Q: You suggest as a search strategy to build relationships with a range of organizations within my field.  Building those relationships seems like a long-term strategy. Is there networking I can do in the short run to improve my chances of locating my next position?

A: Absolutely. The first action item is to draw up a list of organizations with which you are already doing business/working, and find a way to leverage those connections. People know people.  The best and most energetic recommendations tend to come from those who have sustained contact with us and can vouch for our integrity, good judgment and overall competence.  Leveraging those relationships can be the most productive way to jump-start a career search.

Having said that, by relying on these relationships, you run the risk of encountering issues related to timing and confidentiality.  For instance, you may not want your current boss to get wind that you are job searching from a mutual colleague.  Similarly, you do not want your peers to withhold information needed to conduct business today because they now see you as disloyal or wanting to jump ship.

There are ways to minimize leaks and avoid jeopardizing your professional standing while still reaching out to current networks. For instance, make inquiries on an informational basis. As well, target people one layer out from your current zone of influence (if they are at your organization) or at “friendly” but not directly engaged organizations.  By avoiding supervisors, direct reports and departmental peers, you significantly reduce the risk of damaging leaks.

Even when utilizing these less risky options, make careful choices about whom, when and how to ask your questions and/or discuss your career intentions. Use this list of criteria to help you decide if whom you are about to engage is the right choice. Choose those who:

• are knowledgeable about your industry
• are not in your direct reporting chain
• have little or no incentive to report your long-term plans
• have the integrity to hold your confidence until you are ready to inform the right parties of your career decisions

You never know all of the connections – both formal and informal – people have.  Err on the side of selectivity.

Contact Karen Alphonse at Karena@execSearches.com or visit ExecSearches.com for more information about our career coaching services.

ExecSearches.com is a job board for nonprofit job seekers interested in fundraising, management and executive nonprofit jobs.

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