If someone asks what you do, talk about your last position and say you're taking some time off to explore new career options. Show interest in what others have to say and take mental notes. Unfortunately, the second and even the third time you attend these functions the results won't be much better. But stick to it. Remember: Life is tough.
To ease this awkward and unproductive period, find out who the organization's officers are and approach them. Most groups have hospitality committees to welcome new members. If so, link up with someone else who's new. (Whoever said networking is easy, was wrong. But that doesn't mean it can't and won't pay off.)
At your fourth or fifth meeting people may finally start to recognize you and even initiate conversations. Now, when asked, mention you are looking for new career opportunities. At this point someone may give you a name or two to contact and tell you to "use my name." Now the payoff begins!
Since 38 to 43 percent of all jobs are filled by employee or associate referrals, the name you just got is worth its weight in gold. Call the person and tell him or her you had lunch with so-and-so and he suggested you call. You will be treated with courtesy, and if you project your qualifications well on the phone, you may even be asked in for an interview. If the person is polite but tells you a position doesn't exist, ask for an informational interview instead. If the person won't buy that, ask if he or she knows who's hiring in the industry. Again, don't be afraid to push.
Networking can be worth it, but don't expect overnight success. What organizations should you join? That depends on what you want to do. Ask people in specific fields what their professional or trade associations or societies are. At the very minimum, women should attend Chamber of Commerce mixers and join a women's business network of some kind. All major cities have women's organizations that have been founded in the last 10 to 15 years for the express purpose of business networking. Rotary and Lions Clubs are good sources for men, but they may be a little expensive if you're unemployed.
Another networking tactic is volunteering. It can be at the zoo, a hospital, a school, a city or county board or commission, etc. In addition, your local paper probably has a weekly "Community Bulletin Board" listing organizations that need volunteers. Again, don't expect immediate results, but volunteering can be an excellent way to job-network. And besides, you'll be helping some person or cause in your community.
Temporary Agencies
A tactic often overlooked by job-seekers is working as a "temp." In the past, temporary agencies only provided clerical and administrative personnel, but today the temp market includes accounting, nursing, dental assistance/hygiene, data processing, etc. All temporary agencies will gladly allow you to move up-from temporary to permanent status-provided your new employer is willing to pay the accompanying service fee.
Working as a temp allows you to reenter the job market quickly and gives you an opportunity to evaluate the best environment for you. You'll be able to decide from first-hand experience which organizations are best for you. It's like a no-strings-attached audition; if the employer likes you and you like the employer, you may have a match.
Many large temporary agencies actively recruit older workers. They will listen to your concerns and work-site preferences and will do everything they can to make sure temping works for you. Generally, if you're happy, their client will be happy. And then everyone wins.
Substituting
Several people I know secured full-time teaching positions as a result of their exposure as substitute teachers. Again, it's the audition route. The principal, the students and the other teachers all take part in evaluating a new sub's performance. If you do well, you'll have an excellent chance of being hired when a full-time position becomes available.
There are many other businesses and professions that could also use substitute help that often just make do when someone calls in sick or goes on vacation. But if you are willing to price your services below those charged by temporary agencies, you can build your own substitute or fill-in business.
Be creative: Potential clients for fill-in help include restaurants, hotels, hospitals, retail stores, etc. Most positions are not advertised, so you'll have to do some telephone and drop-in work to identify which jobs could use your skills temporarily. If you show flexibility and keep calling back, you may be called if a need arises. One woman created her own business by providing a fill-in service for dental offices. She had been a dental assistant and front-office person until her boss retired. When she looked for full-time positions, she discovered most dentists wanted someone younger. They wouldn't admit that, of course, but the pattern held true for 12 interviews.
She tried a different angle. She remembered how difficult it was in her office whenever someone went on vacation, so she decided to offer that service to dentists in her area. She succeeded. And her business isn't limited to summers: She can work almost year-round if she wishes. Her original plan was to try the temporary route until something permanent was offered. Well, she got her wish and was offered numerous full-time positions. The surprise was that she found she preferred working on a fill-in basis. She avoids the inevitable office politics and can schedule extended time off to visit her grandchildren across the country.
