What is Networking, Anyway?

*Dear Tamara,* *I've heard it's important to network with people, but I don't know what that means. __Could you explain it?__* Life is all about networking these days, and that is especially true if you are searching for job or internship. Most people get their jobs and internships through networking; so if you are going to spend your time and energy on something related to your search, then I recommend you focus on building and maintaining your network. Networking does have some subtle nuances, and you might need to alter your approach based on your particular situation. Talk to a career advisor in your Career Planning Center before you launch your networking campaign. When people generally think of networking, they imagine schmoozing and using people to get ahead. That is not networking: it is merely schmoozing and using people. Networking is about building positive relationships over the long-term. Some people think it is helpful to think 'netbuilding' instead of networking. Through networking, you can gather good information about the industry or career area that interests you, about ways to go about a job search, about the reputation of particular companies, and about industry 'lingo' and culture. By making contact with the people who are working in the career field you would like to infiltrate, you will not only get good information, but also you might get an introduction to the person who does the hiring at a particular organization. Your networking contact might even become an advocate for you as a potential hire if you make a good impression and nurture the relationship. You can network with anyone anywhere. Talk to people about what interests you and ask them about themselves. Ask family, friends, acquaintances, faculty, and staff if they know people in a certain career field. Talk to the staff at your school's Career Planning Center in order to get hooked into the alumni database. Alumni are a FANTASTIC networking resource. __**Things to keep in mind when networking:**__ * **Never ask contacts for a job, internship, money, or to stay at his or her home.** * **Always ask contacts for information, ideas, and suggestions. Ask if he or she knows anyone else who might be willing and interested in speaking with you. Asking these questions is how you expand your network.** * **Once you get into the conversation, you are not the focus. It's all about them. Ask what they think, what they do, what their experiences are, and what they suggest.** * **Always send a note to thank them if they spent time talking with you or send a note that says 'It was great to meet you. I enjoyed our conversation about XYZ.'** * **Follow up periodically to let your contacts know how you are doing, whether you have contacted the people they suggested, and if you have additional questions.** Remember that you are building relationships over time. This strategy also allows you to stay on their radar screens in case a good opportunity floats across their desks. If you can keep track of your networking contacts in some organized fashion, that will be really helpful for follow up. * **If you are doing more formal networking, like a scheduled phone call or meeting, then make sure that you prepare by researching the organization or the field in order to come with prepared questions.** Bring your resume and be prepared to talk a little bit about what you have done, why you are interested, and what you would like to know. Finally, remember that people like to help people they like. Be the nice, enthusiastic, and interested professional that you are, and people will respond to that. **Good luck!** Tamara delicious | digg | technorati
Email this page