What are the Top Tips for Successful Job Search Networking?
In my many years of career training, I have found that job searching via networking and using your personal contacts to find employment is one of the most effective job search methods. Some surveys have indicated that up to 50% of the workforce finds work via networking. Successful job searching via networking and personal contacts does not automatically happen. You have to make it happen. It is important to know your strengths, weaknesses, experience, skills and what you can offer employers. You may have to undertake Career Development counselling.
To be successful in getting a job you must have a clear idea about what type of jobs in what industries you are looking for. Very few friends are happy to refer someone to their colleagues who are simply looking for “anything”. It is best to network with personal contacts over a longer period of time. Therefore, do not leave your current job until you have found another one. If you are about to finish a course or graduate from university, start networking early. If you are between jobs, get cracking and make networking a priority!
Before contacting your personal contacts, spend time updating your resume and create a business card. A business card could simply be your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address printed at home on 1/8 A4 professional paper.
When starting to network, make a list of all your acquaintances who you could contact including, but not limited to family, relatives, people in your neighbourhood, people in your various clubs, business associations, sporting teams, social network, church, synagogue or mosque, people with whom you studied or worked with and within reason, your current clients and competitors. It may not be sensible to let your current organisation and your boss know that you are looking elsewhere; remember to alert each person that you speak to of this confidential aspect.
Once you have made up a list, prioritise the list as to who are the most appropriate people to start contacting. People who either are working in the area that you are targeting or the people who have a very close relative or acquaintance directly in the job or industry you are looking for are ideal, as they can immediately introduce you to appropriate decision makers.
Plan a script of what you are going to say when you meet these people. Use a job search technique referred to as “Information Interviewing”, where you inquire and gather as much information you can about the position, the industry and the company. In this information gathering process, the employer may then either offer you a position or be prepared to recommend you on to other appropriate decision makers. Plan your questions for these meeting well in advance.
I now suggest you start telephoning and if appropriate meet with the people on your list. Inform them exactly of what sort of opportunities, or positions you are ideally looking for. Let them know other secondary positions that you may be happy to do to gain experience or get a foot in. Remember to always ask for referrals to other decision makers.
Follow up all contacts with either a letter and resume or a business card. Keep accurate records of exactly who you spoke to and whom you sent resumes and business cards. Lastly, have a follow-up system in place where you professionally and in a timely manner, get back to these people to remind them that you are still interested and still looking for suitable positions.
Consider sending a ‘thank you card’ to those who took the time to meet with you and to refer you on to other decision makers. Good luck.
Mike Creagan is author of ’Surfing Your Horizons’, published by HarperCollins,
CEO of The Career Company and also a qualified career consultant. Find out more about his Job Search Secrets.