Ignoring networking can cost you a new job
Q: I started a job search a month ago and knew I should be using networking to meet new people, but it feels strange to me. To be honest, I had searched online more than I had reached out to people hoping I would find a job before I had to network. Now, I need to start networking and have no idea where to start. Any suggestions you have about networking would be helpful.
A: Most will agree that networking is an effective way to job search even though it can feel awkward.
There are no two networkers who will share the same results because effective networking is a combination of your personality and strategy.
You naturally network with people. Whether you label it as such, you are constantly exchanging information. One of the challenges with networking can be the negative perception attached to it from those who go about networking chaotically.
Awkward feelings toward networking can indicate you lack a plan of action. It would help if you had a purpose for reaching out to people in your mind before you begin talking. When people start a networking conversation by asking for a job, the discussion is over before it began. The reason? No one likes to feel cornered or on the defensive before rapport is established.
If you find networking difficult yet agree on the role that networking plays in your job search, these suggestions may help you refresh your efforts:
• Your networking foundation starts with rapport-building rather than your immediate need for a job.
• Know the image you want to project with a wellprepared introduction, do not memorize your script. Instead, practice saying your introduction until it feels natural. What is the one thing you want the person to remember about you once the meeting is over?
• Be approachable by sharing your background and what you may have in common with the person you are meeting. Effective networking starts with you giving direction to the discussion, conveying the purpose of your meeting.
Effective networking starts with you giving direction to the discussion, conveying the purpose of your meeting.
• Networking is both giving and receiving. Asking for information is a vital plan of your meeting — without it you are just meeting with no direction in mind.
• Keep the meeting focused by developing a plan around these questions. What is my purpose for the discussion? And what type of information am I looking for?
• Ask people how you can help them. Write down a list of open-ended questions ahead of time to keep the discussion interesting and moving forward. Know something about the person before you meet.
• Never skip following up and always send a thankyou note.
Kimberly Thompson, M.Ed. is a national board-certified counselor and career coach. Send questions to kim@careerrescue.com or visit her blog at http://blog.chron.com/careerrescue/