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Career Tip: Networking

Ask any employed person how they got their job and you may hear a story about a friend who knew a friend, who knew a friend, who knew….you get the picture.  This is a prime example of what we in the business world call networking.  In this week’s newsletter, we will discuss the importance of networking and give you tips on how to do it effectively. 

 

IT’S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW… -  According to  Fisher & Vilas in Power Networking,  “Networking is making links from people we know to people they know, in an organized way, for a specific purpose, while remaining committed to doing our part, expecting nothing in return.”  In simpler terms, networking is a 2 ways street…getting to know people, what they do, and how they can help you get where you need to go, all the while repaying the favor when need be.  Sound egotistical and selfish?  Not really…if you keep the right attitude about it.  I suggest identifying someone who has your dream job and make arrangements to meet that person.  An email is a non-intrusive way to introduce your self and strike up a conversation.  Tell them that you are interested in their profession and ask them what a typical day is like, what training they have, and suggestions for young professionals just getting started in the business.  A few meetings later and you have a great contact…and quite possibly a mentor.  A word of caution…make sure that you are sincere!  Most of us can smell a phony a mile away! 

 

…IT’S WHO YOU KNOW – According to the National Association of College and Employers, if someone refers you to a position, you are 80% more likely to get an interview.  That is huge!  Getting the word out that you are looking for employment is key.  Don’t keep your job search a secret…TELL EVERYONE!  Once you have advertised that you are available, keep your contacts updated on your progress.  Email, Facebook or MySpace old friends and ask them to be on the look out.  Checking with the Career Center, your professors, university administrators or alumni association is also a great place to pick up some names.  Also joining professional student organizations and attending industry conferences place you in contact with tons of professionals in one place.

 

THE LAW OF 250 – Getting freaked out?  Don’t!  You know more people than you think.  According to CollegeGrad.com, each person knows about 250 other people.  If we assume that those 250 people know 250 other people, that puts you at a 2^nd level of “contact” with approximately 62,500 people (although there may be some overlap)…and you haven’t even broken a sweat.  Replicate that one more time and you are up to 15 million!!  Crazy, huh? 

 

KEEPING TRACK – Networking should actually be spelled netWORKing…this stuff isn’t easy!!!  Keeping contacts strait can be a full time job.  A notebook or spread sheet might work.  A little trick I use…when meeting someone I always ask for a business card.  After our conversation, I jot notes about them on the back…job duties, any mutual friends, colleges attended, hobbies disclosed, etc.  This helps to jog my memory and allows me to include some personal touches in my correspondence.  For example, on the back of a contact’s card in my file I wrote,”fitness buff…in a competition in TX in Sept.”  My follow up correspondence read, “Good luck in your competition in the Lone Star state.  Let me know how you do.”  Simple, but effective! 

 

Networking is nothing more than building genuine relationships.  Putting yourself out there can bring great rewards.  For more information, feel free to stop by the Career Center.  Best wishes to you for a successful job search.  Let us know how we can help.

 

Source: Jason Umfress, 2006