What is Networking?

If you are conducting a job search, you need to take some time and learn how to  build, systematically, a personal network that will work for you.

• Networking is a reciprocal process based on the exchange of ideas, advice, referrals, leads, and contacts. 
• Networking is a social activity which involves simply chatting with people.
• Systematic networking is a planned and structured campaign that starts with friends, acquaintances, and relatives.
• Networking allows you to meet with all kinds of new people who have information you would like to have.

Why is Networking Important?

• The key to networking is knowing how to access the “hidden job market.”
• Studies have indicated that as many as 80 % of all positions are filled through informal hiring methods.
• Employers have long relied on word-of-mouth advertising, information from friends, and behind-the-scenes favors when seeking to fill openings.
• The methods used for successful networking save valuable time and money and yield satisfying results.
• Building a personal networking system will place you in the right place at the right time to get the job you want.
• The objectives of networking are as follows: 1) To inform people you are available for hire.   2) To discover jobs in the hidden job market. 3) To communicate with a wide variety of people. 4) To increase your general employer knowledge. 5) To impress professionals who might be in a position to hire you.

What are the Tips to Networking Success?

• Everyone is a potential contact. The more people with whom you come into contact, the higher the probability of success.
• Expect rejection.  Everyone experiences some amount of rejection so be prepared for your share.
• Keep it low pressure. Your approach has to be subtle, honest, professional, and reciprocal.
• You need a plan. Your success will be directly related to your ability to develop and follow a targeted plan.

How Can I Create My Own Network?

Without knowing it, you have been making contacts and building your personal network your whole life. Everyone you have ever known is a potential contact that could lead you to a job offer.

• Step One – Self-Assessment. Decide what direction you want to take and what types of jobs you are interested in. What qualifications do you have?
• Step Two – Brainstorming. Identify your current networking contacts. Your basic network may include:

• Step Three – Make a “Hot” List. Make a list of possible contacts, prioritize them. People closest should be at the top of the list. Your first goal will be to start building relations with these people.
• Step Four – Make Contact. Make contacts in person through organizations, career fairs, and interactions with faculty, members of professional organizations, and representatives of college campuses.
  
  Communication by phone is more direct and sometimes more effective than a letter. Keep the following in mind:
  • Know what you want and be able to communicate it.
  • Have a written self-introduction.
  • Ask if you can forward a copy of your resume, which will allow your contact to become more familiar with your background and job qualifications.
  • Always ask for a referral to other professionals in your field. 

Writing a letter to possible contacts allows you to craft works more carefully. Some tips are:

• Keep your letters short. Convey your needs and goals.
• Start with a brief introduction. Indicate how and why you chose to contact the person to whom you are writing.              
• State how the contact can be of help to you.
• Indicate that you will follow up with a phone call in a specified amount of time.
• Provide your phone number so you can be contacted.

• Step Five – Maintain Communication. Stay in touch with your contacts so you can stay informed.

Some other key networking tips to remember include:

• Stay Organized.
• Be willing to reciprocate.
• Keep adding contacts.
• Always send thank-you letters.

Use the Internet to Network?

There are many ways you can use the Internet to increase both your networking skills and your personal network. Visit the Career Services web site to find links to a variety of resources.

• Find articles on the Internet about networking and join electronic discussion groups in your field.
• Utilize email in on-line employer profiles.
• Check professional association links.

Remember, the closest thing to knowing something is to know where it is and how to find it. To be effective, networking must be done in a true spirit of sharing. It is about requesting and offering, receiving and giving, accepting support and giving support.