Looking for a new position or career takes time and effort, and most importantly, planning. There are resumes to create to highlight why you are qualified for the position to want. There are interviewing skills to brush up on. There are elevator pitches and handshakes to practice, and there is networking to be done. For some, the thought of networking may be daunting but it can also be fun and beneficial.

Many experts indicate networking is the most critical aspect of job hunting. Many positions are filled not from an online or newspaper ad but because of industry connections that the candidate already has. They say it is all about who you know and this is true in many cases. When done well, networking can help you land your dream job quickly.

Suggestions for Effective Networking

Look at networking as an opportunity to meet new people and further enhance your career. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• What is networking? It is interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. This may start off as exchanging contact information or business cards but should grow into an established relationship that will be long-term and mutually beneficial. 
• Who is in your network? Think of all the people you currently know – current and past co-workers or managers, business association colleagues, online acquaintances, and friends with interests similar to your own. These individuals can be great resources for you to share information and assist in your search for new opportunities. 
• Stay connected to your network: Make it a habit to regularly reach out to say hello and see how they are doing. You never know when one of these interactions could open a door for you. These relationships can be very helpful especially when you are looking for a new job. The best time to reach out to your contacts is before you start looking for a new job. Think of it this way; most people are more willing to help you when they know you. So stay connected!
• Pass along information and opportunities to others: Effective networking is about giving just as much as receiving. If you hear of a position or can make an introduction, take advantage of the opportunity to help your connection. In turn, they will be more likely to do the same for you. This is how you build relationships with your connections. 

Places to Network

• Utilize Online Networking: Use LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social networking sites to make contact with individuals in the industries and companies for which you would like to work. Interact with them. Be active online in uplifting and useful ways. Share their tweets and posts. Join related groups.
• Join Professional Organizations: Look for associations related to your field and join them. Attend meetings and events. Start making quality contacts and share your business card so you can stay connected. 
• Go to a Meet-Up: Look for a meet-up group in your city. It can be a more casual atmosphere where you can make some great connections. Bring your company business card or create your own to easily share your contact information. 

At Wesley Enhanced Living, we enjoy a culture of learning and provide resources to help our employees grow professionally and personally. We encourage networking and building relationships with others in our industry. Many of these relationships lead to referrals and potentially new hires for our company. Wesley Enhanced Living is a great place to work because of our employees and we are happy to reach out to referrals if our employees feel they would be a  great addition to our team.

If you want to make a compelling difference in the lives of others, are enthusiastic about life-long learning, and are seeking employment where your strengths will be valued, then please learn more about Wesley Enhanced Living’s career opportunities.