Your lunch break is for more than grabbing a quick sandwich on the run and getting a few personal items off your to-do list. It’s the perfect time to connect with your network and key stakeholders within your organization and beyond.
As a Career Coach I work with individuals impacted by organizational downsizing, suddenly scrambling for a new job. The number one contributor to a quick return to work is a robust network that you can call on to help source job leads and gain valuable connections to hiring managers. But all too often these individuals have not maintained strong networks. They have fallen prey to the old adage: Heads down, work hard and you will be promoted. What a shock when they find this no longer is true and their network connections are weak!
A key to building career resilience is to build a robust network. Get connected with colleagues and key decision makers in your organization, stay in the loop with former managers and co-workers, and regularly engage with your professional association. And if you are between jobs, your goal should be to book 3 to 5 meetings, coffees, lunches or other networking events each week. For more strategies, check out: Networking to Build Career Success.
So get started today! Book lunch or coffee with a colleague, your manager, a key stakeholder, or someone in your industry you want to get to know.
Wishing you much career success!
Joanne Loberg
Certified Executive Coach & Internationally Certified Career Management Professional
JL Careers
