BASICSSTRATEGIES

NETWORKING

What is Networking????

The process of expanding your contacts and developing relationships with people.

“Its not what you know, but who you know, and who they know and who knows you.”

“Rubbing Elbows”

Why Network?

Less than 25% of jobs get filled because of employers advertise the job openings.

Roughly 60% of jobs are filled due to networking.

Who do you have in your Network already?

FriendsFamilyTeammates/CoachFriends of your parentsParents of your friendsNeighborsBossCo-workersWalkabout Alumni/StaffCommunity Service RP

Networking

ME

Friend

Friend Friend

Friend

Friend

How to expand your network

Through personal actionsHave a positive attitudeFollow through with contactsBe helpful to othersMake good impressions (your headband)Let people know what your interests are

Keep in touch

Work your network.Don’t just contact people when you have been

laid off or are searching for a new job.Keep in touch regularly – even if it is a brief

email.People are more willing to help when they

know who you are. “out of sight out of mind”

What you can do for your network

Should not be a one way street.

If you come across an opportunity or relevant article or job opening you should share with your network.

The point of the network is to have resources to help you but you should reciprocate.

This will only strengthen your network.

Online Networking

Online job searching does work.Online networking websites can get you in

touch with other networkers at specific companies.

Your college might have an alumni career network you can access.

Be patient

Networking takes time.

Just like planting a garden, you plant seeds and may not see any plants for a while.

Some examples

•Susan noticed a help-wanted ad for a job at a local veterinary clinic. She called a friend who happened to use that vet. Her friend called the vet and recommended Susan. Susan got an interview and got the job. The vet was glad to hire someone who came highly recommended by a good client.

Some examples

In casual conversation at the orthodontist's office, Jeannie, the assistant, just happened to mention to a patient's mom that she was interested in horses and in a part-time job working with them. The mom had horses and a bunch of contacts. Jeannie had a part-time job working on a local horse farm by the end of the week

Networking Tips

Conduct informational interviews with your contacts and ask for referrals for additional meetings

Follow through with referrals, and always thank contacts in writing (email is fine)

Create an inventory of your accomplishments, including your educational background and work history, to keep at hand should a chance encounter become a contact

Make a list of the assets you will bring as a prospective employee

Write some notes so you'll remember the details on who you have just met on the business cards you collect or in a notebook

When networking online, keep track of who you've emailed and where you have posted so you can follow up