Job Networking TipsNetworking is like socializing. Uncovering tips on jobs is like mining for gold. It takes patience. Let's say you go to a party and meet someone interesting. You don't say, "Hey I like you. Let's get married right now!" Not a very bright thing to say is it? The same common sense applies to networking. You don't meet someone and say, "Hey, you got a job for me?" Even though a vast majority of jobs are filled through job networking tips, it's not done by being rude or a pest. Successful job networking tips are acquired through social networking. Talk with people. Get to know them. Maybe there is something you can do for them. Just remember that networking is a relationship you build with friends, family, and new acquaintances. It can be a slow process. Something that takes time. Don't expect a job overnight. Guidelines for successful job networking are: 1. Don't ask for a job, ask for information. Create an atmosphere of mutual information exchange, but don't hog the conversation and never ask for a job. Build a relationship that leaves the person remembering you, not dreading you. If you are meeting someone for the first time, the introduction phase of a meeting should give you enough keywords to keep the conversation flowing, which will eventually give you time to mention a few things about yourself, what you do, what skills you have. If time doesn't permit a good exchange of information, then see if you can set up a meeting with them. Maybe invite them to lunch. You want them to feel at ease around you and you do not want to waste their time. 2. Timing. Remember the old saying, "Time is money"? Well when you are networking, time is money for the people you are meeting with so don't waste it. Have a plan. Write up an agenda and stick with it. Keep your meeting on time. Don't drag it out. Set a specific time and don't go past it. Remember the person you are meeting with probably has a full calendar and will not appreciate you putting them behind schedule. 3. Don't talk, LISTEN! During the meeting don't push your agenda on someone. Let them talk and you just listen. You are there to get advice from them based on their opinion of the company they work for. If the conversation drags, then you can ask open-ended questions (see below), but don't hog the conversation. 1. How long have you been with this company? 2. Has the company changed since you were hired? 3. What type of training do you need for positions such as yours? 4. What are the company’s culture guiding principles? 4. Don't forget the "Thank You". Always thank your contacts in person and then follow up with a card or letter. A handwritten letter or a note in a card is always preferable. It gives a personalized touch to your thank you. 5. Keep in Touch. Once you have established a network relationship ask the person if you may keep them informed of your search progress. Find ways to keep in touch. Holiday cards with a brief note are acceptable. Try to contact the people in your network at least once a quarter (every three months) in one form or another. 6. Return the Favor. Networking is relationship building. Don't use people and then drop them. As you continue to stay in touch with them, ask them if there is anything you can do for them. Maybe you can give them a job tip. A mutual exchange of help shows you care about others and makes a good impression on people. 7. Network Growth. As you meet people and add them to your network, see if they can recommend others for you to meet. The main goal of networking is to grow your network. The more people you meet, the more job networking tips you receive. 8. Don't Whine. Today we live in a world where blaming others for our misfortune and whining about it to others seems to be the norm. Nothing turns someone off quicker than a whiner. They may sympathize with you at the time, but in the back of their mind they are thinking, "Oh great! Just what I and my company don’t need is another whiner!” People avoid whiners like the plague so DON'T WHINE! You will find a job. It is always a good idea to understand your character and trait make up before any serious job networking can be achieved. You have to know who you are, why you act the way you do, and what you are looking for in a job. You should use Job Networking Tips - Analyzing You in order to find out why you are what you are.
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