• Successful networkers take time to personally connect with each of their colleagues through real time conversations and face to face meetings. They recognize that e-mail only is an ineffective way to network, hindering the ability to make lasting connections that can be sustained both during a job search and afterwards.

• Successful networkers realize that quality is more important than quantity. They strive to develop high quality relationships that extend beyond pleasantries and beyond LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. They know the importance of picking up the phone and meeting contacts. They take the time to learn more about their contacts than merely what is on their social networking profiles.

• Successful networkers understand that it is a waste of time to send out resumes without a specific purpose. Randomly distributing resumes usually means that they will not be seen by the right people. When the time is right it is perfectly appropriate to ask someone to share your resume with others. Successful networkers know how to take their relationships to a level where their contacts ask for their resume.

• Successful networkers go to networking events with a specific goal. They only collect business cards from people after having a meaningful conversation. They listen attentively and learn about the person looking for opportunities of mutual interest. They give their business card first and then ask for one in return. They follow up through emails, phone calls and face-to-face meetings.

• Successful networkers are comfortable letting people know that they are in a job search. They understand that complaining about their progress or the process does not support their job search efforts. Maintaining a positive attitude engenders people’s support and willingness to help.

• Successful networkers constantly try to develop more meaningful relationships that extend beyond just social networking. They always remember and practice the golden rule of networking: "It is better to give than to receive."

Consider these tips when preparing for the phone call.

• Have a pad, pen and copy of your resume near the phone.

• Avoid background noises like TV’s, stereos and other conversations. Also, avoid using a cordless or cell phone.

• Sit tall in your chair or stand. Use a little body language, wave your hands--that will show up in your voice.

• Smile and be enthusiastic--it comes through the phone!

• Speak in a conversational manner and be sure to speak loudly enough to be heard--with some variance in inflection and tone.

• Let the interviewer do most of the talking, but use questions to stimulate the conversation as needed. When you are asked a question, don’t just answer “yes” or “no”--expound on the question and use the opportunity to “sell” your skills and experience.

• Do not discuss money, benefits, or vacation at this stage.

• When the interview appears to be ending, find an opportunity to ask for a face-to-face interview.

We all need to be aware of the little things that others see in our facial expressions, postures, energy levels, and gestures. Generally, you should be dynamic and friendly, but one notch less than the person interviewing you. It is obvious that interviewers prefer those who smile vs. those who frown, so smile! However, your facial expression should change to reflect the mood of the conversation.

Nodding agreement encourages others to talk and lets them know that you understand what is being said. Your head should be held erect (not tilted or stiff) during the interview. Remember to keep your hands away from your face or neck while talking.

Eye contact is a critical part of body language. Good eye contact with the interviewer sends a message of trustworthiness, confidence, and credibility while encouraging open discussion. On the other hand, poor eye contact often reflects a lack of self-confidence, low self-image, and lack of enthusiasm. It is particularly important to maintain 10-15 seconds of eye contact when first meeting a person before looking away. Do not stare into the other person’s eyes but come back to the eye contact often during your discussion.
Posted: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 10:19:30 AM by Chris Bilotta

Job Title - this is the title of the position you are currently seeking.

Location - use the #tag or Hashtag of the location where you want to work or where you want to relocate.

Link to Resume - you can link to your personal website, online resume or a social networking profile. Use a URL shortening service like Bit.ly or TinyURL to stay within the 140 character limit.

Use Hastags - hastags are a way for Twitter users to classify tweets and group them together. Examples of hastags that you should include in your Twitter resume are #needajob, #laidoff, #jobangels. A great resource for looking up hashtags being used is Hashtags.org.

TweetMyResume - post your resume on Tweetmyresume.com for added exposure.

ReTweets - ask your Twitter following to retweet your Twitter resume making it very viral!

For John Walker's blog, go to http://secretsofthejobhunt.ning.com
Posted: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 10:01:55 AM by Chris Bilotta

• Be on time!
  Traffic delays are something we can never prepare for and they always come at the worst time. If you are not familiar with the company location, do a dry run the night before to make sure you know how to get there. If you are detained, for whatever reason, stop and call. “If you call, you’re never late.” It’s better to be early and sit in the parking lot than to show up late. At a minimum, plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow enough time to sign in and go to the bathroom. If you are asked to wait, make use of the time by reviewing information about the company and the position.

• Attire.
  Business casual may be the norm, but it’s always best to overdress than to under dress for an interview. A well-pressed suit or shirt/blouse and tie/scarf are always acceptable unless the interviewer has instructed you differently, and then follow their instructions. If unsure about the dress code, just ask. You want to present a clean-cut, conservative image.

• Demeanor and Manners.
  Be courteous, polite, and appreciative (but not subservient) with everyone you meet--from the receptionist to the president. You should project a confident (but not cocky) presence. Smile and give good, firm handshakes. This is a great way to relax and start off the interview on a positive note, and remember to smile throughout the interview when appropriate. Always make sure you use good posture throughout the interview and close with another smile and a firm handshake to thank the interviewer for their time.

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