how to network without being annoying by Alison Green on June 3, 2012 When you’re reaching out to your network for help finding a job, the last thing you want to do is annoy your contacts. Before you make that next call or send that next email, make sure you’re not committing any of these 10 cardinal sins of networking. 1. Making it all about you. If you’re only […] Read the full article →
how can I keep my former boss as a mentor? by Alison Green on June 2, 2012 A reader writes: Last year, I was lucky enough to get a really great summer internship working for an amazing boss. It worked out so well that I ended up staying on a part-time basis during the school year. I know my boss liked me and was glad to have me; in my performance review, […] Read the full article →
winners of the networking stories contest by Alison Green on May 12, 2012 Thanks to everyone who shared their networking stories in the earlier post calling for them. It wasn’t easy, but we have our winners: Bob G, who had an entire tray of drinks spilled on his head just as he was about to make a much-desired quiet escape from a networking event The Other Dawn, who […] Read the full article →
what was your most awkward networking encounter? by Alison Green on May 10, 2012 Want to win a free Premium LinkedIn membership? Read on. I’ve mentioned here before that I hate networking. Hate it, hate it, hate it. It’s mainly because I’m an introvert, but it’s also because I have a special talent for saying things that sounded funny in my head but somehow aren’t when I say them […] Read the full article →
should you accept connections from strangers on LinkedIn? by Alison Green on March 26, 2012 A reader writes: What are your opinions on adding someone you don’t know to a LinkedIn account? I recently received a request from someone who I don’t know who attended my university. He has an unprofessional LinkedIn photo (something appropriate for Facebook, but not offensive). I have made it a rule for myself on LinkedIn to […] Read the full article →
how to tell your network you’re looking for a job by Alison Green on February 22, 2012 A reader writes: I recently just got laid off from work and I’m back on the market looking for jobs. I’ve seen other colleagues/friends/peers send out mass emails to notify their network and request assistance in looking for jobs. Is this a good idea or bad idea? You definitely want to let people know what […] Read the full article →
ask the readers: 2 questions about networking by Alison Green on February 14, 2012 Welcome to today’s “ask the readers” question. (For anyone who missed it, I’m posting one of these each day this week, in addition to my regular posts.) This is actually two letters, each on a slightly different aspect of networking (which I’m throwing out to you because I hate, hate, hate networking). First, a letter […] Read the full article →
how to set boundaries when contacts get pushy by Alison Green on January 30, 2012 A reader writes: I have a job overseas, and sometimes it feels like every week I have another person contacting me to help them get a job, an internship, etc. over here. I’d made myself available to the alumni community from the university I attended, and while I don’t typically mind when students, friends, or […] Read the full article →
ask the readers: does networking really work? by Alison Green on October 9, 2011 I am still sick, so I’m going to call on you guys to help answer my mail. I’m posting a few questions that I think there will be lots of interesting opinions on. Here’s the first one — have it at in the comments (and thank you)! A reader writes: I’m curious about how successful […] Read the full article →
should you advise a job-seeker against your dysfunctional employer? by Alison Green on July 20, 2011 A reader writes: I’m wondering about the etiquette around advising someone away from a certain job choice. My current employer is highly unsatisfying; morale is low, turnover is high, etc. I’ve been asked about my job by a graduate school alum who applied for a position here, is very excited about the prospect, and seeks […] Read the full article →