6 Ways to Right Executive Networking Wrongs

6 Ways to Right Executive Networking WrongsStudies show that networking is a crucial part of the executive job-seeking process. While positions can be obtained by submitting a resume and cover letter, its much more common for friends and associates to help executive candidates get in the door.If you havent been taking networking seriously, its time to take the steps necessary to improve yur chances of being hired. Here are six ways that you can immediately right your executive networking wrongs.1. departure Attending Networking EventsIf you havent been getting out and attending networking events, youre really missing out on some amazing opportunities to make great connections with people in your field. You could even benefit from meeting people who arent in your field but who are well connected in your city and beyond. You dont want to pass up any opportunity that presents itself, which is why networking events are a must.2. Join Clubs and OrganizationsIn addition to having passing e ncounters with other executives and influential people, its important to get involved with local organizations and/or clubs within your field that not only better the community or your industry but offer opportunities to regularly interact with associates who can help you find great employment opportunities.3. Talk to Strangers at Social FunctionsIf youre at a social functionit could be a family reunion or happy hourdont be afraid to talk to strangers about who you are and what your hopes are as an executive in transition. You never know the next casual conversation could result in your next dream job.4. Increase Your Presence ansprechbarWith much of the job seeking world moving online, its important that you increase your presence. Executive recruiters spend a lot of time seeking candidates online, so this is where you need to be if youre going to be found. By setting up a Google profile, professional Twitter account or Facebook page, and even a website in your name where you can b log about industry topics, youll increase your chances of being seen.5. Get a LinkedIn AccountWhile youre online, dont forget to sign up for a LinkedIn account. LinkedIn, the worlds largest professional social networking site, is one of the most overlooked networking options for executives. By creating a profile, adding your resume, and connecting with associates, youve already taken steps to improve your networking opportunities.6. Take Part in Trade/Industry DiscussionsAnother step in the process is branding yourself as a leading voice in your field. In addition to starting a blog, you could request to add byline guest posts to other popular blogs and sites to offer your professional insight. Also, look into writing columns for newspapers and magazines.The more effort you put into networking, the more likely you will be to run into new employment opportunities. So if youve been a bit lazy on the networking front, nows the time to right your wrongs.Its important to remember to bran d your resume before applying to each new position for more information on branding check out my recent article 5 Key Areas to Target When Branding Your Resume. You can also get additional job search and career related advice by checking out our blog or following us on Twitter GreatResume.

Wisdom From Youth Lessons I Learned From Our Interns

Wisdom From Youth Lessons I Learned From Our Interns I have a special place in my heart for in eigener saches and all the optimism and fresh perspective they bring to the job. With college students endschliff up their internships and getting ready to go back to school, I recently reflected on the unique value that internships offer for both the student and the company.Theres no doubt internships can be incredibly valuable to students in terms of helping inform what they want their careers to be. And as importantly, what they dont want their careers to be. Ive written in past blogs about how two internships shaped my career in a significant way. The first one at a major Wall Street law firm showed me that despite the prestige and great money the job offered, I actually wanted to launch my career in a different way. And I arrived at that conclusion because my other internship, at a global multi-line insurance company in Connecticut, offered me immediate exposure to many areas of the business and allowed me to gain more substantive responsibilities much more quickly.But internships can also be a valuable source of insight, perspective and even career advice for the people who employ them. Ive made it a habit of spending time with the interns at Fidelity to get feedback about their experiences what delights them in the corporate setting, what frustrates them, and what would energize and inspire them to do their best work. It never fails I always leave those sessions with new learnings and perspective on how we can enhance the associate experience.Their feedback can also be channeled into great career advice for anyone who takes the time to really listen and learn from interns. These are some of the observations I had this year.Be open to learning something new every dayThe students I spoke with this year both individually and in group settings were so open and candid. They wanted to offer their perspectives on how to make things even better and understand how they could add value every day. They were intensely curious, not taking anything as a given, and thereby stretching the boundaries of conventional thinking which is a necessary precursor to creativity and innovation.Leaders at all levels can learn from this genuine level of openness. Leaders dont have all the answers. In fact, one of their very important obligations is to ask really good, penetrating questions in order to push the thinking and boundaries of the organization. And another obligation is to be open to feedback and fresh ideas, and to empower people to act on these positive ideas. The traditional command and control style just wont work in fruchtwein organizations any more. In this fast-paced and quickly changing world, strong leaders will need to demonstrate the intense curiosity that these interns brought to the table all summer.It can be uncomfortable for many leaders to make this transition. In order to do so, you have to admit you dont have all the answers, and yo u have to allow yourself to empower the people around you to act on their good ideas instead of simply looking to you for answers. It requires that we check our egos and pride at the door and invest in the best ideas and perspectives of every team member.By being a leader whos open-minded and willing to listen and learn, youll sharpen your vision, connect more deeply with those around you, and empower your people to make a real difference.Get real less bureaucracy and more actionThe traditional corporate practices that are now second nature for so many of us are completely foreign to interns. I heard some common refrains from interns, such as Why are there so many meetings? Why arent there more informal and unscheduled discussions? Why do things feel so complex? Why cant we break down the cubes to allow ideas and discussion to flow more freely?Of course theyre right. Fortunately, Fidelity has taken this feedback to heart and were well on our way to busting bureaucracy and creating a more energizing work environment. And we need to continue working at it. Bureaucracy is the enemy of progress and empowerment. It sucks energy and creativity from people and inevitably slows things down. I wholeheartedly embrace the energy and spirit that interns bring forward to liberate us from bureaucracy. Their fresh perspective not only keeps us honest but it prevents us from thinking too small or acting too incrementally.Climbing the corporate ladder is not what it used to be.Compared to seasoned employees, interns are much less likely to focus on where theyll be in X years or what the promotion plan is. Some of that is to be expected, but I think theres something deeper afoot. Interns (and Millennials in general) are more focused on enhancing their skills than their titles. They intuitively grasp the fact that the world is quickly changing and they will need a diverse set of skills to enjoy a long and successful career. Theyre open to the jungle gym approach to development instead of the hierarchal ladder.Once again, I think theyre on to something. While ambition and career development are clearly very important, theres a new world order developing before our very eyes and the traditional approach to career growth is narrow and limiting. Ive had multiple discussions with interns and our own employees about the skills needed for future advancement. Ive encouraged students to learn the basics of coding (at a minimum) and to have an internship that provides digital immersion of some sort.Establishing a broader foundation of skills will serve you well in this quickly evolving world.Chart your own courseExperience and expertise are important in any career. And if you have a job, youll inevitably gain both. But the mindset you choose to employ throughout your career is yours and yours alone. Consider what your summer intern brought to the table optimism, exuberance, energy and excitement theyre qualities anyone could benefit from._________________________ _____________________________Views expressed are as of August 22, 2016. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the author and speakers, as applicable, and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments.Fidelity Brokerage Services, NYSE, SIPC.771364.1.0Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer