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Career Networking

For those who believe networking isn’t a worthwhile activity, here’s a telling fact. The Wall Street Journal reported that 94% of successful job seekers credited their professional network as helping secure the right career opportunity. Now that we have your attention, spend just a few more minutes devoted to the following information. It could lead to a lifetime of greater opportunity for you.

Networking—it’s only necessary if you want to advance your career.

Sure, you can climb the corporate ladder without networking, but you run the risk of adding months, if not years, to the process. After more than 60 years of working closely with employers and employees, we know that every stage of your career benefits from networking. So let’s get you started.

GREAT PLACES TO START:

Professional:

  • Bosses
  • Customers
  • Associations
  • Peers
  • Consultants
  • Competitors
  • Subordinates
  • Vendors
  • Peers in other companies
  • Co-workers
  • Recruiters
  • Former co-workers

Personal:

  • Former teachers/professors
  • Attorneys
  • Clubs/associations
  • Bankers
  • Accountants
  • Politicians
  • Stockbrokers
  • Classmates
  • Relatives
  • Realtors
  • Dentists/doctors
  • Clergy

FOLLOW THE RULES OF EFFECTIVE NETWORKING:

Always be prepared

  • Always carry business cards and learn important names
  • Casual conversations may lead to important connections
  • Don’t be shy, if an acquaintance knows a contact, ask for an introduction

Have a plan of action

  • Let your contacts know you’re serious about your intentions; it will motivate them to help you
  • Be respectful of your contact’s valuable time

Don’t limit your number of contacts

  • Be sure to communicate with all contacts, not just the ones with which you’re most familiar
  • For every person you contact, ask for a minimum of two additional referrals

Be genuine

  • Begin every conversation by mentioning who referred you
  • Take interest in their backgrounds and what they have to tell you
  • Don’t rush the conversation …they’ll notice if you do

Ask for information—not a job

  • Explain your goals and ask for advice
  • Don’t ask for a job

Focus your conversations on career goals

  • Have a 60-second sound bite prepared on your career objectives, your major strengths and accomplishments
  • Quickly ask for input and advice

Reciprocate

  • Offer assistance, if appropriate, even if the person isn’t of immediate benefit to your job search (e.g., the contact may have an industry question that you can help with, etc.)

Follow-up

  • Follow-up on leads large and small
  • Send a thank-you note to contacts after landing a new job

SHARPEN YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Professional networking usually begins with a phone call…one that will likely determine whether you’ll meet face-to-face. Communication skills can make or break a career, so brush up and be sure to present yourself in a professional manner whether in person, on the phone or via written communication.

A QUICK REVIEW:

  • Establish the call objective before dialing.
  • Develop a script.
  • Role-play your call with a friend.
  • Research your contact’s background and that of their employer.
  • Always mention the name of the person referring you to the contact.
  • Always make sure your contact has time to talk.
  • Use a conversational, professional tone.
  • Be prepared to answer career questions.
  • Be enthusiastic.
  • Be persistent. It may take a few calls so keep trying.
  • Follow up on any requests your contact may have had
  • Send a thank-you note.