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Networking has proven to be the best way to find a job. It ranks number one out of all job search avenues - above newspaper ads, employment and executive search firms, the Internet, and other ad hoc services!
Networking isn't a process of making cold calls to people you don't know. It's talking to people you do know or asking them to introduce you to others. It's as casual as a conversation with your
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neighbor or as formal as setting up a business meeting with someone you met at a training conference. Even the Internet can be a great way to begin those casual relationships.
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Open doors for possible opportunities and "unadvertised" job openings.
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The more people you reach out to about your interests and skills, the more leads and ideas
you'll get!
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Learn the "in and outs" about a company - ask questions, learn about the culture,
growth and trends.
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Connect and re-connect with individuals to give a job search update.
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Develop your networking strategy.
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Create your networking list and determine how you will organize your contacts.
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Compose your "commercial" to introduce yourself.
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Develop your script or plan for networking meetings.
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Select questions for your meetings.
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Create your profile and business card.
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Plan what you want to say.
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Focus on active listening.
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Take time to remember details and important facts as you listen.
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Use your caring nature to help others and be a resource.
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Focus on your passion about business, company, industry and other aspects
of the conversation.
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Select events where you have significant interest.
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Set up one-on-one meetings.
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Network at your highest energy level time of the day.
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Allow time to recharge before the next meeting - even if it is two days later.
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Reward yourself!
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One-on-one networking. This can be casual conversation, an email exchange or a more
formal fact-finding meeting. Determine your purpose and what style works best for you.
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Event networking. If you don't have a lot of experience, the first couple of events may
feel uncomfortable. Its important to learn from your experience and the experiences of
others. Having an opening line, a 20-second "commercial," and some questions ready to go,
may help put you at ease. Also, it is important to set a goal for every event.
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Online networking. These networks give you a much broader reach. They quickly connect
you to people who may work at a hospital you are interested in or even to unadvertised
positions. Online networking sites include LinkedIn, Classmates, Ryze, Tribe and
Career Change Network.
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