Networking
Index: Networking
Introduction/What is Networking………………Page 1
Research and Preparation……….………………..Page 2
Networking tips……………………….…………………Page 3
Networking Do’s & Don’ts……………………………Page 4
What is Networking
Connect as or operate with a network
To link or operate interactively
Networking is important to career development, opening up
opportunities for advancement and for finding new openings
Why is networking important
It is important to understand why networking can help you, as well as
how to establish and expand your professional network.
A referred candidate has a 35 in 1 chance of getting hired vs 500 in 1
chance for the typical candidate
How to get started networking
You already have!
Who do you already network with?
Mentors
Family
Friends and Neighbors
Past Employers
Teachers
Counselors
Former Co-Workers
Church
Community Center
Job Fairs
People/Clerks you meet or know at businesses you visit (grocery, banks, beauty salons,
etc)
Even strangers!
Research
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What are some companies you want to work for?
Research those companies, knowledge is power
The more you know about a company and follow it the more likely you
are to make contact with a decision maker in that company
What if you don’t know how to research companies?
Head to worksource, a free resource right here on campus! They can
help you with computer skills and connect you to WOIS and Workforce
Explorer. Two Valuable online job sources for this area
What to consider when researching companies/ employers
Distance, transportation, parking
Will it currently work with your schedule? Can you make it work?
Are there any other obstacles that might affect your performance?
Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you
will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based
more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making
business connections.
Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your
doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you
must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to
others.
Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often
people in conversations ask, "How may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to
mind.
Attitude
Always have a good attitude; a networking opportunity can happen at any time. Be
friendly, have a smile on your face, say hello to passers by.
You are your best character reference
You could be taking a deposit to the bank dressed nicely, if you are friendly and have a
positive attitude someone there might think you would be a good representative for
their bank!
Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust
and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.
Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give
back to groups that have helped you.
Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that
ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a
simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners
that you are interested in them.
Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong
resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people,
etc. This keeps you visible to them.
Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give
you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your
referrals will grow.
Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that
you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.
Do’s and Don’ts
Don’t shove your resume in a contacts face upon introduction
Don’t ask for the job after an introduction
Be a resource
What you put into something is what you’ll get out of it. Networking is not a
one way street. If you expect to leverage people in your network, you have
to be prepared for people to also leverage their relationship with you. Be
proactive in sending opportunities to people in your network that you think
they may be interested. This isn’t limited to job opportunities and may
include events of interest such as a professional seminar, book signing, art
opening, etc. These types of events are also great places to network. The
bottom line is, if people consider you a resource, they will want to return the
favor and help you too.
Get connected
Another great way to network is by maintaining an online professional
profile. These profiles typically go beyond basic resumes to introduce your
professional experience and accomplishments. Create a public profile on
Jobster. Or, join LinkedIn and establish your profile in the LinkedIn network.
Zoominfo is a search engine used by many recruiting organization for midlevel and senior managers; if you are looking for a mid-level position, it is
advised that you update your Zoominfo profile as well.