Networking is such a broad and important topic. Here’s a situation that shows how ineffective networking can create problems, and some ways to address it, whether you’re the person doing the networking, or someone who’s had an awkward networking meeting.
Q: I was contacted recently by a job seeker who was referred by a friend and while I am glad to help, I was surprised by the job seeker’s approach. He came across as intimidating, and I have mixed feelings about sharing information with him. I value my friendship, but I’m not sure I can help this person.
A: Networking plays a big role in career development, and this is a good example of how important it is to communicate positively.
An overbearing networking contact can create barriers. An awkward approach may be the result of networking jitters, so you might check out the possibility that this job seeker was new at the job-search process.
Keep in mind networking is a learned skill, and some people must practice before they master it. One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is starting their networking efforts without understanding the purpose of their calls. Many times, job searchers see finding a job opening as the sole reason for networking.Being aware of how to effectively talk with referrals is vital to building and expanding your networking activities as you look at your current and future goals.
Consider relaying this information to your friend. Think about it this way: If the job seeker who approached you continues to keep his overbearing networking style, your friend needs to know because it is your friend’s name that is being used as a reference. You can help your friend and the job seeker by providing feedback on the referral’s networking efforts.
Your help might be more valuable than you think. Your feedback on the job seeker’s networking style could be what is needed to help him land a good job. Many times, just increasing someone’s awareness can change his networking from mediocre to highly effective.
Networking is a job-search skill that doesn’t come easily to everyone, but it’s so important to looking for a job or making the most of the job you have. Put simply, networking is the art of connecting with people, a give-and-take relationship where ideas and information are exchanged.
How do you learn the fine points of networking, and how do you find people to network with? Networking groups help create the “who you know” part that is key to connecting with decision makers and gathering information. If you are new to networking or have let your networking circles diminish, consider attending a networking group.
These groups are designed to encourage networking and strengthen skills that make networking so effective. Spending time with a networking group can build your confidence and give you a chance to help other job seekers. Here’s the good news about networking: Anyone can start at doing it at any point in their life or career.
Did you know an average of eight to 11 job changes are now the norm for a worker’s career? You can see the value of effective networking skills.
