The importance of networking in your job search is still under-utilized. Too much time is spent online looking through job postings or scanning the employment section in the newspapers. Effective networking and leveraging your personal address book is the key to finding your next job. Maximize your job search resources in 3 simple steps:
Get Organized
First, it’s important to get organized: make a list of everyone you know. Add as much detail about the person as you can. This includes finding and writing down their phone numbers, email addresses and employer information and put them in one place: your address book, online social network depository or even a spreadsheet. The key is that you have them in one place. If you are not sure if you should include someone in your network or not, include them! Consider categorizing your contacts, by industry they work in or jobs they hold etc.
Connect with Your Contacts
Call your contacts and let them know you are looking for a job or career change and that you are asking their advice. Inquire what jobs, careers, or organizations each contact thinks you would best fit into. Best, try to meet with your contact in person, if appropriate and find out if he/she can refer you to two new contacts that might have information.
Most importantly, thank the contact and offer to keep him/her posted on your progress and then be sure to follow-up on this. It is crucial that you keep track of your efforts. So, make a record of when you talked, what advice was given, names and phone numbers of any referrals, and some personal interest or hobby the contact may have.
Make Your Meetings Count
Incorporate each new reference into your network contact system. Do your homework and research; then call each new referral and introduce yourself, referring to the mutual friend/contact. Indicate that you are exploring a few career options, and ask the contact for information about the job, career, industry, or company they represent. Whenever appropriate and practical, you should ask for the opportunity to meet face to face.
Again, thank the person for the information, and ask for two referrals of theirs who may be able to give further information about the job, career, organization, or industry. Record and track the conversation and information received.
It is important to remember to only ask the contact for information which he/she has the power to give you. As you network, be careful not to ask for a job unless the person has one to offer. Frame open ended questions and only ask questions that can’t be answered no. At the end of each meeting, ask what other advice the person would like to give you.
The idea of job networking is two-fold – for one it serves as a resource and research tool for you. Secondly, it allows you to be visible and make connections that can lead to informational interviews. Informational interviews are the platform you are looking for that will lead to actual job leads. So, keep in mind to track your progress and contacts, follow up with them and continue to nurture those relationships. You never know where they may lead…
Britta Stromeyer Esmail - Britta is a bilingual business management professional and executive coach with extensive domestic and international experience in the ...
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