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Whoever originated the phrase, "It's not what you know, it's who you know" was obviously an expert networker. Networking is establishing, maintaining and utilizing your personal and professional contacts as sources of support and information for your job search.
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If you're considering eliminating networking from your job search strategy, think again. Job-seekers often say that networking is the best way to find a job. Some research suggests that a large percentage of jobs aren't posted. The only way to find out about these unadvertised opportunities is by talking to people and telling them that you're on the market.
The possibilities are endless. Once you make your contact aware of your goals, it might happen that they know of a job opportunity, or know someone who needs a person just like you, and are willing to give you a glowing referral.
To make the most of your networking efforts, follow these five tips:
1. Be Prepared to Network
Before you get started, establish your goals, write them down, and practice your introduction. Also, it's essential to be prepared for the chance meeting. When you start networking, you'll notice that you will constantly make contacts. Whether you're at the store, at a basketball game, or in the doctor's office waiting room, you have to be prepared to talk about your goals and provide follow-up materials.
For example, it's a great idea to have business cards. They don't have to be expensive and shouldn't be complicated, but they should include your professional contact information. A new business associate is less likely to lose a card than a napkin with illegible pen scratchings.
Always have a clean copy of your résumé handy. Make a few clean copies on bond paper. Fold them neatly, put them in off-white or eggshell envelopes and take at least five of them with you at all times. Whether you carry them in a briefcase, backpack, large purse, or even have them stowed in the trunk of your car, store them in a place where the envelopes won't get mangled or dirty. Have them ready to hand out, just in case you meet a great contact. Your new associate can easily slip your envelope into his/her briefcase, pocket or purse, and he/she will be impressed with your preparation.
Once you have your materials, you're ready to network!
2. Start with Friends and Family
If you're just starting out and don't think you have any contacts, you're wrong! At minimum, you have friends and family. That's a good start. Self-promotion can be uncomfortable until you've built business social skills, which is why it's best to start with people who already know you're great. Make sure they know you're in the market for a new job, and be sure to tell them exactly what you're looking for.
3. Join Professional Organizations
While you're reaching out to your personal list of contacts, it's a good time to start making new ones. Have a plan for networking. Identify organizations that you'd like to join and people you'd like to meet and select networking events that you'd like to attend. Professional organizations often have meetings and conferences. Join a few or attend a meeting as a guest. Professional organizations can be great exposure to a group of people who are in your field who can provide advice, support, and potentially a job lead.
4. Attend Networking Events
Networking events are purposeful parties that are fantastic ways to "schmooze," meet new people and get good job leads. Take a stack of business cards and work the room. You want to meet people, show them how smart and likable you are, and make an impression. But don't overdo it! Spend at least half of your time listening to others. Take care to remember specifics about each person who you speak with, and ask questions. You're there to promote yourself, learn from others, and have a good time.
5. Follow Up
Don't be shy about following up. If someone asks you to call on Monday, make that call! If you'd like to stay in contact with someone, send a short email the next day to thank them for the conversation, and if it's appropriate, attach a résumé.
Remember, networking is reciprocal. If you receive benefits from the network, you will, one day, be called upon to do the same for another person.
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