I keep talking about how important it is to network in order to land a job, but are you really listening?
I see you glaze over when I mention how you have to go out there and meet people. You think I’m nuts when I suggest that a possible job lead can come from some guy or gal you meet at a boring cocktail party you really don’t want to go to. And you really roll your eyes when I suggest you tell the old friend you meet by chance on a line in the supermarket that you’re looking for a new gig.
“Networking doesn’t really work,” I sense you thinking.
Or maybe you’re just afraid to go out on a limb like that. Meeting new people, or asking for help might make your palms sweat just thinking about it.
Such networking fears and misconceptions can doom your job prospects, according to Tom Dezell, author of “Networking for the Novice, Nervous or Naive Job Seeker.”
From what I hear from job seekers lately, networking is the primary way they end up getting jobs they enjoy, but you all still spend most of your time posting your resumes on job boards.
Time for some networking tough love.
The key is overcoming the following eight common misconceptions and job-seeker excuses, Dezell advises:
* 1. I anticipate a short job search. I will not start networking unless the search takes longer than anticipated.
* 2. I know a contact within a company, but she does not work in my field or department. I will not contact her since I doubt she can help me.
* 3. My friend/relative/neighbor works in a different field than I do. I do not see how they could possibly help me in my job search. Why identify that I am looking for work and embarrass myself?
* 4. Embarrassment
* 5. I have not spoken with this former colleague in X number of years. I feel very uncomfortable contacting him now that I am seeking employment - he might see my effort as transparent, only calling when I need something.
* 6. I don’t need or want anyone’s help; I can find a job on my own.
* 7. Networking is an imposition on busy people.
* 8. Government agencies have strict regulations covering their hiring process. Because the agencies must document adherence to these regulations, networking for government work will not be advantageous.
Once you get over these, he’s got 12 strategies you can follow in order to get some networking mojo:
* 1. Make a minimum of two contacts per day (or a predetermined time period) that are beyond your normal comfort range.
* 2. Never assume a no.
* 3. Target the “decision maker.”
* 4. Perfect your introduction (30 sec. commercial or elevator speech)
* 5. Focus all contacts on seeking advice rather than specific job openings.
* 6. Offer the contact something beneficial.
* 7. Show appreciation to people who offer helpful advice.
* 8. Always ask for additional contact names.
* 9. The more people that know you are seeking a job, the more potential leads you will get. Be open to any situation as having potential.
* 10. Establish a network email list.
* 11. Remember that improving your network is a marathon, not a sprint.
* 12. Once you get you next job, continue to build your network.
OK, go out there already. Do something. If you do, tell me what you did at the end of this post. I don’t care how inconsequential you may think it is. As an added incentive, I’m going to send one lucky reader/networker I choose randomly a copy of Dezell’s book.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Speaking from experience, it is much harder to build networks once you are outside the urban and suburban centers. Online networking tools have helped me keep in touch with many contacts, but there are simply fewer opportunities for networking in rural regions compared to those available in urban centers. The only real opportunities for networking typically occur at conferences or training sessions (and participation in those has been cut back by most employers who have been impacted by the economy), and then you are often networking with people from hundreds and hundreds of miles away. They’re a great resource for knowledge exchanges, but unless you are willing to uproot and move, they often are of limited value in a job search (unless they happen to have knowledge of things in your area to which you are not privy–possible, but not likely for an individual who is well-connected on the local level).
BTW–I’ll echo the sentiment that networking is key. Of the four jobs I’ve landed since my days of self-employment, I learned of three of those through my network. Even going back to my earliest work experiences, at least half of the jobs I had (and all of the “good” ones) came to me through friends and acquaintances.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Fabulous post! I would also like to add that, if at all possible, start building your network BEFORE you are looking for a new gig. Whether or not you are in the midst of a job search, ask anyone you network with what you can do for them. If you can connect them with helpful resources-whether someone to paint their house, do their taxes or helping them find a new position-the reciprocal relationship will be remembered. When you can offer assistance, always do so!
February 18th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Very helpful post, especially the 12 tips. Approach networking from the mindset of “It’s better to give than to receive.” The more you’re willing to help people with your own expertise, sharing a contact, etc., the more willing they and others will be to help you when you really need it. To echo K. Siewert, it’s better to build a network when you’re not looking for a new gig. That way, you don’t have that cloud of desperation hanging over you as you interact with your contacts.
February 18th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
I think the problem I was having the most with networking is just getting out and meeting people. After watching the movie “Yes Man” I just sucked it up and said yes to everything. As crazy as it sounds it worked. The tips presented above are great and I am going to share them. Great post, I enjoyed reading.
February 19th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
What I’ve done is when a recruiter contacts me, even if there is no question that I’m either not qualified or not interested,I still thank them for their interest and offer to pass along additional job postings that they might have to those I know. I also ask that they connect with me on LinkedIn. So far, still unemployed, but working my connections…
February 19th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Terrific post! I’m going to share this post with all the out-of-work people in the Job Support Group that I run at my church! It’s the push many people need to get out there and do what they have to do to find a job. Thanks, Ron
February 19th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
I have talked and taught for the past 20 years about the importance of networking. The jobs can come from anywhere. Just recently, I had volunteered with a local festival. Also volunteering was an executive from a local company. At the party for the volunteers, he rushed up to me and asked if I was still doing some teaching and training as he had a need for someone to come in to take the place of a trainer who had to be away for a time. It wasn’t a long term position, but it just proves that networking works and the opportunities can come from out of the blue.
February 20th, 2010 at 1:41 am
Excellent and motivating post - thank you. I shall endeavour to overcome my innate British reserve and get out there to try and focus on those 12 ideas!
February 21st, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Thanks for the networking ‘tough love.’ I admit to having thought of many of the excuses you listed. This next week I will make those two contacts a day and see what happens!!
February 21st, 2010 at 5:53 pm
All of you who are reaching out and making contacts, share your story here, even if it turns out to be a bust. You could win a networking book, or some advice from some career experts and the rest of the world!
March 20th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
I have been reaching out to the same people for a year now and so far nothing has come up. It’s getting tiring. I can sense that some of my friends are starting to get agitated with my constant pestering. My former professors don’t even respond to my emails, which is obnoxious. To say it is discouraging is an understatement. I have taken on 2 internships so I will have some new contacts, but I don’t know if I can really ask them for a reference WHILE I’m working for them or if I should wait until I leave. I know that would not be in good taste if I were actually a paid employee, but as an unpaid intern, I’m just not sure.
The fact that I am unemployed means I have no money, which means making it out to these events that usually cost something is incredibly difficult. All of the events that would serve me well are in New York City, which adds up to a $30 commute each time, on top of whatever fees I would have to pay. I’m finding that networking is easier said than done.