Networking should play a key role in your job search. The problem is, most people don’t know how to do it, so they do it poorly, and they get few results. So let’s look at what makes effective networking — the kind that gets you the job.
The dictionary defines networking as:
a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest.
In the job-search world, another definition for networking is:
building genuine relationships.
People often start a job search by calling friends, family and colleagues without first thinking about what they’re going to say. That really isn’t networking — it’s venting. A networking call is carefully planned, and it’s a means to gather information. (We’ll talk about that planning in a future blog.)
Without planning, what I call keep-your-eyes-and-ears-open networking often happens. The keep-your-eyes-and-ears-open phrase really means “watch for job openings, then call me or pass my resume along.” You’re reaching out, but it’s not the best way to make use of your networking contacts. You’re not in control anymore, and you leave the conversation without gathering any useful information.
If you’ve already used this method, it is not too late to go back and make use of http://www.strategicbusinessnetwork.com/ArticleLostArt?id=22681the lost art of follow-up.
Call the keep-your-eyes-and-ears-open people back, and ask for the names of the people they forwarded – referred — your information to. Then ask if you can use their name when calling those referrals.
Then, make those follow-up calls to the referrals.
Follow-up calls can make the difference between being forgotten and being top-of-mind when a job tailor-made for you comes across someone’s desk. Picture this: When you call, the busy executive will be furiously ratting through piles of paper to pull your resume. Now you’re at the top of the pile.
So, a big part of successful networking is follow-up. It gives you something meaningful to do; it keeps your name top-of-mind and it puts you in control.
Taking charge of your network adds more energy to your job search and lets your contacts know you are serious about landing a good opportunity.
I wonder what luck you have had with networking contacts. Did it get you the interview or the job? A good way to learn how to network is to learn from others’ successes.
Have you followed up with networking contacts? Has it worked?
