How to Job Network
Networking is critical to career growth. When attempting to network, it is necessary to be honest and prepared. Think about what you want to accomplish and express when you approach a networking opportunity. Do your homework by researching people who you would like to make contact with. This means learning about their work and projects and thinking of questions and statements that you can make that will showcase your knowledge. Here you will find tips and ideas that will help you to job network more effectively.
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Instructions
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Know why you want to network. Know what you want to do, where you want to work and how each contact will help you. Make a list of companies that you would like to contact through networking and identify individuals who can help you make these connections.
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Learn everything you can about the person you are making a contact with before talking with him. It will not look good if you ask your contact questions that are considered to be common knowledge. The more you know about your contact's company and projects, the more positive the conversation is going to be.
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Avoid acting desperate or overwhelming. The people that you make contact with will be much morel likely to help or recommend an individual who appears to be skilled and confident.
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Listen and pay attention. When one of your contacts offers you advice, she is taking the time to try and help you. Take the time to write a thank you note. Mention a part of your conversation in the note. This will let your contact know that you were, in fact, listening.
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Show respect for you contact. Never go to his office without scheduling an appointment. If you call a contact, always be polite and ask if she has time to talk. If it is appropriate, discuss other matters before bringing up network related questions or comments.
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Be sensible when asking for help. Do not overwhelm your contact with request for help and questions. Keep asking favors to a bare minimum. Do not ask your contact to do something that you can accomplish on your own.
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Ask before using a current contact's name to make a new contact. Never tell a potential contact that someone sent you or advised you to talk to them unless you ask your original contact first.
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Do not overuse the term "networking." Many people have negative associations with the word, so it is best to not announce the fact that you are networking. Instead, think of it as building relationships, seeking advice and learning from knowledgeable people.
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Avoid being aggressive. Never try to push a contact into doing something after he has said "No." Be assertive but not aggressive and annoying.
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Don't be pushy and aggressive. Be sensitive to just how much a contact is willing to do for you and don't push beyond that limit. Be persistent but not annoying.
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Tips & Warnings
Begin networking with friends, family and neighbors. Then move out to their friends, family and neighbors. You can also talk with co-workers, colleagues and people at workshops and conferences.
Talking with other parents, going to social clubs, attending meetings and talking with neighbors are all potential networking opportunities.
You are much more likely to be hired for a job if you have a contact within the company.
About 80 percent of available jobs never get advertised. Most positions are filled through recommendations and advertising.
When networking, do not make cold-calls to people that you don't know. If you want to make a contact, find someone that you know who can introduce you.
