Question:
I understand that networking is one of the best ways to find a job, but I
don't know anyone in my field of choice and I have not had any success responding to ads in the newspaper or online. What should I do?
First Answer:
Discovering hidden jobs by letting people know, you're available for hire
is what networking is all about. You don't have to network with only those
in a specific field. Open all your channels of communication. This means
talking to: Family members, Friends, Neighbors, Acquaintances, Co-workers
and former co-workers, Bosses, Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, Alumni from
college or high school and yes, even the Clergy.
Here is a really good article on networking
http://www.new2usa.com/nova/english/showpage.jsp?PageID=careers-050100-NW.
Good luck !
-- Anita Moses, Careers & Education Department, New2USA.com.
Second Answer:
Even if you don't know anyone in your field of choice, there is a good
possibility that people who you are acquainted with do. Part of the
success of networking is expanding that network beyond those people you
know. Check with friends, family members, members of your church or other
organizations you belong to. Let them know what you are looking for and
ask if they know of anyone working in that area. If yes, get their name
and phone number. When making the contact, be sure that you refer to the
person who gave you the contact so that a connection can be made.
Another great way to develop contacts and job leads to do to some
informational interviewing. Contact companies that have positions or
departments that you are interested in. Try to set up a brief (30 minute)
meeting with someone to discuss their position and that field in general.
Without asking for a job, use that contact to develop other contacts and
employment leads. Follow up with a thank you letter and include your
resume. Ask that contact to share it with others who might be interested
in hiring you.
-- Linda Wyatt, Career Center Director, Kansas City Kansas Community College.
Third Answer:
Networking is the one part of the job search process that gives nearly EVERYONE some anxiety. The problem is most people associate networking with looking for a job and it shouldn't be that way!
Networking should be done on a daily basis, especially when you ARE NOT
looking for work. In order to develop a decent professional network, especially if you are a student start joining clubs at your local college (ie, accounting club, mechanical engineering association student chapter, whatever!). If you are not a student, join professional associations that represent your field (American Psychological Association, Midwest Association of Electricians, whatever!). These associations have conferences, seminars, group vacations and lots of other things to help you meet people in your profession and believe it or not, you might actually make a friend or two.....that's the true meaning of networking!! It's not about calling someone you've never met and asking him/her for job
leads!
One more thing, we all have personal networks in place that contain hundreds of people. Start with your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles or anyone of relation to you. Ask them if they have friends who know anyone who might be in your field. A personal referral from a friend or relative is a good way to jump-start a dead network. Ask your friends if they have contacts or even ask your college professors who taught you your trade if they can introduce you to a contact. Before you do any of this, read Harvey Mackay's book:
Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty!
-- Troy Behrens, JobGod.net
Fourth Answer:
Networking is more than just knowing people in key positions. It is the
art of using the networks of others to benefit you in your pursuits. So you
don't have to know someone in your field in order to network. For example, a jobseeker recently told me of a move she made all the way across the country because of a family medical situation. She had to find a job and the only people she knew were the family members she had in the area. So that was where she started networking.
She talked to different members of her family about her career goals and
asked them about pursuing jobs in her field in the area. She asked them
about local companies and items in the news as they pertained to her
industry. In one such conversation a retired family member told her of a man he had worked with years before. She contacted that person, dropped a name and had a conversation that revealed an insider's view of her field for the local area. This man became her mentor, just because she called him and asked for his opinion.
And even if you do not know anyone, you can simply call an organization and
request a meeting with a total stranger in your field. If you explain your
situation and that you are merely seeking information about your field, most people are agreeable to a fifteen meeting to discuss things with you. By removing the obligation that comes from talking about a job, you will find that people are most willing to work with you on an advisory basis.
-- Kelly Stone, myjobsearch.com
