Why Network?
Networking in regards to a job search is when people connect with other people to exchange information and develop contacts. According to Martin Yate, in his book, Knock em Dead, “getting into conversations with the people who can actually offer you a job in the only way you are going to get hired.” Martins says that the more ways you have of getting into these conversations, the sooner your job search will be over. Integrating networking into your life is extremely important for your job search. Developing your network through conversations is actually easier than you may think and you may be surprised at how many people you already know.
Types of Networking?
- Social Networking (LinkedIn and Facebook)
- Professional Associations
- Alumni networks
- Community Networks (family, friends, volunteer, religious and special interest groups)
How to Network
- Attend Events or Classes:
- Make Contacts:
- Teachers, Preachers, Politicians
- Beauticians, Barbers
- Realtors
- Police Officers
- Business Owners
- Online and social networks
Proven Networking Strategies
- Contact all the people you know who work in the same field or occupation as you. Ask if they could help you get a job interview within their company
- Use email or social networking sites to contact your friends. Make sure you keep your message brief by simply letting them know what kind of job you are looking for and the city where you wish to work. Also mention if you are willing to re-locate
- Make contacts by talking with as many people as you can in your community.
- Use Facebook and LinkedIn as they are great places for recruiters to find you. Social Networking Increases you odds of finding a job opening. It makes you more visible and you can build a network of people in the same profession. You may also find job openings from employers, special interest groups and links to job sites
- Contact your References. Find at least three people who will give you a “positive” recommendation. References can be great networking resource.
- Visit company web sites for your chosen profession and see what kind of job openings they have.
- Set up an Informational Interview. You can learn about a certain career move or company. Find people through friends, colleagues, your alumni networks or LinkedIn. Contact them to set up a meeting or phone call. Keep in mind that informational interviews are used to build relationships and expand your network, not to get a job.
- Search for jobs on some of the large job sites such as Careerbuilder.com, Monster.com Hotjobs.com, LinkedIn.com, Indeed.com and Craigslist.org. You may have to set up an account and fill out a profile first.
- Join a professional association and meet other professionals in your field or volunteer on a committee where you can offer up your expertise.
- Attend a job fair in your neighborhood or city.
- Research a company you want to work for and mail a letter and ask for a job interview
- Call a hiring manager directly and ask for a job interview.
Personal Community Networks and Professional Associations
Personal Community Networks
- Friends and Family
- Social
- Volunteer
- Religious Organizations
- Special Interest Groups
- Professional Associations
- References and Past Managers
- Informational Interviews – learn about a certain career move or the company
Professional Associations
- Industry specific (e.g. Retail, Education)
- Special Interest or minority groups
- Volunteering for an association
- Association Newsletters
- Alumni Associations
- Company alumni associations
- Past Managers and other references
Resources:
Informational Interview Tutorial: :http://www.quintcareers.com/informational_interviewing.html
The Job Hunting Handbook – Everything you need to get hired by Harry Dahlstrom
