Network, Network, Network!

Yes, the pandemic has created some negativity in networking. All these great coffee catches and after-work beers went by the roadside. But people shouldn’t stop meeting people face-to-face altogether.

“Given the rise of COVID and a stagnating economy, the most important thing you can do today is to start building your networks as early as possible,” says Ineke McMahon, career strategist, executive recruiter and co-founder of the Path to Promotion. is an online learning and development academy.

Ineke also recommends:

• Immerse yourself in the industry you want to be in
• attending events (even if they are virtual) and
• Follow up with people to introduce yourself as a future recruit.

“These approaches help you build a reputation for being honest, reliable and passionate,” she says.

Michael Berger of Talent Blueprint says “normal business” for networking, as well as larger meetings and stricter pandemic restrictions in Victoria. “Don’t let COVID be an excuse not to catch people. Be more targeted about networking, that can be a positive thing. And use social media as much as possible.”

When it comes to social media, Career Medic’s Paul says LinkedIn can help you see how you are connected or connected to various organizations. If you have a first-order connection then you have a direct path to an organization, he says.

“If you don’t have a first-degree connection, but you have a second-degree connection, that means you know someone or several people in common, even if you don’t know that person. On that basis – and if the relationship with your first-degree connection is valid – you can be introduced,” he said.

Build Your Brand

In fact, Australian government data recently showed that only one percent of vacancies were posted on social media in 2012-2013, but that figure jumped to 14 percent between 2018 and 2019.

Paul advises mid-career professionals that if you are not online on LinkedIn, there is a risk of being overlooked by some recruiters and employers. This is especially true for professionals over the age of 40, he says. “It’s important that your LinkedIn profile is as complete and detailed as possible, and that you have strategically built it to communicate your brand and value,” he says.

Michael Berger, director of Brisbane-based recruiting firm Talent Blueprint, also emphasizes the importance of getting your LinkedIn profile right. “This is viewable 24 hours a day for anyone searching. If this seems patchy and out of date, you look patchy and out of date. There are thousands of guides online on how to maintain a good profile. Follow these,” he says.

Make sure you have some activity on the LinkedIn homepage as well, this will not only allow you to be more effective in keyword searches, but also provide visibility among your connections. That’s Paul Di Michiel’s advice – because every time you post a post, you’ll appear on the links home page.

Jon Michail, CEO of Image Group International Group, says that senior professionals in the midst of their career transition must also continually invest in their personal leadership development.

“Personal Branding is your passport to new opportunities and an insurance policy for all kinds of tough times that are part of the business cycle,” he says. “Companies spend billions of dollars on branding. Why is that? Because it works. It’s similar for leaders, managers, and change makers – by investing in your own publicity, authentic personal branding, you’re turning possibilities in your favor. ”

How To Prepare For A Job Interview In Australia

What about when you really catch an interview?

“Preparation is a key element of a successful job interview,” says Ineke of Path to Promotion. “It will be important to spend time preparing for the questions. Employers will want to see evidence of resilience, ability to plan, adapt to change, and learn new skills. ”

Ineke says that the interviewees should also demonstrate their expertise, as it contributes to their ability to work independently. “If you are not sitting in a work environment where you can ask someone, you need to show that your research and problem-solving skills are good and you have the ability to find your own answers.”

• She also pays to know your CV / resume from start to finish.
• Be prepared to explain its content. This is your story!

“Prepare a succinct answer to the permanent starting question in the interview: Tell me about yourself?” Said.

This is a great opportunity to make a strong first impression and can set the tone for an effective interview. Similarly, it is important that you review the job posting or job description and prepare examples or stories against the core requirements of the job.

For example, if the organization is looking for someone with strong problem-solving skills, you should logically create a few examples of demonstrating that skill.

Finally, it is important to prepare and ask smart and relevant questions during the interview. When interviewed people are asked if they have any questions, they often respond by saying “No, everything is fine” or, worse still, make up an appropriate question.

You’ve Got This: From A Great Job To A Great Career

Ineke says the best advice for anyone looking to start a successful career is to constantly invest in your own development.

“Build a strong relationship with your hiring manager and clearly define what success looks like in your role, with specific planned goals to achieve. Get regular feedback on how you are progressing and seek advice on how you can improve. Asking for frequent feedback and seeking constructive criticism – and making sure you follow the advice – is when you get ahead of your colleagues, Ineke says.