Chapter 4 - Hi! I’m Looking for a Job (Networking)

Everyone giving job search advice says “network, always be networking.” Few, however, tell you what networking is or how to do it.

Networking is gaining information. When you are networking, you are putting yourself in places where you should be listening more than talking. Some places, such as industry associations, are prime areas to gain information, but you can be networking anywhere. In any casual conversation, you can ask probing questions without disclosing your purpose. Ask a person about what they do for a living, how their employer is doing, how they like their job. People love to talk about themselves. If the situation is appropriate and you are comfortable, you can insert into the conversation that you are looking for a job.

There is advice that suggest that you carry multiple copies of your resume with you at all times and distribute it to everyone you know. This may give you exposure to multiple employers, but it takes away your control. Instead, find out who is willing to assist you and how they can assist you. Be sure you continue to probe. Sometimes it is better if a common associate walks in your resume. Sometimes it is better if you just ask whom you should send your resume to. Knowing someone in an employer isn’t always a sure bet to get your foot in the door. The person you know may have one foot out of the door.

Why do you need to network when there is so much information that is readily available? Often times the best opportunities are the hidden opportunities. There are many influential people walking around with ideas in their head that they are not advertising. Those ideas could be the key to your next career. This is why networking is important not only when you are looking for a job but even when you are in a satisfying position. Knowing the latest and greatest information can either help you grow in your current position or open up doors that you did not even know existed.

So now that you know what networking really is and why you do it, are you wondering how to do it? The answer is simple, stay social and keep listening. Even if money is too tight to go to paid social events, you can meet people at Church, the local park, or volunteering. There are numerous success stories about partnerships made between people who met while volunteering for a worthy cause.

Remember, networking is not the same as sales. We will cover marketing yourself next in the manual. Since you are not selling anything, you should feel comfortable approaching your friends and family. Introduce yourself to their friends. Touch base with long lost co-workers, schoolmates, and other associates. Remember, you have talents, skills, and knowledge that they may find useful one day as well. Make as many contacts as possible. You don’t ever have to ask for anything, just ask how their careers are going.