Networking, a great way to land a job!

Networking is the process of making intentional, career-related contacts through personal acquaintances and their referrals. The purpose of making those contacts is to gather information, advice, and references that will ultimately lead to interviews and employment offers. Since most job vacancies are not advertised people find jobs through personal contacts and referrals. 70-80% percent of entry-level postions are not advertised and 90% of non-entry level positions are not advertised.

The following list should be helpful prior to the networking situation or opportunity.

  • Identify your potential network-family, friends, co-workers, etc.
  • Decide what you need to learn about a particular position or industry.
  • Assess what you have to offer the employer.
  • Prepare a terrific resume and have it reviewed.
  • Summarize your resume qualifications or key selling points onto a business card.
  • Prepare questions for use in formal networking sessions (ex. topics: career paths, job responsibilities, state of the industry, money and advancement, education and experience).
  • For informal situations, prepare a one-minute introduction, or self-marketing statement.

This next part of this list will be useful during the networking situation or opportunity.

  • Be explicit about your purpose-to obtain information, not a job.
  • Discuss your qualifications, but focus on the information recevied from the contact.
  • Be courteous and concise.
  • Ask clear questions.
  • Distribute your personal business cards to your contacts, but be selective.
  • Ask for additional referrals.
  • Have a copy of your resume available in the event it is requested.

Use this information after the networking session.

  • Always follow up promptly with a thank-you note.
  • Keep in touch with your contacts with periodic phone calls or e-mails.
  • Make notes on the back of business cards you receive. They may be very helpful in the future and will refresh your memory of past encounters.

Following these simple guidelines should make the networking process go smoothly for anyone looking for a job.