Build Networks

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 491.

Talking with friends, family and new acquaintances about professional opportunities should be a way of life, not something to do when you need a job. Your chances of experiencing luck by design are greater when you have a strong network of contact and resources. Form links with others to exchange ideas, information, connections and encouragement. Become active and visible, take the initiative, ask for help, follow up and show appreciation.

A recent graduate who had worked briefly in nonprofit program administration moved to Portland, Maine, from upstate New York for her husband's career. Although she interviewed well with L.L. Bean Inc. in Freeport, the mail-order company had no permanent openings. However, because of her nonprofit experience, L.L. Bean hired her as a "temp" to work on loan to the local United Way fund drive for three months.

In her new position, the graduate was responsible for organizing United Way campaigns in several Portland companies. She tried to excel in each assignment and develop relationships with other volunteers, company employees and United Way staff. Before the campaign ended, she had met and impressed managers at most of the city's major employers. After interviewing with some of them, she was offered positions in human resources and public relations.

v Comprehension check

o Answer the following questions using information from the article to support your ideas. Remember to use the article vocabulary to the maximum:

1. What does the expression “to take advantage of the unexpected” mean? Use all possible synonymic expressions in your answer.

2. How can you develop risk tolerance?

3. What is a network? How can you build one?

4. Which piece of advice do you think you may use in your own job hunt?

o Translate in written the paragraphs describing one of the skills needed to make luck.