Networking is an important
part of conducting a job search. Done well,
it can be a very successful tool. Two-thirds
to three-quarters of successful job seekers
found their jobs as a result of personal contacts,
networking, or cold calling. Networking is so
important because it gives you access to the
hidden, or unadvertised, job market and the
only way to uncover these unadvertised openings
is through talking to as many people as you
can.
Often a misunderstood technique,
networking can help you obtain three things:
� information about each contact's industry
and the kinds of jobs that are needed;
� ideas for brainstorming that help you develop
effective job search strategies; and
� introductions to other people who will provide
even more information, ideas, and, introductions.
Networking is a critical
activity but is often done so poorly that it
has somewhat of a bad reputation. If you think
of your job search as a marketing exercise (i.e.,
selling yourself as a potential employee), then
your network becomes the heart of your market
development. It is important to understand the
concept of networking, how to build one, and
why you need to maintain a network, even after
you have found a job, because maintaining your
network is the key to successful lifelong career
development.
What Is A Network?
Networking is not about
asking people to offer you a job but using your
connections to find the person who will offer
you a job. Everyone has a network, but not everyone
knows how to use it. The foundation of your
network consists of everyone you know, plus
everyone those people know. Your network includes
colleagues you see every day, and people you
might see only occasionally. Any one of these
individuals may have information or ideas you
can use in your job search.
Building and Expanding Your Network
One method of building your
network is to become active in a professional
association that represents your field of interest.
Register and submit a presentation or poster for
a regional or national meeting, or volunteer to
serve on a committee. Anything you can do to make
yourself and your abilities visible is effective
in building your network. At meetings, talk to
speakers after their presentations. Express interest
in their work and ask whether they can offer you
any suggestions in your job search.
It is a good idea to have
business cards to hand out as you meet and talk
to people. In conversations, you must be prepared
to tell people about your job search, your background,
and your desired position. If you don't advertise
yourself, no one else will.
A Work in Progress
To maintain your network,
keep track of your contacts in a card file or
a computer database. It is to your advantage to
keep this file updated. Make sure that you follow
up on any leads suggested by members of your network.
Networking is based on reciprocity.
Take every opportunity to assist others by referring
people who have the skills that a specific employer
might find useful. Remember that someday, you
may need to call on them to return the favor.
Keep your contacts informed
about your job search progress. Send thank-you
or follow-up notes to your contacts for their
time and willingness to help. If a job lead does
not pan out, put a positive spin on it by asking
your contact for the names of other people who
might be able to help you. In this way, you can
broaden your network and better target your market
at the same time. Share job search techniques
that have worked for you with other people in
your network.
Networking is not an occasional
phone call; it is a way of life, whether or not
you are searching for a job. It is so critical
because, to do your job search well, you need
to be in more than one place with your eyes and
ears wide openand networking is the way to do
it. By staying in touch with your network and
letting its members know that you are interested
in job leads, you can get a jump on the job market.
Anecdotal evidence shows that people who have
successfully rebounded from a job loss and who
have made the best career transitions almost always
had an established network to help them.
This information comes from Targeting
the Job Market, published by the ACS Department
of Career Services, which also offers information
on how to use the Internet to locate companies
and expedite job searching.
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