Networking - the Basics!The best job-search strategy is networking. Some studies have shown that up to 80 percent of all jobs are obtained through some form of networking. It can be defined as generating information - job leads and referrals to prospective employers through personal and professional contacts. Networking lets people know you are available for work, enables you to practice your interviewing skills and opens doors to possible job leads. It helps you learn skills that you are able to use in the workplace. You are actually conducting a sales campaign, in which you are the product. Networking can take place just about anywhere. Wherever and whenever you tell people that you’re looking for a new job you are networking. It can occur on a personal level or on a professional level. Internships and cooperative education serve as great ways to network.
Reasons to Network To find unadvertised jobs To generate new business and professional contacts To have your skills and expertise more visible to others To stay current with economic and industry information, competition, market products, services, trends, developments, changes and technology
To learn about specific companies, markets, competition, organizational structure, people, culture and needs To develop a relationship with net-workers and to meet someone who may recommend you for an open position
Network Possibilities: Personal Contact - Friends, acquaintances, neighbors, relatives, church members, classmates, teachers, club members Professional Contacts - Employers, supervisors, colleagues, subordinates, clients, customers, fellow association members Internet - Subscribers to mailing lists you participate in, e-mail Associations Professional or trade associations Volunteer Work - Meeting people who share common values and goals Information Interviews – A structured method of networking in which you interview personal contacts or referrals for information, and advice Alumni Associations - Increasingly useful in a job and career search. Alumni like to help UA graduate students Churches, Synagogues, Temples and Clergy - Members of your religious group are a rich resource for the job searcher College/Corporate Recruiters - Help in your job and career search Job Fairs – Sunday newspapers list locations that are often held at local hotels or convention centers. Go there with your résumé and start meeting people. Skills for Effective Networking Develop a contact list Keep appointments and promises Consider everyone you meet a prospect Identify your skills and experience Use poise, grace and tact Express appreciation for the contact’s time and advice Develop a system so you know whom you have contacted, how, when, the outcome, or action you need to take Send a thank-you note to each person who spends time with you Be assertive Be clear and concise about the help you are seeking Be genuine, confident, and enthusiastic Accept rejection as part of the process Ask for help without apologizing Assume responsibility for getting what you want Don’t compare yourself to other people Ask good questions Allows others to observe your good thinking skills Gives others a clear understanding of what you need from them Helps you obtain more good information Motivates others to take notice of you Listen Listen to what is spoken and what is not spoken Listen for cues to feelings and meanings Demonstrate acceptance and interest in the speaker Reciprocate with good questions Present yourself attractively Wear clothes that look good on you Wear a flattering hairstyle Prepare a 30 second introduction of yourself and practice until it becomes a part of your charm. Become knowledgeable or skillful in a particular area Become an expert in a particular field of knowledge Master special job skills Speak and write well Networking rests on the assumption that people like to be helpful; they want to help. The first move is yours.
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