Networking can solve job puzzle
Janis Foord Kirk – Toronto Star
There's an easy way to look for work- and a hard way.
"Many people do the easy thing", says Lisa Trudel, a career assessment consultant with the Office
Workers Career Centre in Toronto. "They go to the job boards and newspapers, read the ads and apply to
strangers.
"In rare cases, people find work this way, but only if they have all the exact qualifications and have the
most important thing that every employer needs - suitability to the company and project team."
A networking job search is far more difficult, Trudel acknowledges, "but probably 99 per cent% of our
clients find work this way."
In today's competitive, rather jittery workplace, networking is not only a job search technique it's a career
survival skill. Yet, people often fail to grasp the concept, dabbling at networking, making a few calls, talking
to a few people. When nothing comes of it, they become discouraged and give up.
Active, ongoing networking takes far more effort.
To gain a sense of your primary network, on a blank sheet of paper write the names of people you know.
Think of family, friends, past employers and past co-workers, neighbours, teachers, bank managers,
accountants, members of your church, people you know from volunteer work or from clubs and
associations to which you belong.
Contacting these people in search of job leads is only the first step of the networking process. The real
digging begins not when you email or call them but at the end of this outreach, when you ask for referrals,
as in: Can you think of anyone who might have information for me - might be able to help me?"
Managing your initial contact with people in your primary network is a communications challenge. Least
effective is an overly general approach, as in: "I've lost my job and I'm looking for work. Are there any
openings in your organization?"
More effective is a specific statement about what you're trying to accomplish. Something like: "As you may
remember, I've been doing accounting for the past six years in the insurance industry and I am trying to
learn how my skills might be applied in marketing and sales."
It's also wise to add: "I'm not assuming that you know of an actual job for me, but I'm hoping you may be
able to point me in the right direction."
Information technology has made networking easier for some and more difficult for others.
Those comfortable with social networking sites can tap in to them when searching for job leads or
information. People without such expertise often rely on the telephone to introduce themselves and
complain about electronic barriers like voice mail.
Overcoming barriers like these to meet people, to build and maintain relationships with them is the hard
part, Trudel says.
"Knowing people is more important than ever before," she says "You need to build a networking circle of
contacts, join professional associations, do volunteer work, conduct information interviews and find a
mentor who can help you make well informed decisions."