What is networking

What is networking by Michael Cheary ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know…’Whilst this statement doesn’t always ring true, there’s no doubt that networking and having contacts in your industry can be a great way to get ahead. Further, it’s never too late to start building out that little black book of professional contacts.Not sure how to make the right contacts? Here’s a quick guide to help you get the most out of your professional networks:What is networking?In business terms, networking is the process of speaking to professional contacts and sharing information with them.Networking can be formal or informal, and can take many different forms, ranging from exchanging business cards with clients at corporate events, through to simply striking up a conversation with someone you overhear speaking about your industry at an event.It’s an absolutely vital part of modern business and, what’s more, it’s probably nowhere near as hard as you think.Why is networking importa nt?No matter what industry you’re in, knowing the right people can pay off.When it’s done well, networking can lead to more clients, more exposure and more opportunities to progress up the career ladder. And for jobseekers networking really comes into its own, putting you in the frame for roles that aren’t advertised, or putting you in touch with the decision-maker for roles which are.Who should I network with?The short answer: anyone and everyone.The slightly longer and more helpful answer: you should never pass-up an opportunity to expand your network. Even if the person doesn’t necessarily work in a similar role to you, it doesn’t mean that their organisation doesn’t employ people in that position.The most effective professional networks are the deepest ones. You never know which of today’s connections will pay dividends in the long run, so never pass up an opportunity to talk to someone new.How do I do it?Everyone has their own approach to networking. Essentially, whatever works for you is fine. However, here are a few things to remember:Do:Take stock of your contacts â€" Don’t think you have any useful contacts? Think again. Old school friends, family members, friends of friends and friends of family members. All of these could be valuable resources, and many of which will be happy to re-connect with you.Tap into existing networks â€" Whether online, or face-to-face. Go to industry events, attend webinars, get involved on social networks and start getting your name out there in your industry.Get your voice out there â€" Keep up-to-date with, and comment on, the latest industry developments. You’ll soon start to be seen as a source of authority in your sector. Although for reasons of taste (and for taste, read annoyance) remember that you don’t need to comment on everything.Write things down â€" Saving people’s details is a key part of networking efficiently. Otherwise you just end up with a wedge of business cards (technical term) wi th no faces or stories to put to the names. Making a brief note of the conversations you’ve had is a great way to easily pick up where you left off.Keep in touch â€" Possibly one of the hardest parts of efficient networking is making sure you’re front of mind when opportunities come up. If you haven’t spoken or interacted with a particular contact in a while, coming out of the blue and asking for help finding a role will probably not be successful. A quick email checking-in every so often will certainly pay dividends in the long run.Is this the first job formula? Socialite students lead race for dream first roleOther networking dos: Bring a business card, make the most of every opportunity, be patient, be proactive, be persistent.Don’t:Take it too fast It’s a conversation, not a pitch process. Unless you’re incredibly lucky, networking isn’t simply a case of approaching the right person and being offered a job on the spot. It takes time to build the relationship, and trying to force something right-off-the-bat will only serve to annoy.Make it all about you â€" It’s not. Flattery certainly plays its part in networking, and one-way conversations will not endear you to anyone. Ensure you listen as much as you speak, and don’t forget to demonstrate what’s in it for them.Be embarrassed to ask for help â€" Some people find it awkward to ask for anything. However, networking is typically a mutually beneficial process between people who (generally) quite like each other. It’s not getting something for nothing. In fact, you’ll be surprised how helpful some people can be.Take too much of their time â€" Nobody wants to be stuck in a conversation for too much time. Unless you really hit it off, keep your conversations short and pertinent. Being friendly, frequent and focussed will keep you front-of-mind.Be too hard on yourself â€" Networking doesn’t come easily for everyone. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be an all-out extr overt to make the most of your contacts. It’ll take time to perfect your approach, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. It’s just a conversation.Other networking don’ts: Forget to say thank you, leave it too long, make things up, shout loudly at people and hope for the best.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Career Development

Why Movavi Screen Recorder is best for recording live streaming videos

Why Movavi Screen Recorder is best for recording live streaming videos Live videos are an integral part of the online space today. We have got entertainment videos, educational webinars and of course there are video calls. Now, what if you can’t catch a live video when it is being broadcasted online? Or say, what if you have to save a Skype call with your client for future reference? Well, the live video websites hardly offer download option and Skype still does not allow call recording facility. However, you don’t need to worry here as globally famous software developer Movavi has released a cutting edge screen recorder for all such activities. Yes, Movavi Screen Recorder is able to record live online videos and save them in your system so that you can check them later when you are free. Here is why the Movavi product is the best thing for recording live streaming videos online. First of all, the Movavi program is able to record all kinds of online live videos. Whether it’s a marketing webinar or Skype call, you can record all with the Movavi software. Then, it can capture desktop screencasts as well. For example, you can use it to record a live tutorial video or a video blog post which you can then save and share with others. Another interesting feature of Movavi Screen Recorder is its ability to record gaming walkthroughs. Put simply, you can use the advanced program to record your entire gaming session which you can later pass on as a gaming guide to amateur players. Not only that, the in-game footage recorded by the Movavi program will also enable you to boast about your accomplishments at the most difficult levels of gaming. That’s great, isn’t it? You bet. And, you will also be able to extract scenes from your in-game footage and use them later in music videos. Great features of Movavi Screen Recorder Movavi Screen recorder is able to record any kind of live video online, including video calls Records in-game footage and desktop screencasts Able to record audio from multiple sources, including system audio and microphone Captures video in full HD at up till 60 fps Allows trimming of unwanted clips from recorded video Able to record videos automatically Useful tips for users Movavi Screen Recorder carries an in-built timer. So, if you are unable to sit before the computer throughout the recording process, you can just set the time duration of recording on the timer. This way, the Movavi program will be able to record the whole video automatically and then the recording will stop once the timer fulfills your set limit.

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Your Success Is Tied Directly to the Boss

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Your Success Is Tied Directly to the Boss Ask anyone who really enjoys going to work every day, and youre likely to hear that one of the reasons they like the job is because of the boss. A good boss, it seems, can make even the really bad days bearable. But a bad boss well, a bad boss makes every day unbearable, no matter how good it is.And while you may be miserable day in and day out working for a bad boss, it actually gets worse. Because if youre working for a real jerk, its likely that youre putting career success at risk.That's because you only can achieve what a boss lets you achieve, and if youre working for the worst boss since Attila the Hun, then youre going to have difficulties achieving your goals.The first thing you have to do when youre confronted with this situation is realize that youre not in it alone. If youve got a problem boss, then chances are youve done nothing wrong and other people are going through the same thing.That's why its important that you deal with a problem boss just like you would any majo r business dilemma: you do your homework; look for problem areas; make adjustments to fit the demands; and take responsibility for making success happen.For example, if the boss gets along with other people, study how that happens. Look for the flash points you have with the boss, and how to avoid them. Maybe you always want to talk to him first thing in the morning, but he's grouchy before noon. So, you just delay your talks until after lunch, when he'll be more receptive. Here are some other ideas for improving your relationship with the boss: Let the boss know whats going on. You come across as being insecure when you sneak around and keep things hidden from management. Respect the bosss position. Even though you may not agree with him or her, the position deserves respect. And, if you look at the results achieved, and not the technique, you may actually learn something. Ask what you can do to help. You want to know what you can do that will aid the boss in doing his or her job. Periodically repeat the same question in different ways. Let the boss know what can be expected from you. Prove that youre not afraid of hard work and that you can be depended on to follow through on assignments. Remember: bosses hate surprises, but love hearing, Ill take care of it. del.icio.us

Gaming the Interview Process

Gaming the Interview Process There’s no getting around it â€" Millennials are taking over the world. Okay, maybe not the world, but their presence is definitely being felt in the workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 80 million young adults born between 1976 and 2001 make up Gen Y, and as of this year will make up 36 percent of the U.S. workforce. According to an article by the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School entitled “Maximizing Millennials in the Workplace”, this number is expected to grow to 46 percent by 2020. Taking into consideration the relatively low number of Gen Xers in the workforce (16 percent), as well as Baby Boomers approaching retirement age, employers will be facing leadership gaps and inevitably looking to fill them with Millennials. With this in mind, employers are finding creative ways of targeting Millennials in the first step to employment â€" the interview. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, a favorite Gen Y pastime consists of playing games on the internet or a mobile device. In fact, 43 percent of Millennials don’t even watch an hour of TV a day because they prefer playing social games. So what better way to recruit Millennials than to disguise the interview process as a game? Let’s take a look at a few trail-blazing companies who are implementing games into their interview process: Knack â€" Wasabi Waiter: Designed by game developer Knack, Wasabi Waiter measures job applicants’ creativity, multi-tasking abilities and how easily they’re distracted. The game casts the applicant as a waiter at a sushi restaurant who must decide what dishes to recommend. Knack was recently profiled in The New York Times and has worked with such companies as Shell and a variety of medical employers. Marriott International â€" My Marriott Hotel: Corporate hotel giant Marriott International recently rolled out their solution to hiring more Millennials. In My Marriott Hotel, players manage a virtual hotel restaurant kitchen, purchase supplies on a budget and manage employees. According to HRMorning.com, developing the game has helped Marriott generate interest in the hospitality industry, increase brand awareness and identify talent throughout the world. Francesca Martinez, Marriott’s VP of Human Resources, says that players from 120 different countries are logged on at any given time, running their own virtual kitchens. Martinez also confirmed that the game has successfully increased traffic to the company’s web page, with approximately one-third of all users following the link to their career site. READ MORE:  Gamification and Why Recruiters Need It Mitre Corp. â€" Job of Honor: After determining that 90 percent of their target audience were video game users, Mitre Corp. an engineering and technology services corporation, developed Job of Honor in order to tap into a younger talent pool. The game allows players to take a self-guided virtual tour of Mitre’s offices and work as a virtual Project Manager, completing tasks typical of the role. According to HRMorning.com, in addition to aiding in recruitment, the game has increased the company’s reputation among young applicants. Within the first three months of the game’s release, the Mitre site received more than 5,200 hits and accumulated over 600 registered players in 48 U.S. states and 25 countries worldwide. HalloweenCostumes.com â€" Jenga: While not an online game, HalloweenCostumes.com has found a unique way to implement the block-stacking game Jenga into its hiring process. The costume retailer undergoes a hiring surge every Halloween in which they recruit around 1,000 part-time employees. In the interview, applicants are asked to play a game of Jenga with managers and coworkers. In the game in which blocks are removed from the bottom of a tower and added to the top until it collapses, each block has an interview question on it that the prospective employee must answer. This allows the managers to determine which players would make the best employees and fit best into the company culture. While implementing interview games may have some obvious advantages, like tapping into a young candidate pool, increasing brand awareness and demonstrating a fun, relaxed corporate culture to prospective employees, they may also have a downside. Older candidates will be at an immediate disadvantage, as will candidates who are not avid video gamers, or those who lack hand-eye coordination. But then again, these may be the demographics some employers are looking to weed out while still remaining HR-compliant. Every year, trends come and go. Recruiters, do you foresee this one catching on?

Writing a Winning Professional Summary on Your Resume

Writing a Winning Professional Summary on Your ResumeWriting a winning professional summary on your resume will get you the results you want. In this article I'll tell you how to make the most of your summary and what some tips and tricks are. It's easy and this will help you get those coveted high grades. The answer is in my blog below this one.If you're average grade is above an A then you will have to work twice as hard to get the same grade. You will be reviewing your job history, job duties, and showing the employer that you can do the job. So this means you have to be able to convey your thoughts very clearly. This is where your writing skills really show.Writing a winning professional summary on your resume is going to be a challenge for any average high school student. At first you might think that it's not going to be much different than doing it on a teacher's manual or interview paper. This doesn't mean it's easy though. You will find that there are a few tips and tricks t hat will help you out.First of all, when writing your summary you have to make sure that it is short and concise. People like to read about someone and their expertise as quickly as possible. Since they'll only be reading one page they don't have time to read a book report.Secondly, use bullet points and list your accomplishments in order of importance. Using the same format when you write your summary is a good idea.Lastly, always start with a simple sentence with a strong verb. The nouns should be smaller and there needs to be a strong connection between the two. Remember that most people are more comfortable when things are more detailed and outlined. Be as clear as possible but also be creative and use a few choice words.Once you've written a winning professional summary on your resume it will be up to you to get it down on paper. Put it away and turn it in. Do not send it through the mail as there is no way to guarantee its accuracy. Get it back and scan it and read it over aga in.Writing a winning professional summary on your resume is a challenge but once you can do it you'll find that your average grade will go up. You may even learn a new skill in the process.