The Power of Networking: Maximize networking as a strategy for finding and getting the job or career that you want

It is said that 80% of filled jobs are unpublished or “hidden”. So how can do we find out about these jobs? …by networking

87% of job seekers find employment through Networking. According to “What Color is My Parachute,” 12 networking or informational interviews can result in 1 job offer. Networking is a critical strategy to tapping into the unpublished job market. As stated in the Riley Guide, “Networking is consistently cited as the Number 1 way to get a new job.” Another source, CareerXRoad’s Annual Sources of Hire Survey found that 34% of new hires brought in from outside an organization were due to employee referrals.

Definition: Networking is most often defined as the process of connecting and meeting with appropriate people in a specific industry or career focus area to find out more about what they do, what current needs exist and to develop a mutually supportive professional relationship. A two-way “word of mouth” support process that is proven to pave the way for the most fulfilling careers (through contacts and more contacts, etc.).

Contacts lead to interviews; interviews lead to jobs; and ultimately jobs lead to careers. Knowing the right people leads to opportunities for you to demonstrate your skills and talents. Remember that networking is a mutual two-way communication and information exchange process.

Following are a few tips that you should consider when networking:

1. Take a “netweaving approach” to networking. The goal is to gain information and referrals, not jobs at first. Through taking a mutual support approach and having a professional and positive presence, you will eventually find a job opportunity. Don’t focus on finding a job first, as you might not get the response you want, causing contacts to be on the defensive and unsupportive. Seek out those individuals who do what you would like to do and who do it well.

“Within only a few years, ‘Netweaving’ – a ‘Golden Rule’ and ‘Pay It Forward’ form of networking – has rapidly spread around the U.S., and now is beginning to spread around the world.” – J. Gitomer, The Little Black Book of Connections

2. Consider the “1 to 50 Principle.” It has been estimated that everyone knows at least fifty other people from various parts of their life, whether it be through work, church, community or volunteer activities, sports groups, professional associations, school, neighbors, family and friends. All of these individuals become relevant when considering networking. You can expand your list by using networking web sites, as each of the individuals you know will also know 50 or more people and the likelihood that several of these individuals will know someone who works in one of your target industries or jobs is very high.

Some recommended websites include:

o Downtown Women Club http://www.downtownwomensclub.com/dwc/index.php
o Face Book www.facebook.com
o Job-Hunt.org http://www.job-hunt.org/job-search-networking/job-search-networking.shtml
o LinkedIn www.linkedin.com
o Meet Up www.meetup.com
o My Space www.myspace.com
o Netweaving www.netweaving.com/home.htm
o Networking
Professionals www.networkingforprofessionals.com
o The Networking Gurus www.thenetworkinggurus.com

3. Follow-up and follow-through with contacts. There are a few recommended ways of getting in contact with referrals.

o Call or send a follow-up email to someone mentioned during a networking meeting within 48 hours of that referral being made. Make sure to reference your contact’s name to the referred person. It is recommended that you consider sending an email vs. call unless your contact recommends an initial phone call. You may also consider asking that your contact send an introductory email copying you to the referred person to help open the door for you.

o Send an approach letter to prospective networking contacts first via mail or email, then follow-up with a phone call. In the letter, you should reference your contact’s name, a quick reason for your letter for example: state that you are interested in finding out more about a particular industry, career path or job, and request a brief 15 to 30 minute meeting either via phone or in person over coffee. Also include in the note/letter that you are confident that your shared industry or backgrounds could provide for a mutually interesting and informative meeting (this ensures that your intentions are for a mutual connection rather than one-sided).

4. Once initial contact is made:

o Follow-up by phone or email to effectively, but politely reach the person. This shows that you are being respectfully persistent in making contact.

o Set a specific time for your meeting and stick to it. Be sure to arrive to your meeting a few minutes early or to call right on time. If you are planning to relocate, target locating contacts in your desired city.
o Research information related to your networking contact and the company he/she represents. Visit the company’s web site or Google the person, as he/she may be reported in industry journals, or may have authored articles or books. You could also locate more information via Linked-In, Facebook or other social networking sites.

o Prepare a list of questions to ask. It would be better to go prepared with a list of questions, rather than having a copy of your resume there, since this might be perceived as one-sided rather than as a mutual exchange meeting. You could always follow-up with a copy of your resume via email. Don’t forget to send a thank you note via email or mail to the person after your meeting within 24 hours. If you received a physical address from the person’s business card, it is recommended that you send a hand-written note, as the personal touch is appreciated, especially in this fast paced, email-centric society.

o Prepare a brief and clear 10 to 30 second “elevator speech” summary of your background and expertise. Include your educational background, years of experience if in a certain field, and your strengths. This can be used on the phone if you make contact. For your 15 to 30 minute meeting, prepare a 1 to 2 minute overview of your background and accomplishments.

o Don’t forget to ask for additional referrals from this contact prior to ending your meeting.

Remember that the higher the level of position you are applying for or hoping to get, the more networking you will need to incorporate into your job search plan.

Author: Jennifer Mosholder, President and Career Coach, Leading Org Solutions, LLC