Networking is the most effective technique to use when searching for a job.  Essentially, it means developing a large and comprehensive list of contacts – from your personal and professional life – and then using these contacts to find meaningful employment. 

Once someone is in “your network” they may be able to make you aware of job leads, introduce you to other people within their network who may be helpful to you, help clarify your career goals, offer feedback on your resume, provide you with general advice and suggestions, and offer emotional support.  But the ultimate goal of networking is to meet the person who has the authority to hire you for the job you want.

Your network does not have to consist of only those people who have a job to offer.  Of course it would be nice to have people like this as part of your network.  But realistically, they are not the bulk of your contacts within your network.  Your network is anyone you know who might have information about a job opening, or who knows someone who might have a lead about a job opening.

Start by making a list of these people, including their addresses, e-mails, and phone numbers.  These people can include, but not be limited to, the following:  family members; friends; neighbors; co-workers and supervisors – present and past; teachers and professors – present and past; clergy and your fellow parishioners; members of organizations you belong to – including community, civic, school, and political.; and professionals that you deal with for your own personal needs – including your accountant, lawyer, financial advisor, doctor, dentist, and more.

You should also consider professional associations in your field of interest.  Joining a professional association, and attending their meetings and events, puts you in touch with a host of contacts in your field.  Beyond professional associations, consider attending conventions, trade shows, conferences, workshops and seminars in your field.  This provides you with excellent professional development – furthering your qualifications – and also provides you with an opportunity to network with others in your field.

Informational interviewing is another technique used by individuals who are successful at networking.  Essentially, an informational interview involves talking with people who are currently working in your field of interest to gain a better understanding of the career and/or the field.  Once again, this puts you in touch with people in the field who can become part of your network.

Consider volunteering your time with a local organization.  Besides the benefits of giving back to your community, you also have the opportunity to meet new people – many of them business people and professionals – who can become a part of your network.  Some also use the Internet to connect with people all over the world.

But before you start to make your contacts, consider doing the following:

• Develop a clear understanding of the type of job you wish to pursue, and the kind of company or organization where you wish to perform that work.  If you’re going to ask people for help, you need to be clear about what you’re asking for.  Don’t just tell your contacts that you’re looking for a job.  You may wish to say “I’m pursuing a position as a Registered Nurse in a long-term health care facility, as I thoroughly enjoy working with the elderly population.  I was wondering if you could offer me any advice, suggestions, resources, or even job leads.”
  
  
• Prepare a solid and professional resume that highlights your accomplishments, skills, experience, and education.  You will want to provide each and every one of your contacts with a copy of your professional resume.
  
  
• Organize a record keeping system for your contacts, using a database or spreadsheet.  At a minimum, you want to record their name, title (if appropriate), name of company (if appropriate), street/mailing address, e-mail address, phone number (work and/or home), fax number, dates of contact with them, a brief description of what was discussed, and even some interesting facts about them (family, interests, hobbies, etc.).  Don’t leave your conversations to memory, as you could be making hundreds of contacts.  Plus, you will impress your contacts when you follow up with them and reference the details of your last conversation.

Networking can be done by letter, over the phone, face-to-face, or even over the internet.  The most effective forms of networking are over the phone or face-to-face, because you have the opportunity to personally interact with your contact.  With that in mind, use the tips below to structure your conversation.  Try to do this with five new people every day.

• Introduce yourself (if it is someone you don’t know), and indicate who referred you to them.  By “name-dropping,” you will establish an instant connection with this contact.  For example, “Hi, my name is John Smith.  I was referred to you by Mary Jones.  Ms. Jones said that you and her serve together on the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society, and she suggested I call you.”

• Ask the contact for assistance – “I am looking for employment, and I thought you might be able to offer some advice and suggestions.”

• Be specific about what kind of employment you’re pursuing.  For example, “Specifically, I’m looking for a job as a compensation and benefits analyst with a large company.  Don’t just say, “I’m looking for a job,” or “I’m interested in human resources.”

• Provide them a “30-second pitch” – a summary of what you want people to know about you, such as your major skills, strengths, and accomplishments.  Keep it brief.  You may wish to prepare this pitch beforehand, and practice it before delivering it to someone else.  For example, “I have over five years of experience as a compensation and benefits analyst with United Health Systems, but I’m looking to transition to a position of greater responsibility with a larger organization.  I have saved United Health Systems over $100,000 over that five-year period through the development of an innovative benefits package.  My performance evaluations have been excellent over this time period, and my supervisor has provided me with a letter of recommendation.”

• Ask if they know of any job openings – “Do you know of anyone who needs a full-time compensation and benefits analyst?”

• If they do know of a job opening get the name, title, address, email address, and phone number of the person they mention.  Ask for information about the person – “How long have you known him?  What’s he like?  Is he the person who could hire me?”  Get a recommendation – “Would you mind if I said that you and I were talking and you recommended that I give him a call?

• If they don’t know of a job opening ask them to keep you in mind if they should hear of something appropriate.  Ask if you can send them a copy of your resume.

• Ask if there is someone else you should be talking to – someone who doesn’t necessarily have a job opening, but someone who could help put you in touch with someone who does.  Get their name and phone number.  Once again, ask if you can use their name when calling this person (to help “open the door”).

• Thank them – and show gratitude for their help.

• That day, or the next day at the latest, send them a thank you note – and include a copy of your resume with it.  Ask them to keep you in mind if they think or hear of something beyond the phone conversation you had with them.

• Follow up with them periodically to “check-in” and to help keep you in their “line of sight.”  When you are successful in finding a job - call them, let them know, and thank them again for their valuable assistance.

Once you have found a job that meets your needs continue to build and nurture your network.  You never know when you will need it again!