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22nd April 2009: Use your social networks to find work!
For a number of years the internet has been seen as the place for contractors to find work. But with demand falling - especially in things like IT, even the job sites appear to be proving less than effective.
It's time to start entertaining other options and probably one of the most head slappingly obvious of those is making use of any social networks you belong to. I'm not just talking about the business networks like linkedin, but things like facebook, twitter and forums you may belong to. These networks are just another form of "word of mouth", and offer a way of reaching far further than your usual circle.
Being out of work is hardly something to conceal (especially in the current economic climate), and just by mentioning it you are potentially saving yourself some work, and gaining access to jobs that you may not see through normal channels.
Even if there is nothing immediate, you will get some moral support and people will keep an ear to the ground. Like all these things the longer you are on them, the larger your network becomes and the greater the chance of an opportunity coming your way so if you aren't already registered research which ones are for you (or ask your friends and colleagues which ones they use) just make sure it doesn't take over your life!
Hugo
22/04/2009
