By Tammie Chestnut
One of the most powerful tools successful business and professional people around the country use today to market their products, services and themselves is networking. Yes, as time-consuming as it may be, networking is one of the most effective job-hunting techniques. One thing is for sure, developing a good network is a career necessity. The old saying applies, it’s not what you know it’s who you know and who you stay in touch with. And certainly, this would not apply in every case. I don’t want you to get discouraged because you don’t know enough people. I suppose it’s appropriate to recognize that also your experience and knowledge base is definitely a selling point, whether you know hundreds of people or just a few.
People frequently think networking means annoying people to a point where they hate to hear from you. What it really means is using others to assist you in your job search. You will find it surprising how willing friends, colleagues, and even strangers are to help you. This requires constant nurturing and development. Just remember one thing and you will never let your network suffer; people know people, not just in your home town but all over the country, people who may be able to help you find your next job. Your network can include several people of varying degrees. The typical network that many of us use daily include family and relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, managers, other job hunters and professionals in your field. If you plan to use the network system in your job search, you need to develop the most extensive list that you can from the mentioned categories. The experienced professional should be able to come up with a minimum of twenty names in any given category to include in the network. Here’s a few tips to help you get there.
In successful networking, it's important to let everybody know what you're looking for and ask them, "Who should I be talking to?" Don't become a spectacle at every function but candidly inform those "in the know" of your qualifications and career objectives. Subtlety is the key here. Don't mass distribute your resume to everyone in the room, it's abrasive and quite tacky. You would definitely loose points. By networking with the right people, you will immediately learn about position openings that have not been advertised yet, pending resignations, or new job opportunities with well-known companies.
Like most phases of your job search, networking can often require research. You want to be sharp and be sure you’re talking to the right people and talk to the people who do the kind of work that you do. Study and research potential contacts by asking around and sort of investigating if you will, why or if this person should be added to your contact list. Ask any master networker and they’ll tell you that networking is a two-way process. With your active participation, you can enrich your life and the lives of others as well.
Join associations that are in the industries in which you are seeking your career choice. By doing this you can meet a lot of people in your industry, develop good leads, and keep updated on what is happening in the industry. Seek leadership position in these groups and organizations. Everyone will remember you as the club president or treasurer. This is a quick and easy way to become well known.
Networking within your career field can not only help you stay informed of rapid changes in your industry but in your clients’ industry as well. Be prepared and set goals for networking connections. Time pressures limit us to the groups we join and the meetings we attend. In managing your time include five or six key people whom you’d like to meet and look for opportunities to introduce yourself and get to know them.
Take the initiative. Had a few interviews but it just isn’t working out? Not quite the job you expected or didn't quite make the cut? In your follow up take the initiative to ask the person who interviewed you if he or she know of any other openings in your field. Caution, this option should only be used if the interview was a good one. If you were turned down because you were overqualified or if you decided during the interview that it's not quite what you had in mind, these are good indications that it's okay to ask for leads or contacts.
Always be prepared. That means take your resume with you wherever you go. Never leave home without it. Glue it to your suit jacket if you must. In networking and asking for suggestions or leads, you want to be able to sell yourself to the person who you are seeking assistance from. They may want to review your resume or pass it on to one of their contacts. It does you no good to be unprepared. Especially if this contact happens to know of a position opening that unfortunately stops accepting applications in one hour. Don't fret if you're not prepared. That's what fax machines, telephones and e-mail are for. Use them in a crunch only. Realize that your resume will appear differently in these formats if it's not prepared accordingly. But chance it if you have to and follow up with a fresh, clean laser printed copy of your resume in the mail.
Another new trend that is becoming a norm in the job search arena, are the nifty little calling cards or personal business cards. These can be handed out instead of a napkin with your name scribbled across a very visible coffee stain. These calling cards are used just like a professional business card. They include important key information such as your name, address and telephone number.
Another version would be those that would include your career field, years experience and training, or commonly known as the resume card. I would stick with a professional design, depending on your career field and use them frequently, otherwise, what’s the point. Both styles are quite effective and can easily serve to get you remembered and referred. And how do you use such cards? Well, you don’t just hand them out to anyone who’s interested. Treat your card like it was a special presentation each time you give it out. Be sure that the person who you are presenting your card to has a reason to use it. Get to know the person, and find out what they have to offer.
During your card exchange, be sure to reiterate what it is that you discussed with this person, whether it’s a golf date or a follow up call about a job. It does you no good to distribute 200 cards and no of the individuals use it. But be sure to follow-up with those who you exchange cards with, send a note if you have time expressing your delight in meeting them.
Don’t forget your reference list. Hey, they're not just names on a piece of paper that will say good things about you when asked. They are contacts and leads. You want to keep them posted on your job search. Check in with them frequently, make them your official headhunters. Ask them to keep their eyes and ears open on your behalf.
Don’t limit your network to the city in which you reside. Certainly, your contacts in other locations may have good leads for you that you otherwise would not hear about if you don’t keep in touch. There’s no need to relocate, simply connect with your contacts who have influences in various places. Keep your database up to date and accurate. When visiting other cities, give your contacts a call, a little personal touch can go a long way. It is very flattering to hear from someone who was “just passing through”. By keeping your network extensive and unlimited, you will better your chances of staying in touch with your industry and improve your job referral rate.
Remember to nurture your network. Develop relationships on a continuous basis, not only when it’s convenient for you. Send notes, cards, e-mails, call on the telephone or pass on informative articles that you’ve read. You’d be surprise how many of those from your network will do the same. It’s that easy. Spend a few minutes weekly cultivating your relationships and taking them to new levels. You have to make time for your network in order for it to be mutually beneficial. Returning phone calls, attending private parties and sending thank you notes should be a part of your professional image that others will remember. In deciding to make networking a part of your lifetime career management, you will find that you’ve created your own board of directors that can be instrumental in helping you not only find a new job, but start a business, buy a house or whatever your new life situation may be.
With personal permission to use someone’s name on your next networking contact, you will increase your chances of being heard throughout your introduction. Firstly, the person already has a connection to you and out of interest or respect will hear you out or assist you in whatever way that they can. So be sure to follow up on every lead that you get. There’s nothing worse than having someone attest to your skills and ability and you don’t follow through with a phone call or by sending a resume right away. It’s best to live up to your commitment and avoid destroying your professionalism. Make a commitment to sell yourself, to make phone calls, to make a referral network and to recognize when you have opportunities to shine.
Basically, you should go the distance in your networking tactics. If you are seeking assistance from individuals, be prepared to help them out in return. Even if someone cannot help you, provide them with any assistance that you can when they are in need. You never know how that person can assist you in the future. But you better believe, they will not forget how you helped them, no matter where they end up. By becoming a resource to others, you will ingratiate yourself to others, and they will help you in return. However, remember to be realistic. Some things do take time, like building relationships and trust amongst others. Networking involves many circles of people from all different levels with a wide range of experience. Limit the demands you make on any one contact so as not to alienate yourself to that person or cause relationship burnout.
Networking is about building long-term relationships. Many business professionals have a desire to meet and get to know others, and care enough to help others grow their network. How simple is it you ask? You just start by being visible, friendly and professional. Finally, you should return any favors whenever possible. Never expect something for nothing. If a lead comes through and you get the job of your dreams through networking. As a common courtesy, you owe someone lunch!
Tammie Chestnut is the President of The Resume Shop, a full service professional resume preparation and desktop publishing company. To reach her, call 407-6410 or by e-mail at tammie@resumeshop.com. |
