Most job seekers think their time is better spent reading ads than networking. Why? Frankly, because answering ads is much easier than networking. Networking is difficult. While networking is not the whole answer to finding the job you want, it is an ideal companion to all your other efforts. Networking must be undertaken with intensity: Aggressiveness, persistence, imagination and patience pays off.
Networking does not come easily to most of us. But if you need a good job, you must overcome these feelings. Two out of three jobs filled result from some type of networking situation. If this is true, you can see the folly of spending two-thirds of your time answering ads in the paper. If you do, this is a grossly disproportionate matching of effort and accomplishment related to your job search activities.
Networking is dynamic. Just as a tree sprouts new branches and loses those that die, so does a network. A network needs constant nurturing through expansion, cultivation, and the elimination of "dead wood."
Network contacts fail to deliver only when they do not fully understand how they can help. Precise communication of your goals and how your network can help you must be clearly stated and understood. Ask your network to refer you to anyone they know who may provide assistance. They should be approached from the standpoint that if you effectively communicate your needs, they might stumble on to something at some future time. Your follow-up is important.
The idea is to make contact through letters, telephone calls, or other means with those who can help. Most of these are new contacts. Once established they are worked in the manner a salesman works leads.
Organizations
Be selective. Some meetings of even outstanding organizations are attended by people who are likely to be of no value to you at all. Worthwhile contacts are likely to develop at your local chamber of commerce and its many business committees. Find out if they have a bi-weekly networking breakfast or a monthly business after hours' session, or any workshops or seminars that you may attend. Check the business section of your Sunday paper for breakfast business clubs, alumni association meetings, civic meetings, etc.
Make up a special business card to present at these meetings: list yourself as a "professional engineer" or "accountant" or whatever is consistent with the group that is meeting. Target those in the group who are likely to do you the most good. Be patient. It takes time to develop contacts in this type of setting.
Organize a computer file of your network contacts. Note the date you spoke with them, what you and they said, and any follow up action that should be taken. In other words, follow up with each contact. Phone your network contacts on a regular basis. Keep a record of your calls. You need to know when you last spoke with each person and when you should follow up with another call.
Now, go out and get that job you want!
