It is the connections that can open up opportunities and for those entering the job market this is just so important. And if this seems like a daunting task or if you are somebody who cannot as yet see what connections you could possibly have, here are some questions to ask yourself.
- Has anybody taught you who you could approach for ideas?
- Have you done any work experience at all? If so, re contact that company and tell them where you are at and what you are looking for. They might be able to help.
- Is there somebody in your family, or a friend of the family, who can open up a lead for you?
- If you are at University or college, do meet with somebody in the careers department. Who could they put you in touch with?
- Spend focused time using LinkedIn as a tool to converse, reach out and introduce yourself!
- Even if from some time time ago, did you have a mentor who you could contact again and ask for help and ideas?
Word of mouth, people telling others about you from a positive perspective, has the potential to open up leads. As such, always think about your interactions. This is partly why I remind young people to talk purposefully about their studies and experience. People like to help people who are keen and enthusiastic and want to learn.
Your posture, body language, eye contact, and listening skills factor into what you are telling people about yourself and thus how effectively you are connecting. Do watch the Amy Cuddy Ted Talk about posture!
Connecting is about listening too and really acknowledging those whom you are with. In being genuinely interested in those who you are meeting with might well teach you about a profession or avenue of work that is intriguing. Also, in listening to others you might well find that you can help them!
Also, you want to be genuine. Any school or company is full of an array of characters, strengths and abilities. So connect as the real you but with this also check that your ‘social media’ profile is congruent to who you really are! Does that person on social media line up with how you would like to be regarded, especially within a working context?
A QUICK STORY:
Recently I met a young chap who was attending various courses that was to equip him for working as a Deck Hand. Whilst on the ‘fire fighting’ component, he enjoyed the company of a much older participant – somebody almost the same age as his parents. They became friends and would just converse and laugh together. This young chap was always respectful and also engaged. He had no idea as to who this chap was but he just made an effort and enjoyed his company.
That “banter” has resulted in him being offered an extraordinary opportunity. The older man was not attending the course because he was becoming a Deck Hand. He was doing the course because he was Captaining his boat and needed to update his qualification. He got to know this young chap well and his day to day interaction was enough to know that he was confident in opening doors for this young chap to and to introduce him to other Captains – securing great jobs.
This story happens time and time again. Impressions really do matter. The kind of impact that you make can have great reverberations!
Look at yourself through the eyes of another. Would you employ yourself? Would you befriend yourself? Are you approachable? Do you like that image that you see of yourself? What effect do leave behind? What will your legacy be?
Please help your friends too. Who do you know who could be a useful contact to somebody else. Be generous to your friends and you will find that they in turn will want to help you. Connect courageously!