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Is networking a dirty Word?
Karin Call
October 16, 2000
Well, no. However, it can be an unpleasant chore, if not done in a way that works for your personality. Experts agree it's smart to develop a network of contacts to help jump-start your career. Ever try to find the time to run around to functions and join committees in order to market yourself to these people? It's akin to knowing you should eat your veggies but not having the time or the desire to do all that cutting and chopping. Luckily, I have a salad-in-a-bag for you right here.
Learn to schmooze virtually to find and maintain your professional contacts. Remember how you found and corrected that complicated software bug (after your colleagues failed miserably)? Networking should be a breeze for you. Even introverts can learn to network effectively and productively.
To The PointNetworking is communicating and making contacts with other people to further your career. Many experts recommend lots of face time. For instance, you can join professional organizations or call mere acquaintances and ask them out for coffee. But the traditional route is not the best way to go for everyone.
Think about it. How many conferences have attended where the disheveled sales rep, posting himself at the entrance of the convention center, furiously hands his card to every hapless individual who dares to cross the threshold? That method of networking is neither effective nor desirable in my book. (The words desperate and uncomfortable no doubt come to mind …).
Let's get started by eradicating the used car salesman image. Review the tips below. Choose what feels the most natural and comfortable for you and get networking!
Stop by a virtual job fairAn online search for virtual job fairs will provide a multitude of sites. Generally, you will find a calendar of upcoming events for various geographic areas. Many sites list companies which plan to attend and their hiring needs. Are any of them your match? If so, send your tailor-made resume to them along with a cover letter, stating you can’t make the job fair but are very much interested in the position. And, if the site offers you the opportunity, post your resume to their database so that other companies can come to you.
VolunteerMany dot-orgs need you. Volunteer - remotely, for a worthy organization, preferably related to your line of work. Write a CGI script, spruce up a Web site, or get them started producing an e-zine. After showing off your unique skills and dazzling personality for a short length of time, let your new contacts know you are looking for a new work-related opportunity. The offers will come pouring into your e-mail box.
Contact online recruitersGet those recruiters working for you! E-mail your resume along with a cover letter enumerating your qualifications and specialized abilities. If you're lucky, they will conduct an on-the-phone interview with you, as opposed to requiring an in-house visit.
Use this chance to showcase your excellent communication skills. Remember the basics: spell check your e-mail before sending, look for grammatical errors and prepare answers to likely questions about your background - before taking the phone interview.
Chat (on the phone)Call friends and colleagues, no matter how remotely they are connected to your field. Mention you are looking for an organization that can use your skills. Follow up on any leads they give you.
Browse company web sitesPick a company you want to work for and regularly check their Web site for job openings. It turns out that 93% of companies use the Internet to post job openings, according to those polled by Austin Knight, an international recruitment and employee communications firm. Many choose to post their job openings on their own company Web site exclusively, bypassing Internet job boards. Therefore, it behooves you to research your dream company and visit their site regularly for applicable job postings.
Go ahead and e-mail or fax your targeted - and I mean targeted, resume and cover letter to them. Make it stand out. And be sure to follow their application directions precisely. For instance, if the posting states “no attachments,” then don't attach, no matter how tempting it is. If the company has an influx of applicants (and they will), yours may be the first to go. All because you attached your resume instead of including it in the body of the e-mail.
Check out online discussion groupsMake it a point to lurk – or participate, in a forum or discussion group within your industry. Check out the latest trends and job leads. I spent an hour looking through an applicable message board recently and found five solid leads and tons of related industry information.
The end all to be allSo is networking begging for favors that you can't return? Or turning into a frenzied, name gathering guest at a gathering or conference? Hardly. It's not just about capturing new job offers either. It's about maintaining relationships with people who share interests.
It’s staying in contact, whether via snail mail, e-mail, chat rooms, phone calls, or any other method. Being accomplished at networking is the difference between having an average job and building a successful career.
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