Don't forget the power of old friends and co-workers
Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com
BOULDER, CO -- People talk about networking, and why it's so critical in your job search. They always say the same things. "Meet lots of people." "Go to networking events." Those things are fine, but the new people you meet in droves during your job search can only do so much for you. They only know a little bit about you, for one thing. And they haven't worked next to you. And they can't recommend you as a trusted friend, because you aren't one.
Of course you can make a great contact through networking with strangers. But the fact is, a person who worked with you 10 years ago and remembers your prowess at something-or-other is loads more valuable to you in your job search (not to mention as a friend in general) than someone who just met you last week. Still, we have a way of relying on our new friends and neglecting our old ones during a job search.
Maybe it's because when we reach out to pick up the phone and call an old friend, we suddenly remember that we missed the old friend's wedding. Or a baby shower. Or we promised to call when we were in his town, and we didn't. And that's why, before another week of lapsing friendship elapses, you may want to catch up with an old friend or two, right now.
Article abridged from AskLizRyan.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!
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