Networking from out of state
Q: I'm a legal aid attorney in Maine (I've been practicing for three years) and I'm hoping to both transition back to Massachusetts and out of the non-profit world. I'm having a hard time making contacts. Any suggestions?
A: Well, first welcome back to the Massachusetts job market. It is both a difficult time to land a new job (now that we are officially calling it a recession), as well a difficult time of year (December) to find new work, especially from afar. Difficult but not impossible.
First, you mention that you are "transitioning" back to Massachusetts. So I am assuming you lived here at one time. Do you still keep in touch with key contacts? Think about using the month of December to re-connect with some of those contacts. Your professional contacts and former colleagues will be key to your search. Additionally, I am curious where you went to law school. If you attended a college or university in Boston, contact the alumni association or career services office. Even if you didn't attend college in Boston, I would bet that you attended a college or university that has a Boston-area alumni group.
Also, think about ways to gain entry back into the state's professional and legal communities. Think about attending seminars or briefings in the Boston area if possible. As a practical matter, December is not the most robust hiring month, but that quickly changes in January.
Because you are launching a job search from out of state, a placement agency (with a focus on the legal profession) might be especially helpful.
Lastly, I am a firm believer in holding yourself accountable. Set yourself a goal (weekly is probably best) for networking and developing contacts. It could be 3, 4, or 5 a week. Pick up the phone, e-mail a former colleague, connect on Linked In or attend an alumni association event. Don't be afraid to ask a colleague for a favor -- getting introduced to someone via e-mail introduction or something similar can be considered a reasonable request! Hold yourself to that networking contacts goal.
Good luck.
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There is a website (at www.myeventguru.com) that lists business only related events (especially networking) by city. You can also create a profile (just like LinkedIn) to network both online and at events. You can also setup alerts/notifications to know when an event type you choose is posted. It's also free...
I relocated to MD after being laid off in Mass. about 3 years ago. I am soooooooo miserable in Mary Land, I hate it here so much. I have been looking and looking and looking for a new job, all to no avail. People, tell me to "be grateful" that I have a job. I am so sick of hearing how I "should be grateful"...
People need to work, they need to pay their bills and feed their children and their pets, they should NOT have to carry the burden of BEING GRATEFUL for a JOB...as well.!!!
I completely understand where you are coming from Linda. and agree 100% that we shouldn't have to carry the burden of "being grateful" for a job! Good luck in your job search. I too am trying to relocate back to Massachusetts and know how you feel.
I moved to NC from my beloved Boston 4.5 years ago to help take care of an ailing parent. Now that their health is better, I am transitioning back to MA as well. I am more grateful that I can go back home to Boston than I am of having a job here in NC. People in the NC keep saying to me, "You're going back to all that crime up there?" Hell, the news just reported last night that Charlotte, NC alone has more reports of crime than LA and NY combined! Boston, here we come!
Try some network sites. LinkedIn is one I enjoy, you can talk and search to other Professionals in the same career.
Good Luck
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Patricia Hunt Sinacole is president of First Beacon Group LLC, a human resources consulting firm in Hopkinton. Sheworks with clients across many industries including technology, biotech and medical devices, financial services, and healthcare, and has over 20 years of human resources experience.
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