Hey Youffers

IN OUR LAST ISSUE I SPOKE ABOUT THE “DEFINING YOUR TARGET MARKET” AND I HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ACTIVITY TO YOUR JOB SEARCH. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A FOLLOW UP DISCUSSION, ADDING TO LAST MONTH’S ISSUE AND CRITICALLY ASSISTING YOU WITH A PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THIS THEORY.

Most experts in search agree that informal conversations (or simply talking with people) is the single most effective way of finding new employment. Statics show that most people talk to more than 100 different people in the course of a job search.

However, simply telling your contacts that you are unemployed and looking for a new job might limit the conversations and maybe even make your contacts uncomfortable. Some people use the approach of asking for advice in your particular field/profession, which is great. However, if you are someone with experience in your profession, asking for advice could present the wrong image and make you appear as less of a professional in your field. This of course varies from contact to contact and foundation of your relationship will also guide you here.

Making your target list the central topic of your conversations is not only useful to you, but makes your contact comfortable. People are generally usually happy to talk about organizations, especially ones where they have personal experience.

Remember to do away with these syndromes below!!!! “bazothini abantu” what will people say” “I don’t want to bother people”,  “I don’t need help, I’ll handle it myself”

It may also be beneficial to Collaborate with others (that may or not be in a job search) While your job search is abasically an individual project, there are a number of ways people in search can assist each other.

• Help each other monitor productivity and provide support in keeping productivity high. (remember a few days ago I shared the benefits of being consistent in conversations with hiring managers?)

• Provide advice, guidance and perhaps even feedback.

• Gather and share information

Happy hunting Youfers .

For more info and more career resources, please visit the 189Xchange website.

Phakeme Mtheku

Founding Director of 189Xchange