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Networking
The Essentials of Networking
Networking is using personal contacts to obtain career information and/or job leads. But why network? More than 75 percent of the job openings in the U.S. are not advertised. And close to 75% of job seekers gained their employment through networking.
Networking is also the sharing of information and building trust. Your contacts won’t share job leads or new contacts if they don’t trust you or your intentions. You, too, are expected to provide information, advice, and leads to others.
Networking is not going from person to person to person. It is a circle of individuals that you return to over and over. Contacts are developed and maintained, not used and discarded.
Networking begins with having a career direction and a resume that communicates your qualifications and skills. No contact can help you unless you have some idea about your career—no matter how tentative your plans may be.
So how does networking work? You know lots of people— relatives, neighbors, friends, faculty, employers, co-workers, and the people you go to class with and socialize with. If you think about it, you probably know at least 50 people. These 50 people are your “primary network”. The primary network are the eyes and ears you need to learn of a job opening or a company that is hiring. Talk to them. One of them may know of a job opening where they work.
There is also a “secondary network”. Each of the 50 people you know, knows another 50 people. (For example, friends and business associates of your parents, employer, friends and co-workers,) If your 50 people talked to their 50 people, you would have 2,500 people helping you find a job.
A basic networking activity is the informational interview, which allows you to ask questions about a career field, company, or industry. The informational interview is a way to learn more about your chosen career field or industry from someone who has experienced it first hand. It is also a good way to establish contacts to add to your networking circle.
In preparation for an information interview, you need to research the company and career field you want to learn about. Then develop a list of at least 25 relevant questions. Be sure to include some questions about the person you are interviewing. The better your questions are, the more your contact will remember you. Some example questions include:
1. How did you first get your start in this industry?
2. What was your major, and did it help you in this field?
3. What are the most valued skills in the industry?
4. Is there anything like a “typical day”?
5. Can you outline a general career track for this field?
6. What do you look for in a prospective employee?
7. What advice would you give to someone seeking a career in this industry (or field)?
8. What is the upside and downside to a career in this area?
The informational interview can be overwhelming as you start this process. Just remember that most people you contact will be flattered to be asked for assistance and to talk about their organizations and their careers. Especially if the interview is approached as information seeking and not job seeking.
A survey of top professionals found that joining a professional organization in their field was the top setting for networking. What better way to meet people who are doing what you want to do! Volunteer work was cited in the survey as the number two way to make network contacts. Think how you can shine when you do something for an organization or cause that you are passionate about .
As you network, don’t forget to thank everyone that you work with and who have been helpful to you. Sending a thank you note within one to two days of your meeting is the best way to show common courtesy and your appreciation for their time and assistance. Also, sharing your successes and failures with these contacts will keep them in your networking circle and they will not feel as if you used them to further yourself. Staying in touch with your network will build credibility and rapport. Your contacts will remember you for this.
The key in networking is to begin building it before you need it, so it is in place when you do need it. Continue to cultivate the network even after you have found a job. You never know when you might need your contacts or when you can return the favor!
For additional networking and informational interview questions, resources, articles and tutorials contact the Professional & Career Development Services office at 271-3721 or visit: Quintessential Careers -www.quintcareers.com and The Career Journal from The Wall Street Journal - www.careerjournal.com
Rev.9/2004