Too shy to ‘network?’ Maybe not

Virtually everyone agrees networking for jobs is the most successful approach you can take to opening doors. But what if you think you are no good at networking?

Jody Eriksen will help nervous networkers and self-conscious job seekers recognize and use their natural abilities and instincts to build their skills, self confidence and personal connections.

The free seminar is 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct 20, at CareerPlace™, 600 Hart Road, Suite 275, Barrington.

Eriksen says a positive, soft-sell networking approach opens doors, develops skills, puts people more at ease, and creates opportunities they did not realize exist.

“We all want to be outgoing, naturally social, optimistic, helpful and popular,” Eriksen said.

“That can be especially difficult when you are under the gun, looking for work or job leads, cringe at a negative response, don’t think you have any good contacts, perhaps are a little shy, fear you can’t return a favor and don’t want to seem like a needy ‘mooch.’ ”

Ms. Eriksen helps individuals broaden their job search possibilities using ready to go scripts, easy conversation starters and handy tools and ideas for creating more casual networking opportunities.

Jody Eriksen is a certified professional career coach and owner of Career Support Services Corporation.

Learn more at CareerPlace™ (847) 304-4157, or mycareerplace.org.

For nearly 20 years, CareerPlace Jumpstart Your Job Search, has helped unemployed professionals in Chicago and the Northwest suburbs succeed in getting hired.

CareerPlace™ staff and volunteer counselors concentrate on jobs skills training, workshops and one on one job coaching in addition to other support efforts.