The Complete Job Search Handbook
Networking
What is Networking?
The first question most people ask regarding networking is, “What is it?”
Networking has been around as long as business has, but no one ever gave
it a name. Basically, networking is a process of developing relationships
with others for the ultimate purpose of finding employment. The key to
networking is to have the “right” people in your network - people who can
help you with your job search, or can hire you. The main goals of
networking are to gather information, advice, and referrals to assist you in
finding a job.
Without even trying, everyone already has a network. Your network
consists of everyone you know - your doctor, hairdresser, baby-sitter,
family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, people at your church,
etc., etc...... Some job seekers will have more “right” people in their
network than others, so their job search will probably require less work. A
“right” person can be defined as someone who has the authority and
knowledge to significantly help you with your job search, or would be
eligible to hire you for your desired position. Those who don’t have a
network packed with the “right” people will have to work harder at
expanding their network.
For instance, a person who has been working in Northwest Indiana for 20
years will probably have a much stronger network than someone who
recently relocated to the area. Both people can network effectively, but the
person who just relocated to the area will probably have to work harder to
increase the number of people in his/her network. The techniques used to
increase the number of people in your network are “Prospecting” and
“Informational Interviewing.” Each of these are discussed in detail in the
following pages.
Where to Begin Networking
Since everyone already has their own network, beginning the networking
process is as easy as picking up the phone and telling everyone in your
network you are looking for a job.
These two questions are vital to your job search. The first one asks for
knowledge of any openings in your field, thereby tapping into the hidden
job market as discussed earlier. Even more importantly, the second
question attempts to increase your network. It gives you new people you
can contact and bring into your network.
As you begin to network, it is very important to have a pen and paper handy
wherever you go. Get into the habit of carrying something to write with
whenever you go out. Networking should be an on-going process, which
continues no matter where you are. You may run into a friend at the
grocery store or doctor’s office who knows of an opening at his/her
company in your field. This is vital information, and you don’t want to
forget it by the time you get home. You need to write it down.
Also, be sure to write all names you are given, even if they do not directly
work in your field. For instance, your dentist may know a production
supervisor at a large manufacturing company. Even though you are
interested in accounting, you should still take that name down. You can
contact the production manager and ask him/her who the controller is for
the company. Every name, no matter how unimportant or irrelevant it may
seem, is an important piece of your networking process.
In addition, make sure that you have plenty of copies of a well-written
resume to hand out to anyone willing to take one. Another important part
of networking is making sure you are always remembered positively. No
one in your network is going to give you names of his/her friends if you are
rude or unprofessional. Besides always doing your best to appear friendly
and business-like, one way to make a good impression is to send thank-you
notes to anyone who helps you in your job search. This is especially
important for those members of your network who are very “high profile.”
When in doubt, send a thank-you letter - most people don’t perform this
professional courtesy, and doing so could make you stand out above the
rest.
If your job search becomes stale and nothing is happening, the reason is
most likely you do not have the “right” people in your network, so you need
to expand it.
Expanding Your Network
Always strive to expand your network, especially if your job search has
come to a stand still. One way to accomplish this is through research.
There are many good sources of networking information readily available at
your local library. Publications such as The Indiana Manufacturers Guide
and The Indiana Business Directory list companies with contact names and
titles within the state of Indiana. Publications exist for other regions of the
country as well. Contact names can also be obtained from magazines such
as The Indiana Business Magazine and trade journals for your particular
field. Also, newspapers are a good source of current business information,
including promotions and new hires. Read your local paper and other
papers in your area for up-to-date information about local companies.
Another good source for contact names are membership lists of community
groups such as the Chamber of Commerce. You may be charged for such
lists, but the investment may be well worth it.
Research is important, but must be accompanied by Prospecting and Informational Interviewing to be effective.