While networking is not a new topic, when it comes to job searching there are those who put off participating in professional associations, community groups or industry events. They just don’t want to network.
Statistics show networking plays a huge role in a job search, and it plays a part in 80 percent of all effective job-search techniques. Whether networking takes place using online social networks such as Linkdin or it is done in person, it is a lifelong process based on giving and receiving information.
I posed some of the most common networking-group questions to three people involved in community-outreach networking and job-search groups.
Ernie Perez is executive director of Greater Houston Career Alliance, a non-profit organization that supports various networking and job search groups. Doug Thorpe is executive director at Southwest Job Ministry, a faith-based job search group that is open to anyone. Gerry Fusco is director of the Senior Manager’s Group of Between Jobs Ministry, a non-profit organization also open to all faiths.
What is networking?
Ernie Perez described networking as a “contact sport” — simply connecting with others. He said networking creates timing, or being at the right place and at the right time. The timing element can’t happen if you are not out there meeting others.
Doug Thorpe said networking is a key component of a larger picture. His job-search group discusses the idea of “paying it forward” to others, because helping others is part of networking.
Gerry Fusco sees networking as a win-win attitude. He said you should always be prepared to win. Prepare for an event by researching how you can help other attendees. Do your homework before the event, because you never know when you might meet someone needing your help. Networking is not about finding a job, it’s about asking “how can we help each other?”
What are some barriers that keep people from attending networking groups?
Perez said a lack of knowledge often prevents job seekers from reaching out. He often hears such comments as, “I don’t know anyone there who could hire me, so why attend?”
Fusco has observed job seekers who are not sure what they want to do, and he believes this can leave job seekers without an action plan. It’s difficult to discuss your job search plans if you have no idea what you want to do.
Thorpe said people have trouble finding the right networking group, so they don’t attend one at all. How do you know if you’re in the wrong group? Thorpe said if you are meeting the same contacts at three or four networking events in a row, you need to go somewhere new and meet new contacts.
Is there competition for the same type of jobs in these groups?
Job seekers should look at competition as a way to help their colleagues who are in the same field. “If you go in with an attitude of helping others in your same field, you end up gathering contacts that you might not have had,” Fusco said.
Each job candidate has unique capabilities. Helping each other leverage contacts will expand your network. Thorpe encourages job seekers to learn what their competition is doing well.
Perez sees competition as a fact of life in networking groups. “Just accept there will be competition, and use it to help one another. Like-minded job seekers working together are more likely to land a job,” he said. He receives calls every day from job seekers who want to pass along leads.
The interesting and exciting part of networking is that you never know where leads will come from.
How would you describe the power of networking?
Fusco sees networking as serendipitous; if you help others with their goals, leads usually come your way from unexpected places. Being prepared to talk about your value and the background you bring to an employer is only 50 percent of networking. The other 50 percent involves giving information to those who need your help.
Thorpe said a good attitude is the key to networking. Stay positive and energetic. The power of networking lies in connecting with one another in a positive way and being comfortable with describing your value.
Networking also pays off in more intangible ways, Perez said. Reaching out to help others provides positive feedback and can lift spirits during a touch job search. A tremendous amount of self-esteem and strength is transferred when attending groups.
“Job seekers have a way of wanting to suffer in silence. For example, sending out dozens of resumes with no response can lead to feelings of frustration. Attending groups helps people accept that job loss is not a personal issue but rather an economic situation,” he said.
If you’ve attended networking groups, I’d like to hear what you gained from the experience.
