NETWORKING TIPS

See cover letter tips, interviewing tips, resume tips, and thank you letter tips.

This information is based on
Jennifer Bohac's Career Game Plan for Student-Athletes.

Networking is an ongoing, lifetime process. However, when you are in the job market, networking strategies need to become more intense. Remember the common phrase, "it's not what you know, but who you know." Networking begins by making sure your friends, family, neighbors, and others know what you are looking for so they can watch for leads to assist you in your search.

The better informed we are, the better decisions we make. Since people are one of the best sources of information, it makes sense to make connections with real live people and to exchange information with them. Approximately 85 percent of available jobs are never advertised. You can find out about this "hidden job market" through networking.

When you hear the word "networking", do you feel uncomfortable? Many students associate networking with "bothering" and "imposing" and don't want to involve friends, family members, professors and classmates or strangers in their job search. The good news is that the more you do it, the more confident you'll be, and the process will become part of your comfort zone. You'll find that people will want to help and will love to talk about their favorite topic - themselves.

Networking is an ongoing lifetime process. As a student, employee, friend, family and community member, you constantly meet people. If you take a genuine interest in the people you meet and look for ways to help them, you are networking. When you sit on a plane, you have a chance to network. When you attend class, you have a chance to network. When you go to a social event, you have a chance to network. The more people you meet and stay in touch with, the more people you can refer to when you are looking for information.

Obviously, it is best to start networking long before you are looking for a job. But if you are looking for a job today and want to network, here are a few tips:

Write down names of all the people you know, regardless of connections or professions. This list could include names that your career counselor has give you, as well as extended family and your friends' parents. Think about how individuals could be a resource for you. For example, is your neighbor in a professional, social or religious position that requires him or her to know a lot of people? Could that person refer you to someone else to talk to?

Stay positive when contacting some of these individuals for an information interview. Ask for 20 minutes of their time (or longer if you invite them to lunch) to learn more about what they do professionally.

Maintain a business focus when you meet. It may help to meet at the person's office or at a restaurant. Express appreciation for their time and state your purpose (that you are learning more about your career field and researching possible future job contacts). Don't ask, "Do you know of any jobs available?" Instead ask questions such as, "Do you know anyone else I can talk to who would be a good resource for learning more about this profession?" "What kinds of professional associations would you suggest I join?" "If you were me, who else would you talk to in order to learn about possible job leads?"

You can end the meeting by saying something like, "This certain has been an informative meeting. You've helped me clarify a number of points about the communication industry. I'd like to keep you informed of my progress as I continue investigating the industry. Would that be all right with you? Also, since I'm actively looking for new opportunities, please keep me in mind if you hear anything."

Make sure you send a thank-you note. The note may summarize some of the helpful information that was shared.

Most importantly, stay in touch! Your contacts will want an update. Also, they like to be reminded that you are still out there, looking for information and possible job leads. If you tell them you'll call, make sure you do it!

Make sure you do not reply on only one or two people. Stay in touch with several individuals you have met with.

Keep records - it will keep you focused and active. Note each time you are in contact with people and what kind of follow-up actions you need to take.