Networking Tips for the Shy Job Seeker

Networking Tips for the Shy Job SeekerNetworking Tips for the Shy Job SeekerI was asked recently to comment on networking tips for the shy job seeker.Its hard enough to put yourself out there and display your best traits in hopes of an interview.Think about itjob hunting means being on your best behavior, which generally isnt all that hard, but knowing that your behavior is being judged and examined just adds layers and layers of stress.A little nerve-wracking, right?Imagine all this being heaped onto someone who is shyer or reserved by nature.Jobhunting, networking, and interviewing can feel a hundred times worsethan it is when youre mora on the quiet side.The idea, after all, is to talk about yourself.And talking about/marketing/advertising yourself as a promising employee can be tricky for some.So, I decided to share my thoughts on the shy job seeker in the networking world with you.I had the opportunity to speak at several local job-seeking type organizations in Fresno, CA.What I heard the most when talking with them is seekers hesitate to get out of their comfort zone.Bragging about yourself can be easy.But bragging about yourself with skill in the context of job-seeking and networking is a challenge.So, I challenge the shy job seekerwith the questionDo you want comfort or a job?My first tip for the shy job seekerOne of the best things any serious job seeker can do is prepare their responses to potential questions.Some job seekers may think this applies for only official interviews.Not the case.In social networking situations, just about every interaction can be considered an interview of sorts.In these situations, you are showing potential employers your professional best.Your demeanor and presence answer employers questions likeWhat kind of partality does this person have?Does this person interact well with others?Can this person voice their thoughts effectively?A lot of pressure, right?Luckily you can alleviate some of this pressure by anticipating key questions and deciding what you want to learn about different companies.For the shy job seeker, this is a very crucial tool.Which brings us back to the questionDo you want comfort or a job?Its very important you not let your shy or reserved tendencies make you too picky.But its also important that youre capable of being comfortable in the potential job environment youll be in most of your day.Create a description of youridealemployer.This way when youget out of yourcomfort zone and into a networking situation, youcan quickly share youridealemployer story with whomever youre speaking with.I encourage youto go to as many networking events, groups, and organizations as possible and share who youare, why youare there, and what youwant to find.Of course, this takes a bit of time to prepare, practice, and deliver.My best tip for the shy job seekerOne apparent weakness shy and reserved job seekers have is they usually dont want to talk about themselves.It can feel strange to try and convin ce a hiring manager or employer why you would be good for a job.The funny thing is, this isnt really a weakness.Hear me out.Prepare a few killer questions to ask an employer or hiring managerwhen meeting them for the first time so that the other person does all the talking.Youll learn more about the job and youll make a good impression with the employer or hiring manager.Youll be seen asA good listenerSomeone who knows how to ask the right questionsA team player who can listen and learnAll the shy job seeker has to do is ask the next question.Here are the top five questions I think they should ask because it will give the job seeker an insight into whom else they may know.Top 5 questionsWhat company are you with?How long have you been in your current position?Who do you serve (ideal client)?Do you know of any job openings in the (insert job seekers ideal position) industry?Is there anyone here that you could introduce me to who might know of any job openings in the (insert job seeke rs ideal position) industry?In general, people like helping people, and business people seem to know where the jobs are.If you have a friend that is currently looking for work please feel free to share this article.For online networking tips, check out LinkedIn Networking Tips For Job SeekersPreparing for an interviewLike I said, one of the best things you can do is prepare for potential questions.One source you can utilize is our 50 Top Job Interview Questions and Answers.You dont need a scheduled interview as an excuse to check it out.Many of these questions have the potential of popping up in conversation while networking.Whether you are shy or outgoing, the best thing you can do for yourself is to anticipate questions and prepare for themNeed some help?If you still need some extra help preparing for your next big interview, reach out to us at Find My Profession.Our career finder programwill help you successfully navigate your job search.Our goal is to help you find vocational s uccess.