, by the phone, or on the computer. But preparation is the key when starting. Following are some basics of the process:
- Conduct a self assessment of your strengths and weaknesses.
- Determine what kind of job you want or are looking for
- Develop a short one to two minute speech that concisely summarizes your goals – be targeted
- Do not ask contacts for a job; do ask if they know someone who may be able to help or know of an open position – be referral centered
- Be proactive, stay organized and track your networking meetings
- Follow-up with thank you notes to let contacts know how much their help meant
Networking takes dedication, patience and time to work.
How the ASQ helps members
The Chicago Section Job Networking committee has a monthly listing of job opportunities in the Chicago area available via Email, fax, mail and at general section meetings. They also provide employers a listing of candidates from the Chicago Section who are looking for work. To take advantage of this opportunity, contact Luke DiSilvestro at jobs@asqchicago.org. Additional information is available on the Chicago Section Job Networking page. Networking is encouraged at monthly meetings, so take advantage of this opportunity.
ASQ Headquarters offers to ASQ Members a Career Center. This provides job search and listing and resume posting through Boxwood Technologies. Contact ASQ Headquarters at 1-800-248-1946 or visit the asq.org website for more information.
Career Phases-Make Them Count
By Maury Maurer
Most of us need 40 years or more of gainful employment. At one time a young person could get a job with a stable company, loyally work for the company his entire working life, and retire from it with good will and an adequate pension, and maybe a gold watch. That was my father-in-law’s experience with Westinghouse. Not so any more. Most of us can attest to that. Therefore, it behooves us to improve our portfolio of capabilities and our network of associates as we go through our working life. Perhaps of more value than is immediately obvious is the training and certifications that can be obtained through ASQ resources and activities. I believe we should work to be good in a specific area but not to become as narrow or proprietary as to put ourselves out of the market if there is some shift in emphasis. If you are currently in an obsolete or “program-dujour” job, prepare for the next one. Your experience in old technology might be useful in a segment of a current market.
Today, it seems that employees in professional quality areas that find themselves unemployed, market themselves in consulting or training. This seems to work with some success. I am reminded of story. A king wanted to leave a wise legacy that would live on through generations so he gathered his wise men and philosophers together to develop this legacy. After some time they came back to the king. They had found a simple statement that would be timeless: “This too shall pass.” I would suggest using the interim activity as a ladder rung to what might be the next area of focus, for “This too shall pass.” Be flexible, be current, it is surprising where you can find jobs. Some of them are better than you had.
After some 40 years of employment we should have gathered more than Social Security, a 401k and a basketful of “things.” Again– a story. One time long ago when a great king, the ruler of a very prosperous nation, came to the end of his life, his son became king.* The people asked for relief from some of the burdens that the old king had required of them. The new king asked advice of two groups of people. The first was the old men and the second was the young men. The older men had an insight and knowledge from years of experience to give him. However, the young king chose to ignore the advice of this group and the result was that most of the nation rebelled and the kingdom was divided, never to regain its former prosperity. We don’t want that to happen here. We should have gained insight and knowledge in resolving situations along the way. When we reach retirement years we are given more liberty as to what we choose to do with our time and the experience we have gained. We won’t take it with us. It is particularly rewarding, even without financial gain, to use these assets in helping establish our culture and nation. Our advice may not always be wanted or sought but we should find a niche where it can be used for the general welfare of our nation, even if only in our little corner. I believe that the worst things we can do for our own welfare, as well as the general welfare is to; 1) do nothing, or 2) indulge ourselves in self-serving activities. Both of these turn our focus inward. Find or develop, and fill a niche where you can apply your resources in something solely for the benefit of others. Experience the satisfaction and inhale the new horizons!
* 1 Kings 11:43