Tips for Fruitful Networking
Posted in Networking Tips
Networking is the most difficult and the most awkward yet one of the most effective ways of finding a job. You contact your friends, relatives, and former colleagues, setting up face-to-face meeting in hopes of getting job referrals. You could also go into industry-related events such as conventions and establish ties with potential employers.
One reason why networking is efficient because 80% of all available jobs are not posted in the classifieds or on job search sites. Also 60% of workers say they got their last job through networking.
If you want to have a fruitful and effective networking, here are ways that you should do.
Prepare a summary speech - Write a summary of what you want people to know about you that can be delivered in less than 30 seconds. Make your introduction upbeat and compact, consisting of who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for. Say more than that and you risk turning off the listener.
You have only one chance to make a good impression, you have to make it work. Try practicing in front of a mirror, and then on friends, before taking it to a networking event.
Use your existing ties - Tap on your existing contacts such as friends, family, and former colleagues. Inform them that you are looking for a job and ask if anyone has a contact who might be able to offer advice. Once you meet that recommendation, be sure to ask for two or three more referrals.
Join trade groups - Enlist in a dominant trade or industry group in your area, usually by paying a membership fee. You could also volunteer on one of the group's committees to meet members.
Show interest in others - Stop focusing on yourself and take an interest in the other person. Ask questions and get the contacts to talk about themselves and their business expertise.
Seek advice - Don't ask bluntly for a job. It may force the other person to refuse you. People are likelier to be generous with their time if you ask for their counsel. If you seem qualified for an opening, they will refer you to the right person to set up for an interview.
Build relationships - Strangers would not put their reputations on the line for you. You need to build ties with a new contact before asking for help. Try dropping a personal note to a new contact you meet at an industry event, they follow up perhaps with a helpful article or introduction to someone you know.
Don't be selfish - Remember that networking is a two-way street. If you meet with a recruiter, offer to introduce him to the smartest people you know in the industry.
Don't abuse relationships - There is no exact rule on how many phone calls to your new contact are too many. Try to gauge yourself if you are coming across as always looking for a favor.
Follow through - Nothing can kill a budding networking relationship faster than not writing a proer thank-you note. You can e-mail it, but don't assume the content is any less important than in the old-fashioned, hand-written, snail-mailed method. A three-line message with a smiley face is unacceptable. You could also keep your contact informed on how your meeting went with someone he or she referred you to.
Maintain your network - Cultivate your ties even if you are no longer looking for a job. Remember that majority of jobs are unpublished and you may hear an exciting opportunity from them.
