People often wonder how I can compare Golf to Networking Interviews for a Job Search.
But, they are very similar… I recently realized that golf, a game I have known most of my life, can only become MORE satisfying and rewarding if I do three things:
- Relax and enjoy when you play. No problem there. I only play once a week, in a church golf league, and it is easily one of the highlights of the week. Win or lose, I do enjoy it.
- Remember to study what works in the game you’re pursuing, and practice what you are learning. In golf, that means find a pro, and get a lesson, or if you are the adventurous DIY kind of person, get a book or a dvd, and review the basics of the game yourself. I did get a book on the short game, chipping, putting, around the green stuff. My strategy: read a chapter, then go practice what I read. It worked! It has remarkably improved my game, almost overnight.
- Play more than once a week. Anyone who has played golf (or tennis or mountain-climbing or words-with-friends) knows that the more you do it, the more likely you’ll make adjustments, and get better. So I’m now resolved to play at least one other nine holes during the week.
So what does Golf have to do with setting up Networking Interviews?
It has EVERYTHING to do with Setting Up Networking Interviews.
My experience in coaching folks going through a job search or career change and want something different job-wise is that they are generally ready for a new challenge, unhappy with their current position, out-of-work, AND no of them like to do networking interviews!
The vast majority of job-seekers think that the on-line job board is where they need to spend all their time. Why? Well, yes they do help in the search process, but the real reason is that most people dread the thought of seeking work by talking with people who could help them – that is until they relax and get into a rhythm of setting networking interviews.
So…to help you relate your golf game to networking interviews to help your Job Search… here is a list of tips to help you:
- Relax, and enjoy this game called networking. It can be quite satisfying, and remarkably rewarding.
- Read a blog (like the Interview Doctor!) regularly, and begin to understand the techniques of a good job search plan.
- Make some phone calls on a regular basis. Use the script below to help you focus on what to say and practice to set up interviews.
A: “Hi, this is Dan Toussant. Do you have a minute?” (If they hesitate, ask, ‘Is this a good time?’) Then wait for them to say ‘yes’ or ‘sure, what’s up?’
B: “I would like to pick your brain (or talk with you) about my career options.” (If they say, ‘sure, what do you want to know?’ go right to the statement D to book a time to talk. If they say ‘What are you looking for?’ go to the next statement, C)
C: “I would like (or ‘I’m looking to have’) 20 minutes of your time to get your thoughts on my resume and job (or career) options that I might consider. Would you have some time to meet this week or next week?” (Wait for them to say ‘yes.’)
D: “What would be a good time for us to get together?” (and schedule the meeting!)
Now it isn’t often THAT easy; there are typical push-back reasons they will offer; but that’s more content than I have room to cover in one article.
And again like golf, the more times you call someone to set a networking interview, the more likely your networking game will improve.
For specific help in setting these interviews, contact us; we can coach you to become a highly-skilled networker and land that job you are seeking.