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Network, Network, Network!

3 Important Reasons to build a professional network!

80% of jobs are filled by networking!

Can you take a minute to read that again?

80% of jobs are filled by knowing someone!

Let’s talk about ways to use the COVID-19 downtime to grow your network.

Have you updated your LinkedIn profile lately? What was that…you don’t have a LinkedIn profile? So, LinkedIn is free and a great way to grow your professional network! The reason that this is so important is threefold:

1.) Hidden jobs are filled by networking! Hidden jobs are job opportunities that are not posted or advertised. Therefore, if you actively network (even when & especially when you are not seeking a job) then you may be on the front of someone’s mind when filling these positions. Did you know that some of the fastest ways to grow your income is to accept a high position outside of your current company?

2.) When you are connecting with people all of the time, then you can gradually build a large and powerful network! Ask for recommendations and endorsements when you have received positive feedback from people on a job well done. Also, write positive feedback and recommendations for other people! This will pay back in dividends throughout your career! Trust me on this one!

3.) You may have an opportunity to hire or recommend someone for a position in your professional network! YOU will be able to extend a helping hand to someone in your network.

(Little known secret that this was the first “social media” site that I joined. I have been on LinkedIn for years! I have also used this same professional network when I was looking for jobs due to RIFs or to move up in my career.)

I will be using this space to provide tips, tricks, and resources to enhance your career search and expand your knowledge in the career field. I look forward to connecting with you!

Happy Networking!

–Betsy

Photo from Unsplash by Allie https://unsplash.com/photos/I3nD16F56Ko

https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyblastyourresume/

#BetsyRocks

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Occupational Data

OOH – Must Save Bookmark!

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/

Occupational Outlook Handbook
This website provides so much invaluable information for anyone wishing to gain information about salaries, jobs, US job trends, etc. The data is broken down by state, region, and even more detailed metro areas. The information found here can be used by someone entering the job force for the first time or someone at the twilight of their career.

This government site is very easy to navigate and you can also access the data using a smart device (Android or Apple)!! I know! Impressive right! Hey, these are free resources provided by our government!

The website shows occupations by groups, pay levels based on experience, and projected growth within a particular category by geographic region!

I believe that this resource is very valuable to everyone!

3 Ways to Use this Resource

  1. You can use this if you are in an annual review and wish to ask for a raise in your current position. Is your current aligned with the most recent trends? Are you being paid fairly for your efforts? Wonder no more!! Search the site and see for yourself (since companies typically restrict employees from openly discussing all things related to pay).
  2. If you are moving to a new region/relocating, use this resource to aid your job search! You will come to the negotiation table ready with solid salary data! Can you imagine confidently pulling a chair up to the table armed with salary data! Yes, ma’am! Sign me up!
  3. A new graduate entering the job market should be time reviewing the data on this site! Great way for graduates to establishing expectations! (Parents, just point them to this site and save yourself the argument!)

I wish you the best in your job search and enhancing your current position! I would love feedback on how you were able to use the data found on the OOH site! I can think of 1000 ways to engage with the information but let’s see how you do it!

Happy sourcing!
–Betsy


Photo by Alex Knight on Unsplash