Networking for Job Searches

The following advice on networking for job searches includes networking etiquette as well as tips on how to successfully network for a job .

Networking Know How

• Approach networking for job leads with an attitude of gratitude not with an attitude of entitlement. Recognize the good in everyone. Most people enjoy the feeling they get from helping others. (Ever heard of random acts of kindness?)

  That's what's in it for them. They may not even be aware of why they're willing to help. Just know that they are. Having said that you should also know that no one owes you a job.

• Help others help you. Be specific about what you need and what they can do. Make it easy for them to do it.

  For example:

  • To request an email introduction to one of her contacts get Sally's verbal agreement. Then send her the suggested wording so she can copy and paste to save time. You can also attach your resume or biography. Ask to be copied on the email intro so you can follow-up from there.

• Give back. Networking is not about "I'll give you a lead if you give me a lead." It's more about, "I'll help you now because I can. You help me later when you can." That works both ways with all your contacts.
  
  
• Network where you stand. If you're a high school student you're starting from a different place than a former CEO looking for her next great opportunity. No matter what your situation is let the people you come into contact with on a daily basis know you're looking for work.

• Don't mix business with pleasure. Mentioning your job search in a casual conversation at a neighborhood get together is one thing. Dominating the conversation with your job seeking trials is something else entirely. Recognize the difference.

• Get organized. If you really want to get serious about networking for job searches you must keep track of your contacts and efforts. You can do this on a computer using programs such as Outlook or ACT.

  You can also use a pen and paper index card system; putting each contact on a card; filing the cards alphabetically by the date you want to contact them. Or you could use a spreadsheet program.

  No matter which method you use if you're going to focus your efforts you want to make sure no leads (either for jobs or new contacts) fall through the cracks.
  
  

• Make a list of everyone you know. Then make a conscious effort to make contact. That means...

• Don't wait for people to come to you. Get out there! If you're in a business or networking group take the initiative. Walk up to new people with a smile and a hand shake. Introduce yourself and ask questions to learn about the other person.

• Thank your contacts for every lead and let them know how things go. It doesn't matter whether the information actually lead to a job, another contact or no immediate outcome. And by all means if you got a job as a result make sure you let your contact know!

• Follow-up on every lead. You can't tell up front which trail leads to your goal. Sometimes it's the "road less traveled" that leads to the best outcome.

• Don't be negative about any person or any company. Putting people down has a way of coming back to bite you.

• Act responsibly. Make your referrer look good. That means having the strength of character to do what you say you will do. It means putting your best foot forward when following up on leads by adopting a friendly but business like attitude. It also means...

• Don't blow off meetings, interviews or scheduled phone calls. Meet your commitments and if despite your best efforts you can't make it let the person you're supposed to meet know as soon as possible.

• Have well produced 'marketing' handouts. These include a well prepared resume on quality paper. You also need a well thought out business card for use at business functions. (Yes, experienced job seekers need business cards).

• Don't hand out wrinkled or smudged materials. Doing so shows a lack of professionalism. People might also interpret this as a lack of caring or attention to detail.

• Don't have a hidden agenda. This basically means doing what you say you’re going to do. If you ask for a meeting to conduct an informational interview and you end up asking for a job, you had a hidden agenda.

• Be ready with your career profile statement and don't be afraid to use it as your 30 second commercial at networking events.

• Keep a positive outlook and have fun!

The time invested in networking for job searches is time well spent because:

• Hiring managers embrace word of mouth hiring for its positive impact to the bottom line.

• You the job seeker must get your candidacy in front of the hiring manager. Networking for job searches has the highest probability of achieving that.

• By networking for job searches you learn skills which can drive your long term career success.

Take all of this into consideration when deciding how far you're willing to stretch your comfort zone and how much time you'll devote to networking for job searches.

For more information about networking for a job look here