strategy
may find that one group produces better
connections for what you are looking for
than another,” said Berman.
Bring personal business cards. Handing
out a card at events, especially if you
are not currently working, signals that you
are a professional and ready to work. Work
your way around the room instead of staying
with the same person for an hour. Give
your best impression in the first 30 seconds,
raising exposure and creating intrigue for a
follow-up conversation.
VOLUNTEERISM
Volunteerism is a job hunt technique. The
volunteer organization benefits from your
services and you get valuable experience for
your resume. If you are someone who has
been out of the workforce for a while, is
looking to make a change or is new to the
profession, volunteering is a great way to
gain current, relevant experience.
“If you are already involved with an organization
that you are passionate about –
whether it is a charity, recreational league,
social club or networking group – offer to
join their organizational committee or provide
HR/administrative support. It’s a great
way to formalize your involvement and support
the organization,” said Berman.
Treat the volunteer role as a job and
exceed expectations. In addition to experience
for your resume, you’ll also secure
references from the committee chair/
group leader. But be clear: a volunteer
role where you are cuddling kittens will
not do much to demonstrate your professional
capabilities. Organizing a conference
for a networking group – including
arranging speakers, booking rooms and
managing event communications – will
demonstrate relevant skills to a potential
employer. Finding the right volunteer opportunity
will be a lot like your job hunt.
Large, well-known charities have a lot of
applicants, so they can be selective. Focusing
on smaller/local organizations or ones
that you are already involved with will
increase your odds of being accepted as a
volunteer.
PATIENCE PAYS OFF
In all spheres of your job hunt, whether
online or in-person at networking events
and volunteer assignments, it takes hard
effort and patience to produce the coveted
first interview.
“I’d say that it normally takes a job
hunter four to eight connection attempts
on an organization before finding that
person who is really in a position to help,”
said Berman. “But when that connection
is made, those individuals are typically
successful in getting hired by the company.”
Online job boards may have replaced
the classified ads in newspapers, but the
fundamentals remain unchanged. The
best way to secure a first interview is by
meeting the people who are in a position
to recommend or hire you. Getting savvy
with LinkedIn and pragmatic about networking
and volunteer opportunities will
move you from endless dead-end job applications
and into the interview chair. n
Networking
■■ Identify your local networking groups
and events. Try to attend at least one
event per organizer.
■■ Bring your own business cards to
hand out
■■ Work your way around the room
Volunteerism
■■ Offer your services to local charitable,
social or networking groups
■■ Focus on work that will highlight your
HR, organizational or leadership skills
■■ Ask the committee chair or group
leader to be a reference once you’ve
delivered results
LinkedIn
■■ Spend as much time building your
LinkedIn profile as you did preparing
your resume
■■ Don’t underestimate the power of a
great profile photo
■■ Build your network. Past coworkers,
fellow PTA members, etc. Connect!
■■ Research your target companies, identify
your networking opportunities and
use the power of LinkedIn to secure
introductions with company insiders,
paving the way for a first interview
QUICK TIPS
Jennifer Zdriluk
Human Rights &
Employment Law
www.rossmcbride.com
Our talent development and advisory
services can help you empower your
talent to reach new heights.
thehemeragroup.com
Can you spot
your next
high performer?
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talent’s potential
with The Hemera Group.
72 ❚ FEBRUARY 2014 ❚ HR PROFESSIONAL