LinkedIn, Networking . . .. and Coffee

The weather is too nice to think about making updates on job sites. I was heading downtown to get some coffee and sit on a sunny terrrace, but when I checked my e-mail, I found messages about my LinkedIn contacts.

LinkedIn - Five of your connections have changed jobs in the past year.

Me - One of those people still works in my building! She changed?

LinkedIn – People you may know. Real estate brokers.

Me – Really? My profile is replete with key words on the South of France, tango, proposal writing, technical reports. Peiresc and Galileo (17th-century France). Science and censorship. Charles Kuralt. James Weldon Johnson. Media framing of Florida. Travel and exploration. Real estate brokers?

LinkedIn – Your profile has been viewed by five people in 15 days.

LinkedIn – Improve your profile by getting recommendations.

Me – There must be a better way . . . .

In a 2005 article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, “Coffee in 2002, a Job in 2004,” authors Susan Basalla May and Risa Nystrom McDonell talked about the value of networking in the job search. Not virtually or for a quick fix but, in their words as a “long-term effort” with “deferred and indirect benefits.”

Here are some points made by the authors--the job information seeker and the dream job holder:

- Networking offers an effective way to learn about a field without the pressure of applying for a job.

- Once you identify people for those networking interviews, do your background research so your meeting is focused and productive for both parties. Be a good listener. Learn about trade-offs that come with career change.

The dream job holder was impressed with the job seeker’s interest and knowledge and most of all, that she was seeking information and did not expect a job. The job seeker was professional in dress and demeanor.

It’s always difficult to take that first step and make a contact. But what’s the worst thing that could happen?

In the meantime, you might want to checkout local coffee shops for that first meeting. I’m on my way to Maude’s right now. . . .

BTW, here’s the link to the article--http://chronicle.com/article/Coffee-in-2002-a-Job-Offer-in/45086

P.S. I would love to hear your networking tips.