The people in your life are important job search resources. Networking is the number one way to get a job. The purpose of networking is to gather information, gain exposure to the job market, and gather names and referrals.
Types of Networks
Step by Step: Networking from start to finish
Effective Networking
TYPES OF NETWORKS
- Personal
Family, friends, members of social clubs, acquaintances, religious group members - Professional
Colleagues - Community
Professional, cultural, or civic organizations
Community or volunteer organizations
STEP BY STEP: NETWORKING FROM START TO FINISH
- Think about what fields, jobs or companies you want to explore
- Develop a list of potential contacts
- Develop a contact strategy and script
- Request a 15-30 minute in-person interview
- Prepare questions for the interview-
- Conduct the interview
EFFECTIVE NETWORKING
Have good people skills
- Assert yourself positively
- Meet at the convenience of your contact
- Be clear about what you want
- Don’t ask for a job!
- Always write a thank-you note
Ask good questions
- Consider your goals and develop questions beforehand
- Ask open-ended questions to keep conversation flowing
- Do your research ahead of time and avoid questions that can be easily answered with a little personal research