The MicroTrain Blog

Hump Day Hunting Help: February 23, 2011

by Kassandra McGhee on February 23rd, 2011

Tip of the Week: Networking Made Easy

So, are you networking yet?  I know, I know!  You’ve heard it before and possibly more than once.  And maybe you’re asking, “Do I have to network to help myself find a job?”  Simple answer, “Yes!”

Networking continues to be not just a valuable tool but the most prominent way jobseekers are landing opportunities!  And whether you’re an extrovert or introvert, you can be a good networker! 

Trust me, you probably already know and utilize the basics and essentials.  Now all it takes is a little extra know-how and some tips from others who understand how it’s most effectively done!

Networking Tips, Part II

by Andy Fahrenbach on February 22nd, 2011

Networking, networking, networking!

In my previous blog, we discussed how networking is one of many job search tools used to develop and launch your job search campaign and ensure your success.

This week, let's look at other sources you can integrate into your networking plan.  As you read, keep in mind the network you are building now is the "living connection" you will take with you for the balance of your professional life.

Tips and Tricks

There are many opportunities to build and develop your network on a daily basis.  The following are some opportunities for networking. Challenge yourself each day to come up with something new:

  • Be more concerned with gathering business cards than passing them out
  • Always look, act and speak your best (we never get a chance to make another first impression)
  • Look at every party,  event,  etc. as an opportunity to network
  • Set aside time each day to network; you can do this over the internet as well as face to face

Here are some sources to kick off your network:

  • College Alumni Associations
  • School functions, social gatherings, churches
  • Former co-workers and former managers
  • Professors, career counselors, faculty
  • Social Networks i.e. LinkedIn, Twitter, Branch Out, Face book etc.
  • Family

In Closing

The opportunity to network can happen at any time so be prepared.  Networking is not an overnight solution.  Networks need to be developed and nurtured over time.  Once you have begun networking, it becomes one of the pillarsof your development.

Congratulations!  You have just acquired additional knowledge on how to build and maintain your professional network for the balance of your career!

Get ready, set, network!

Raves & Praise

Karine Bucci

Project Management

Great class, loved the interaction and team-building exercises. Plenty of materials and learning tools supplied. Although it was a full week's class, never boring. Donna [Russell] was awesome and gave many supporting examples for better understanding.

Jennie

Student Employment Success - Project/Process Manager

My Career Services Manager was very friendly and helpful and had excellent follow-up. She seemed to really care how things were going and kept me moving in the right direction. The resources available in job search were great and the visibility that there were jobs out there looking for my skillset was promising. Additionally, the training, as well as having an updated resume stating the Microtrain course work I had taken made me feel more confident and marketable as I looked for employment. It showed that I was dedicated and took project management and process management seriously.

Jean S.

PMP Certification Training, Lombard, 2008

I was laid off for many months and not really getting many callbacks for my resume and no job offers. After I put the letters PMP on it, not only did I see an increase in quantity, but also quality of interviews. I had been spinning my wheels for 5 months, and after the PMP went on, I had 2 job offers in 6 weeks. It really was the "golden ticket"

Christopher Fowler

MCSA

Very thorough, good mix of lecture and lab work. Al is great! Keeps classes interesting and supplements required test material with need-to-know items from real world experience.

David

A Cisco Success Story

I attended a resume writing seminar & conducted mock phone interviews with a Microtrain career counselor. These two activities gave me a leg up on distinguishing myself from all the other people looking for work. Since the career counselor's at Microtrain had a track record of getting people hired, their insight and positive past experiences helped me tremendously in getting hired with a Cisco Voice Systems Integrator in the Chicago area. I was hired as a Cisco Voice Tech Engineer with a starting salary of $65,000 / year with a Cisco voice systems reseller located in the Chicagoland area. Microtrain was very instramental in making this a reality. From expediting my WIA grant, to providing excellent hands-on training from knowledgable instructors I was able to achieve becoming certified with my CCNP. Microtrain's career services was the final catalyst in connecting me with this company by communicating with them on my behalf and with me in setting up the interview. One week later and I was hired. No joke. Thanks Microtrain!

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