Networking

How to Network
What Networking Isn't
What Networking Is
Why Should I Network
How Can I Network?


How to Network

Networking is socializing with a purpose. Networking does not have to involve gathering the courage to contact the CEO of a company. It can be as simple as speaking to your friends or colleagues in a common group, or someone you meet in a plane. Everyone and anyone you meet might have information that could be useful to you. Friends are excellent networks. Family members, likewise, are excellent sources of information. Consider your physician. Or your minister. Or team mates. Or parents of team mates. Or co-workers. Or former co-workers.  Anyone is a potential networking source.

What Networking Isn't

Ask the average person how she or he feels about networking and more often than not, the reaction will be one of cynicism. For some reason networking has a very negative connotation. Generally people do not understand networking. For your professional sake, it would be well for you to reframe networking. Networking is not cajoling or manipulating or using people. It's not getting something from people then dropping them like a hot potato.

What Networking is

Networking is developing a relationship with people whose opinions and advice you value and respect. It's letting people know you're looking for a job. It's asking people to keep you in mind if they know of or hear of anything. Remember, it's a relationship and as such, it is reciprocal. It is helping others when you can.

Why should I network?

• It is estimated that 75 to 80% of jobs aren't advertised. The way to find out about those unadvertised jobs is to know and talk to people. The more people you know in key areas the more likely you are to hear about jobs coming up.
• People are your best source of information. This information might be "What is a job in XX like?" "what do you actually do all day?" "what qualifications are needed for a career in XX?" "what does your dept really need at the moment?"
• People know other people. Maybe your friends or family know someone in XX and can put you in touch.

How can I network?

• Brainstorm a list of everyone you know.
• Might some of them have ideas about your strengths?
• Do they all know that you are looking for another job?
• Different people will have different information. Some might know about a job coming up, others might just have read an article that is relevant. Don't discount anyone as 'not important enough' or 'outside the field'.
• Don't see it as a separate task to be built up to. Be aware that every time you talk to someone you are networking. Make a note if they mention something of interest and record an email address or website.