Community Employment Resource Centre

Networking

Taken from Barbara Moses’, “What Next?: The complete guide to taking control of your working life”

What is it?

Networking is one of today’s most important career-management skills, not only for obtaining a job, but for gathering ideas for your work. Studies have shown that 70% of people in new positions found them through networking. The concept of networking is fairly simple – you communicate with people you know either directly or indirectly. They, in turn, may let you know of possible opportunities, pass your name on to others, refer you to others, share information and trends in the field, provide you with inside information, and let you know what it is like to work for a particular employer.

Networking in career search is a two-way exchange of information. Through good networking, both parties feel they have gained something from the exchange, and neither feel used or bothered by the event. It is about developing professional relationships where the goal is not to get an immediate payback but to reap long-term benefits.

What it is not?

Networking is not about:

• Passing out business cards and then quickly disappearing
• Starting every conversation with “I’m looking for work.”
• Being pushy or focused only on what you have to gain from the meeting
• Lecturing your networking partner on all of your expertise
• Using the name of someone you know and assuming it is an automatic door-opener
• Ingratitude (forgetting to send thank-you notes in appreciation of their time)
• Explaining how amazing you are and why this person should hire you
• Confining your networking to people just like you
• Evaluating your network in terms of whether they will pay off right away

Networking Strategies

Identify your network by writing down the names of 25 people you know. Don’t panic…use the categories below to get yourself started:

Category	Example
Family and friends	Family members, friends, neighbours
Social acquaintances; community/ volunteering contacts	Members of clubs, associations, church groups, friends of friends, community groups
Professional associates	Current and former classmates, teachers, professors, alumni associations
Educational contacts	Current and former classmates, teachers, professors, alumni associations
Service providers	Doctors, lawyers, hairdressers, plumbers, real-estate agents, estheticians, trainers

Now What?

After you have developed your list, network through personalized emails. This provides an easy vehicle for people to be helpful. To do this, you need to develop a personal message that you can convey. What would impress someone so they will want to help you? Write a script that is short (about 20 seconds), compelling, and to the point. Below is an example of how to develop your script:

“I spent the last ____ years in progressively more senior positions in _____________and developed deep knowledge of ________________. I am investigating opportunities in the _____________ sector that will use my _______________ skills in an exciting environment.”

Or

“I recently graduated from the program of _______________ with high standing. I am looking for work opportunities in a creative environment/the ____________ sector where my initiative and strong relationship-building skills will be recognized and where I can apply my professional skills in _________.”

• Now you can ask for a meeting. Make it easy for others to be helpful. Although face-to-face meetings might be ideal, some prefer telephone or email. Indicate the purpose of your call and how their expertise will help. Ask to set up a 15-minute meeting on the phone or in their office. Indicate who referred you. Say that you are not looking for a specific job. Although you may be looking for leads, you are also gathering information that will increase your knowledge, and hence marketability. Get in touch with the person who referred you once you have made contact and thank them for the introduction.

• Use your meeting time strategically. Be clear about the purpose of your meeting. It is not to get them to give you a job, but to explore ideas about where you might pursue job leads, others you should network with, and to share information. At the end, ask them if there are other colleagues they would recommend who might be a good resource.

• Follow-up with a thank-you note.

• Stay in touch. Update your network on your progress. Email them articles you think would interest them.