Networking

So after a long while, I managed to change jobs. I have left everything related to SAP. That's 12 long years of doing it. I am obviously sad, scared and generally running around with butterflies and moths in my stomach.


I can't really share much of what I went through in getting this job. But trust me when I say I had to go through a lot of pain and I networked. I am sure everyone has their own way of finding jobs. And looking at the career ladder (of salaried professionals) I can see that most of you are at higher (more successful rungs of that ladder than I am). But for the rest of you, who are like me, these are the 2 most important things I did that helped me:

1. Make a list of companies that you would love to work for. I think this is the single important thing that helps you focus, rather than going out there on job-sites and sending resumes incessantly. If you are in your mid-career right now (like I am), blasting resumes doesn't help much (or I think so!)
2. Use LinkedIn to Network. I think I was very shy at doing this and even when I started I was hesitant. I did reach out to a lot of people that gave me a cold shoulder. But you just need that 1 person to respond. So don't lose hope. And use the list that you made in point 1 to focus on your networking. And of course, don't spam people.