April Hire Results for Job Seekers

Networking – The #1 Job Search Tool

Feeling like those resumes and applications that you are sending via the Internet are getting lost in cyberspace? Want to make the job search more personal and user friendly? Networking is the key to a successful job search and lets you become more than words on a page. It also opens up what is known as the “hidden job market” – the 80% of job opportunities that are never advertised.

What is networking anyway? According to the online Merriam Webster Dictionary, networking is defined as “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.” In plainer terms, it is people talking to people with a purpose. As a job seeker, your networking will be focused on employment opportunities. But, networking does not end once you have a new job. It is important to maintain your network as part of your work as a professional. It is also good to keep your network thriving so that when changes happen; you already have a good network in place.

Often times people are unsure about how to begin networking even when opportunities are right at their fingertips. Donald Strankowski, in his book Get Hired! 10 Simple Steps for Winning the Job You Desire—in Any Economy, emphasizes that your network begins with everyone from your neighbors to the person on the next treadmill to former colleagues and employers. Essentially, anyone you know is part of your network. It is your job to let that network know who you are and what you have to offer.

While Donald and other experts suggest that building a network while you are still working is the smartest approach, it is never too late to develop an effective network and networking plan. Here are some tips on getting your networking plan up and running.

Start with your Inner Circle

If the thought of entering a room full of strangers makes you cringe, then relax and take an alternate route. The best way to network is through people you know. Start by listing friends, neighbors, coworkers -- past and present -- and relatives. And while you're at it, don't forget to include important people like your child's teacher or soccer coach.

Branch out

Once you have activated your exisiting network, branch out by conducting informational interviews, attending professional association and networking events, and volunteering to bring new contacts into your network. This approach is especially important for career changers who need to create a new network to fit their new career goal.

Be Organized

Keeping track of your contacts and setting goals for following up with your network is an important aspect of networking success. Electronic files will be easier to maintain and update. It is important to maintain your contacts and follow up with them regularly. Keeping a spreadsheet or table makes this easy to do. Printing this out and keeping it where you can see it will help keep you focused on maintaining those contacts.

Be Prepared with your “Pitch”

The “elevator pitch” is just that – a short (30 seconds to 1 minute) speech that informs people of who you are, what you have to offer, and what you are seeking from your interaction with them. It is short because you usually only have a few minutes to get your point across, especially at a well-attended networking event. It also should not sound like a canned pitch or speech, but should be concise, casual, and conversational according to Donald Strankowski. For a detailed discussion of how to prepare your pitch, consult this link: http://www.quintcareers.com/writing_elevator_speeches.html from QuintCareers.com.

It's All About Relationships

Like healthy relationships; effective networking is about give and take. Before you make your first phone call or contact, consider what you can offer the other person. It may be as simple as passing on a sales lead or offering to take his child to Friday night basketball practice. While you are networking to find information and opportunities, you must also make it clear that you are there to help as well.

Be patient, persistent, and positive

Networking is a highly effective tool, but it does not produce instant results. Sometimes timing is everything. So, as you attend networking events, set up informational interviews, and get involved in volunteer activities, keep in mind that while effective networking takes time, it can pay great dividends in the end. Being persistent by following up regularly with your network contacts is another important aspect of successful networking.

Throughout the networking process, it is important to remain positive even when it feels like you have hit a wall. Every interaction brings the opportunity to meet someone new and learn something different. As the saying goes, as one door closes another one opens. Networking is a good example of this philosophy. Sometimes it just takes a bit longer to see that newly opened door. But, with effective networking, that door will surely open and be well worth the wait and effort.

Sources consulted for this article:
1. Strankowski, Donald. Get Hired! 10 Simple Steps for Winning the Job You Desire—in Any Economy. (2004)
2. Jefferson County Workforce Center workshop materials