| Finding a job is always a challenge, but for people | | | | Volunteer jobs can open doors that seem like they will |
| searching right now, it's almost impossible. Very few | | | | never open. Offer your services to an organization |
| companies are hiring. Those that are seeking new | | | | that can utilize your skills or that will allow you to learn |
| employees tend to hire people who have proven track | | | | new ones that seem interesting. Nearly all |
| records at work, those they know. They hire known | | | | organizations that use volunteers also have paid staff, |
| quantities. The logical outgrowth of this observation is | | | | and you'll be in a great position to hear about job |
| that now is the time to improve your networking skills. | | | | openings. In addition, you will be making friends and |
| Networking is the most reliable path to a new job in | | | | impressing other volunteers. These connections might |
| these uncertain times. It can put you in 'the right place | | | | well also lead to the employment that you desire. |
| at the right time' and fuel the good fortune that you | | | | Be a Committee Worker |
| need to get hired. You make your own luck, it's said, | | | | Make yourself indispensable to the organizations that |
| and one way to do that is by networking when you | | | | you choose to associate yourself with. Serve on |
| are looking for a new job. Here are five strategies to | | | | committees and hold offices. By taking a visible role in |
| turn the tide of luck in your favor. | | | | the running of the organization, you will help others to |
| Be a People Person | | | | remember you and your skills. You will build the types |
| When you are looking for work, go out of your way to | | | | of favorable relationships that can lead to |
| be gregarious. You need your connections more than | | | | recommendations, references, and new jobs. |
| ever, so now is the time to nurture them. Chat with | | | | Be an Activist |
| everyone you know and everyone you meet. Build | | | | Get involved with an organization that works with your |
| relationships with your hair dresser, your mechanic, the | | | | passions in life. Whether you work for a better life for |
| neighbor, and the guy who lives across the hall. Meet | | | | disabled children, support your local library, or clean up |
| friends at the gym or at the park for some exercise, a | | | | parks, you will be making more connections that will be |
| jog or a game of ball. Any one of these connections | | | | invaluable in your job search. In addition to making the |
| might be the one who hears about a job opening in | | | | world a better place, you will have an opportunity to |
| your field or a person who can give you a reference | | | | learn new skills and meet new people. |
| to a prospective employer. | | | | All of these strategies will lead you to make the new |
| Be a Joiner | | | | connections that will eventually land you that job that |
| Find some new groups to join while you are on the | | | | you are seeking. The key is to make and nurture |
| hunt for your new job. Pick groups of interest to you | | | | relationships with people who are in the position to help |
| or that tap into hobbies or passions in your life. | | | | you with information about job openings, provide |
| Churches, hobbyist groups, book clubs, or teams are | | | | references, or even consider your application and |
| just a few examples to explore. Not only will the group | | | | resume next time there is an opening in their company. |
| provide you with distraction from the challenges that | | | | Make your own luck by spinning your web of |
| you are facing, you will also broaden your horizons and | | | | interpersonal connections. Build your people network, |
| meet new people. Any one of the new acquaintances | | | | and sooner or later, you will have the job that you are |
| may be the key to a new position. | | | | seeking. |
| Be a Volunteer | | | | |