Networking Networking is a means of using personal and professional contacts to increase the likelihood of completing a successful job search. Essentially, you speak to people that you know about your career interests and goals and request their assistance in helping you find employment. Keep in mind that you are not asking these individuals for a job, you are asking for advice and information. In this way, you can have 10 to 20 people helping you with your job search. Your initial contacts may assist you directly, with job leads and information about the people and problems in your field or indirectly, through helping you get you in touch with other people they know who may be able to help you. It is important to remember that networking is a two-way street. Just as your contacts are in a position to help you, you should make an effort to help them in any way you can. One way to do this is by learning their goals and interests as well and passing along information and opportunities that you think they may appeal to them. Many students are reluctant to use networking in their job search. The thought of it makes them uncomfortable and nervous. To be sure, doing anything new and foreign is difficult but the payoff here is worth any discomfort initially experienced. It is often helpful to recall that most people enjoy helping others, particularly if they are asked for advice and are being regarded as an expert or someone in the know. To help you start networking, the process has been broken down into a series of manageable steps. STEP ONE: IDENTIFY CONTACTS You should be able to name at least 20 names right off the bat. Some of these people may not be familiar with the field you are interested but that does not exclude them from being a good contact. Essentially, include anyone you know who knows and respects you that would be willing to take some time to discuss your career plans. Some possible sources for contacts: Relatives Friends Faculty/Staff members Current Supervisors/Colleagues Past Supervisors/Colleagues Alumni (Current/past programs, sorority/fraternity, prep school) Association members (professional, trade, school-related) Community Business People Other professionals you deal with (your doctor, dentist, local merchants, accountant, etc.) Company Representatives As you develop identify your contacts, you may also want to devise a system to keep track of them, as your contacts start referring you to other contacts this becomes even more important. You should keep track of: Names, addresses, & telephone numbers; email addresses and websites How you were referred to the person/ know the person Name of company/business/school, etc. along with title Dates and times of your contacts with the person How you contacted the person (telephone, letter, meeting, etc.) Notes on content of the contact Follow-up needed or done Sample Network Contact Record To keep track of further contacts with this person, use the back of the index card and paperclip additional cards to it. Some of you may find it simpler to keep your contact logs on computer. STEP TWO: ESTABLISH GOALS Decide on the number of contacts you will make each week and devote a certain time to do so. Make sure it is a good time for making phone calls, setting up meetings, etc. You will also need time to set up and update you records. STEP THREE: PREPARE AND PRACTICE YOUR SCRIPT Similar to the presentations discussed in the interviewing section, you need to consider what it is you will say to your contacts about yourself and what you are requesting. If you choose to fully write out your script, ensure that it is conversational in tone (as opposed to the more formal language of written communication) and that it does not come across as a "canned" speech. You will probably want to consider a separate introduction for those contacts that you know well and those you have not yet met. You will want to include a one or two minute self-introduction: Hello, my name is Kendra Scott. Jason Miller gave me your name and thought you might be able to share some information with me. I am graduating from St. Johns River Community College this April and am interested in working in Human Resources. I know that most companies prefer that candidates have a minimum of 3 years experience and I do not quite meet that. I had an internship this past Spring with the College in their Human Resource Department and have worked in several other office settings. Through those positions, I have become familiar with FMLA, ADA, and Dept. of Labor regulations with most of my experience being in benefits coordination. And then expand the discussion to state your objective: I am interested in relocating to the Jacksonville area. Jason said that you have worked in several HR Departments in the downtown area and may be able to provide some insight and assistance. Specifically, I was wondering if you would meet with me to share any information you may have concerning the local HR offices and their hiring preferences. There are a few companies I have targeted as possibilities and would like to get your experienced opinion of them. It would also be wise to: Anticipate some questions your contact may have for you and prepare answers. Prepare some questions to ask the contact. A good one that can really start a conversation going and get the person interested is to ask them to outline their own career path and their current goals. Plan and prepare for any objections you may encounter. Don't let an objection immediately end the conversation, keep your listeners needs in mind and offer ways around the objection. STEP 4: MAKE CONTACTS Choose the method that provides the best chance for your target to get the message personally. Their direct phone line (be prepared with a brief message in case you get voicemail) and e-mail are two good bets. If you cannot get to them directly, be courteous with everyone you encounter and do not ask them to set up appointments for you. Politely explain what you looking and ask if you can call back at a later time to see if your potential contact is available or if they know of anyone else who may be able to help you. STEP FIVE: AT THE MEETING Be professional and act with confidence and enthusiasm Begin with small talk to relax yourself and allow your contact to switch gears Introduce yourself Propose a purpose, agenda, and time limit for the meeting Initiate discussion, perhaps with a question Pay attention to signals from your contact. Is he enjoying the discussion and does he seem willing to prolong it? Let it flow. Does he seem confused by something you said? Stop, probe, and explain. Ask for feedback and advice on career plans Exchange business cards (have some printed up if needed) Verify any follow-up or action items agreed on by you or your contact Offer to keep the contact informed of your progress STEP SIX: FOLLOW UP Follow up within a week of your meeting. A thank-you note is appropriate after any meeting or substantive telephone conversation. Keep your eyes open for anything of interest to your contacts and send it to them. When you attain a career goal let your contacts know and thank them again for their help. If your contact is to get more information to you, follow up periodically (without becoming bothersome) or determine ahead of time when you should contact them for it. Job search skill books covering networking are available in the campus Career Resuorce Centers. See a list of available titles. The following online networking tips are also available: Alumni Abilities OnLine Monster.com's Communicate! Alumni-Network The Women's NetworK BACK TO TOP