Networking is making connections with individuals and groups of people, and can be accomplished by personal meetings, through the telephone or fax, on paper, or via the Internet. This section will help you whether you are looking for work as an employee of a company or organization, as an independent contractor or freelancer. Networking contacts can help you locate job opportunities in both the visible and hidden job markets.
It is estimated that 65-90% of jobs are found through networking. An informal survey among your employed friends would reveal that many, if not most, found employment this way. You can't begin networking, however, until you have defined the type of work you want. Interviews to help you decide on potential occupations are called information interviews and should not be confused with networking interviews. Getting the two straight in your mind may be difficult. If you have reviewed both of these principles and are still a little unsure, please speak to someone in Career Services.
Networking can bring many benefits to the job seeker. Individuals who find employment in this manner tend to be more satisfied in their job and earn a higher income. Steering away from the advertised market has other advantages too since it often over represents lowly paid/unskilled or highly paid/highly skilled positions. Most people find work somewhere in between these two extremes. Secondly, the advertised market can be deceiving since many jobs are non-existent or already filled before being printed. Lastly, the qualifications listed in such ads can be significantly higher than the actual requirements of the job being advertised.
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Consider preparing business cards. They are an effective, fairly inexpensive method of leaving information with anyone who has the potential to lead you to job openings. Alternatively, a summary card with the equivalent of a 30-second commercial about your strengths can fill a need where a business card may be too brief and a resume too lengthy. Refer to Step 4.1.8 for this information. |
Networking means making many contacts. It is nothing more complicated than that. Some of you may find the idea of networking, initiating contacts, and speaking with strangers a daunting task. What you would like to accomplish is to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships whereby you help others achieve their goals as they help you achieve yours. Be a good listener and reflect on the information you get. Have a genuine reason to speak with a person, since having to generate "small talk" may add to your discomfort. When chatting with strangers about their interests and yours, your enthusiasm will help you conquer your nervousness.
Volunteer in order to develop relationships with others and have people get to know you and your talents.
Make a note of exactly what aspects of networking you dislike and develop an action plan to network in ways that suit you and in which you excel. For example, if cold calling is not for you, perhaps write an introductory letter that advises a call will be coming.
Engage in networking activities when your energy level is at its highest. For example, if you are a morning person, focus on this work in the morning.
Sometimes it is necessary to do what you must, even though its the last thing you want to do. However, each step you take will help to boost your confidence and your ability. In time youll come to believe that you can handle whatever needs to be done. Remember to reward yourself for a job well done. If you enjoy hiking, plan an hours hike after making five calls in the morning.
Managers trust people they know more than people they don't. From the employer's viewpoint, it makes sense to hire a "known quantity", someone who has been recommended by a person who is known and trusted. Employers also reduce their recruiting costs in this way. Employers like to have referrals from their own employees. An employee who is a part of your network can assist you and advise you on the timing and best way to approach the employer. Contacts inside the organization can also keep your name in peoples minds. With email it is easy to stay in touch.
The great thing about networking is that you already have a network base in place. Consider all of the people you know personally (e.g., uncle, neighbour, etc.), or come in contact with regularly (e.g., dentist, your childrens teachers, etc.), or briefly (e.g., person next to you in supermarket checkout line). The following list may help you to get started:
Friends
Relatives
Neighbours (current & past)
Other students, day or night classes
Acquaintances (sports, clubs, social activities, etc.)
UW alumni
Professors
Co-workers & former co-workers
Former employers
Business people (bank manager, insurance agent, etc.)
Professionals (doctor, lawyer, dentist, etc.)
Church (clergy, members)
Politicians (all levels)
Members of professional organization(s)
People at conferences, trade shows, etc.
Chambers of Commerce staff
In addition, remember to speak with people you meet everywhere (e.g., during theatre intermission, at a sports event, on the beach or ski hill, in the airplane). When you are next at a gathering, make a point of talking to at least 2 new people. Start with someone standing alone. Perhaps they too wish they could meet and mingle with people more easily.
Networking -
To continue with Step 4.1.6, click here.
