It's Still a Game of Who You Know: The Value of Networking

By Christine Kurz, MBA

Owner

Business Coaching Essentials

Have you been pounding the pavement looking for the job of your dreams with little success? Are the phones quiet, email sparse and the recruiters aren't helping you make the right connections? Well, whether you are looking for your first job post college, or for a new job post downsizing, do not underestimate the power of networking. What you know is an important component of success, but only when your knowledge is combined with the all important, who you know. Approximately 70 percent of all jobs are still found through networking.

 

If you are feeling a little helpless take matters into your own hands. Networking is all about making as many connections as you can and making each connection count. There are numerous ways you can meet and greet and achieve your goal of full time meaningful employment. But you need to get busy. Here are some ideas:

 

Getting Prepared:

 

· Make business cards that list your name and contact information along with your specialty or degree area. Hand these out to everyone you meet.

 

· Create an interesting introduction for yourself that encourages people to ask you questions (e.g., “I can help people succeed” vs. “I want to work as a business coach”).

 

· In a succinct and memorable way, describe your areas of expertise and what you offer in 15 words or less (e.g. I do this, and if you hire me I'll help you achieve this.).

 

· Do your homework. Understand the industry and the issues of the industry you'd like to work in and be prepared to discuss.

 

· Develop a networking plan that fits into your career plan. Know where you are going and how you'll get there. If you need help, hire a business or career coach to help you strategize and create a career plan that will include a networking section.

 

Getting Out:

 

· Join a local networking organization. Check the resources available for listings of these groups. The state or local Chamber of Commerce or your university placement center should have these listings. Some groups are free and others change only a nominal amount for the event you attend. Attend the meetings, get to know people and ask for their help. Include your university alumni association in this group of worthwhile organizations. Many alumni associations are very well connected and eager to help.

 

· Join a trade organization for the industry you wish to work in. You may have to pay to attend select events or ask to go as a guest of the association until you have a feel for the membership mix and their openness prior to joining. This may be your best avenue to make the right connection with the right people-your future managers, peers and direct reports.

 

· Identify one trade association meeting within a comfortable travel distance and sign up for a one-day pass during the exhibition time. Walk around to all the booths of potential employers and hand out your business cards. Request a business card from everyone you meet and ask for an appointment for follow-up, either a scheduled time to talk or an actual interview. If they aren't the

 

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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