Why network?

Networking is the single most powerful way to get a job (or any professional goal) in today’s competitive market. 

 

What is networking?

Networking is a vehicle for making contacts with people who will connect you to your ideal job.  If you’re skilled at growing your network, it will help you realize your ongoing and changing professional and personal goals throughout your life.  

 

Who is in my network?

A network is made up of people who you meet and get to know.  Anyone can be part of your network – your relatives, your friends, your hair dresser, your teachers, your previous employers, just about anyone you meet.   Be creative.  Consider anyone who has knowledge of your goals to be a part of your network. 

 

How do I begin networking? 

It is never too soon to begin networking.  It is as easy as meeting new people and asking them what they do, telling them what you do or what you want to do.

 

What kinds of questions should I ask someone who I want to include in my network and what do I do with advice?

Ask about their professional and personal goals.  Ask them how they achieved their goals or how they intend to achieve them.  Ask them their opinions on things that matter to you.  Ask them for their advice on how to go about achieving your goals.  You don’t have to follow all the advice you get, but you may get some good thoughts especially from those who have more experience than you.  Just remember, listen to what others say and evaluate advice as objectively as possible.  Choose the advice that works best for you.

 

What information should I offer about myself to someone in my network?

Tell them your professional and personal interests.  Suggest how they may be able to help you achieve your goals and offer them something in return if you think it would be beneficial to them. 

 

What do I do once I’ve met someone who I consider to be in my network?

The longer you know a contact, the more comfortable they will feel recommending you for an internship, project or job.  Therefore it is important that you have a strategy to continue your contact with a person after you have met them.  Of course, this depends on how and where you’ve met the person and what involvement you will have with them after you’ve met.  If you see the person regularly, it’s easy to update them about what you are doing and what you are looking for.  If you see them occasionally, use these meetings to give them your updates.   Remember to get contact information like telephone numbers, emails and/or addresses.  A business card will have this information on it.  During your absences, send them holiday cards, letters or emails on regular intervals to keep up with them. 

 

What is the best way to ensure that those in my network will recommend me when the time is right?

Always be the consummate professional.  Even if your contact is a personal friend – always maintain your honesty and integrity.  You are always being evaluated.  Conduct yourself in a way that will reinforce your positive qualities.  A network contact will never recommend you if they question your integrity because it will reflect poorly on them. 

 

Is a network only for my benefit?

Absolutely not.  Offer those in your network advice, free service, and other contacts.  Your willingness to help others in your network will encourage others to help you when you are in need.  Remember, not only are these people in your network, but you are in theirs.  

 

What do I do when I try to make a contact and he/she is not interested in me?

Don’t be discouraged by this.  People who are great at networking will tell you that they don’t allow others’ rejection to slow them down.  Perhaps it was not the right time for them to meet someone new or incorporate another person into their network.  It probably has nothing to do with you and there is nothing you can do about it.  Move on to the next opportunity and don’t look back.