Getting Started with Networking

Networking is a process that coordinates and expands your job search by:

Asking someone to give you a job or to get you a job will almost always end a conversation quickly. However, the people you have identified in the previous exercise are people who care about you. They are also people you feel comfortable being around and you know that they share some common interests with you. Now that you have identified people to assist you, identify some ways to use this network.

First contact all the people in your network. Let them know what kind of employment you are interested in and ask them to keep their ears open for leads or information. Above all keep in regular contact with your network, your job is to get back to them. Group 1 & 2 from your worksheet will most likely assist you in finding leads to "a job", (maybe not the exact type of job you want), but they can give leads to jobs that will help you pay the bills.

Never tell a network contact who brings you news or information that you're not interested. Always accept the news or information with a positive attitude and sincerely thank the person. Take some time and review the information before deciding how it can best assist you in your job search. Remember, it’s always easier to find a job when you have a job.

Another option that groups 2 & 3 (from the worksheet) can provide is information about professional conferences, meetings, or association gatherings. Don’t lose touch with these professionals and their networks.

Professional groups, their conferences and meetings are good places to meet the people who can hire you. These professional groups can also keep you in touch with your professional groups directional changes. This type of network interaction can keep you current on training, as well as keep your motivation up about your main employment interest. The sub-committees of these groups often work on topics or activities where you can build skills and public recognition, while gaining closer networking contacts.

The people in your network can give or get the names and telephone numbers of possible contacts. All you have to do is ask for assistance in identifying other possible contacts. To help your network grow, try to get at least two other contact names from each of the people you have identified above.

Your network grows faster and is less time consuming when you obtain two names rather than just one. As your network grows, you have the potential for more interviews and for development of more new contacts. New contacts are best cultivated by asking them to assist with information about the type of employment you are seeking. You can send them your resume as an additional follow-up.

How do you start networking? Begin by calling the people identified in your networking list above. Develop a telephone script to use during your calls. By developing a script of your skills in a pre-set presentation you will not be rambling or searching for what to say during your calls. These types of scripts sell your skills very effectively. See "Telephone Script Development" for more help with a script, brochure # 11.

A telephone call can gather information, but to make the networking contact the most effective you should meet with the person face to face. Nothing leaves a good impression like a neatly dressed professional with a winning smile. A good time to meet someone for this type of interview is:

For the people you have identified above it is also important to let them know more about the type of work you are seeking and ask them to keep an ear open for you. Keep in regular contact to collect any up-to-date information.