Networking

Most people realize that career networking is important, but are unsure how to start or sustain a network for career exploration purposes. Following are some typical FAQs about this type of networking, with the answers below.

• What do I need to know about career networking and why is it important?
• How do you "do" networking?
• What are some good tips for the beginning networker?
• What kind of people can I approach to be in my network?
• Top Ten Tips for Successful Networking

What do I need to know about networking and why is it important?
Networking in the work place will always be an essential part of every professional life because cultivating contacts and building relationships are the keys to success in almost every job. Developing networking skills is extremely important, not only for the short-term, but because networking will be a life-long pursuit. Career networking involves developing mutually beneficial relationships with people who can assist you as you research your career, make decisions about various career options, and search for a job.

One thing to remember is that networking is not a self-serving, one-sided activity. It is a process in which both parties benefit from a mutual exchange of information, advice, and support. How does this when you are exploring career options and looking for a job?

How do you "do" networking?
Some networking is spontaneous and unplanned. You simply need to adopt the mind set to take advantage of any serendipitous opportunities you encounter when you are in job search/research mode. Ask questions, tell people what you are interested in, collect contact information, and schedule future meeting times if appropriate.

Other networking is much more strategic. You can start by making lists of people you know. Include anyone on your list with whom you are friendly, and then make a separate list of your relatives. Then think of other groups with whom you have something in common: co-workers, classmates, social or sports groups, professional organizations, church members, etc. You may not know these people well, but most are willing to help you. Most people can create an initial list of at least 25 to 100 people. Don't forget that Otterbein alumni can be great resources as well; contact the Career Center for names in your field of interest.

Before you begin contacting people, be sure of your goal. Your goal may be to solicit information about a career field or a specialization within that field, or to learn about a particular organization. This type of information gathering is usually called an "information interview." Decide who might be able to help you meet your goals best and contact them in a systematic way. You can phone or e-mail them, or you may seek them out in person. Develop a short "script" to introduce yourself and become familiar with this script so you can communicate it easily and concisely whenever needed. Also develop lists of questions you want to ask. Sample introductory scripts and information interview questions can be found in the Career Center.

Another goal may be to solicit help in finding a job. If this is your goal, make sure to present yourself well from the start. Begin with friends, acquaintances, relatives and former colleagues. Tell them you are looking for a job and need their help. Be as clear as possible about what you are looking for and what skills and qualifications you have. Ask them for job leads, for someone else who might have job leads, or someone who knows someone who might have job leads. Sometimes you can simply ask if they know someone who knows a lot of people. Contact these referrals and ask the same questions.

When you are doing a concentrated job search, set specific goals each day or week (for example, who you will contact, how, and when) and follow through. Keep careful records of your completed contacts. Decide how to organize your network information. This step is crucial to your success. If you have continued access to a computer, the best method is a database or spreadsheet where you can enter key information such as names, titles, company names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and dates of contact. Keep notes about what you talked about. Another alternative is to keep this information on index cards or in an accordion file.

For each original contact, you can potentially extend your network of acquaintances by hundreds of people. Eventually, one of these people will hire you or refer you to someone who will. If used thoroughly, networking may be the only job search technique you'll need.

What are some good tips for the beginning networker?

Get involved. Joining groups of any kind helps develop needed networking skills. Taking a leadership position, even a small one, is even more valuable. In addition, there are professional networking groups that are open to the public in most major cities.

Attend professional conferences. Most professional organizations have annual conferences and these can be a great way to get to meet people in your field of interest.

Connect with people on campus. Faculty, administrators, advisors, and coaches can be valuable sources of advice, guidance, and contacts. Even though you may have graduated, don't hesitate to contact those who were helpful to you when you were a student.

Get to know alumni. There are ready-made contacts in the Career Center's alumni network who will help answer your career questions.

Shadow. Observing someone for a day is a great way to get information about specific career fields. Once again, the Career Center and faculty can help you find people who might be willing to be shadowed.

Help out in your community. It can be an excellent way to meet people who could be valuable supporters, role models, and contacts in your networking efforts while you are making a contribution to the community.

Go on a fact-finding mission. Any interaction with one or more people in which you seek information that you need in order to make a particular decision about your career can be a great way to build connections.

Don't hesitate to enlist the help of relatives. It's o.k. to let a relative help pave the way to a job connection. Once you get an interview it is up to you to land the job.

Use the Internet. Explore web sites, join newsgroups, and use the web's people and business directories.

Have a resume on hand whether you think you'll need it or not. You never know when a casual encounter can turn into a potential networking situation, so keep copies of your resume handy.

Get a business card. Even though you may not have the traditional business card as an employee of a company, you can make personal business cards with your contact information and an outline of your career goals and/or qualifications. Think of it as a calling card. When someone asks you for your name and numbers, you'll have your contact information ready in a professional-looking form.

Don't forget to thank everyone in your network who has been helpful to you. Get in the habit of writing thank-you notes. Acknowledging people who do you a favor, provide an opportunity, or inspire you is not only common courtesy, but it also keeps them an active part of your network.

What kind of people can I approach to be in my network? You already have a network just waiting to be cultivated. Everyone you have ever met is a potential networking contact.

Your Network of Personal Relationships
Immediate family
Relatives near and far
Close friends, old friends, ex-roommates
Personal doctor, lawyer, insurance agent, banker, beautician, barber, clergy, church members, etc.
Neighbors (old and new)
Friends of friends of friends

Your Network of Professional Relationships
Fellow workers in past jobs
Supervisors in current or former jobs
People you have met on internships
College faculty and administrators
College support staff
People you meet at professional conferences

Your Network of Organizational Affiliations
Members of civic or professional organizations to which you belong
Members of community or volunteer groups
Sorority or fraternity connections
College alumni networks
Members of clubs, teams or recreational organizations

Opportunistic Networks
People you meet at parties or sporting events
People you meet wherever you can strike up a conversation
Someone you meet while running errands
A speaker in a workshop, seminar or classroom
Someone interesting you read about online or in the paper
Chance meetings of any kind

Online Networks
Blog websites focused on specific professional interests
Discussion groups and community forums based on endless subject matter
Associations and organizational sites dedicated to the purpose of networking

Top Ten Tips for Networking Success

Don't try to become a master networker overnight. Try a small number of networking activities per week and let your confidence build slowly with each positive experience.

Don't assume you're being a pest. Most people are glad to help. Also remember that about 75% of the American population is extroverted!

Rely on your supporters. When you need encouragement and sympathy, don't hesitate to turn to them.

Keep in mind all the successes you have had in life. These recollections help you face networking situations.

Don't try to do it alone. If attending a big networking event it too intimidating, take a friend along. Just be sure to stay "glued" to the friend the entire time.

Enlist a spokesperson. If making a call is too intimidating, ask the person who has given you the contact name to make a call first to prepare them to expect your call.

In groups, start with the person who looks uncomfortable and approach them. After you "get your feet wet," you can talk to others you would like to meet.

Rehearse! It is perfectly o.k. to rehearse your side of the conversation before you make a networking call. You can even use a written script as long as it doesn't sound like you are reading it. Also decide what you will say if you need to leave a voice mail message.

Start with a letter. Sending a letter of introduction first can make a follow-up phone call less nerve wracking.

Be yourself! People respond best to a sincere and genuine approach. Be yourself, but be your best self.