NETWORKING TECHNIQUES:

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NETWORKING TECHNIQUES

• How to Develop and Utilize your Network

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• Networking
• The objective here is to let as many people know
  that you are looking and what you are looking
  for.
• Networks can help to develop information, provide
  feedback, uncover job leads, and facilitate
  interviews.

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Workshop Objectives

• Upon completion of this workshop you will be able
  to
• Develop a base list of contacts.
• Effectively utilize your network.
• Expand your network through informational
  interviewing.
• Write effective networking letters.

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Objective 1Developing a networking list by
contacting your
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Objective 2Effectively Use Your Network

• Contact the members of your network by phone or
  in person to enlist their help in your job
  search.
• Explain that you would like the chance to share
  your current resume with them and to solicit
  their advice about the type of position you are
  seeking.
• Ask for contacts be sure you make it clear that
  you are looking for people who can extend your
  network, not just for people who might be ready
  to hire you

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Objective 3Networking Letters

• A networking letter reaches out to contacts and
  its focus is not to ask your contacts for a job,
  but to request their assistance in your job
  search by connecting you with people or
  opportunities.

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Example Networking Letter

• Its been a long time since weve last spoken.
  As you may recall, we met at
• Johns Does golf outing last summer.
• After 10 years with SAS Corporation, I am in the
  process of making a
• career move. Having experience in Management, I
  am interested in
• identifying a situation where my contributions
  would be valued.
• As part of this new direction, I am interested
  in expanding my circle of
• acquaintances at the level of management.
  Considering your long history in
• the area, it seems that you may be able to
  provide me with a few select
• introductions in northern New Jersey.
• Ideal contacts would be with managers in firms
  having significant growth
• potential. A company facing a turnaround
  situation could also be interesting.
• In any event, I hope to move quickly in securing
  appropriate contacts. I am
• enclosing a resume I recently developed. Perhaps
  you can share them with
• some of your associates. When you can, if you let
  me know who received
• the material, I would pick it up from there and
  give them a call.

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Objective 4Informational Interviewing

• Informational interviewing is an effective way to
  develop your network of professional contacts. 
• A conversation with an experienced professional
  in your network can provide insight into the
  hidden job market and it also allows you to
  practice the skills you will need for employment

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Steps to follow to conduct an Informational
Interview

• Identify the occupation and industry you are
  interested in
• Prepare for the interview
• Identify people to interview
• Arrange the interview
• Conduct the interview
• Follow up

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Questions to ask during an informational
interview

• What skills, abilities, or personal qualities do
  you think are most desirable for this position?
• What are some of the typical tasks involved in
  this position?
• How did you enter the field?
• What are the best sources to find out more about
  what's going on in the field?
• What's the best place to look for job listings?
• Do my career ideas make sense given my
  background? 

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Objective 5Cultivating and growing your network

• Developing and growing your network is an on
  going event.
• Maintain some kind of contact with these people,
  you will find that they will be a lot more
  responsive when you approach them in the future.
• Even if you are not considering a job change,
  stay in touch with everyone in your networking
  system and contact him or her at least once or
  twice a year. It could be by phone or a short
  personal meeting. It could even be by posted
  letter or E-mail.

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Join Networking Groups

• Below is a list of national and regional
  organizations offering structured networking
  events
• The Financial Executives Networking Group
• Technology Executives Networking Group
• Forty Plus
• Professional Area Network for Women in Technology
  
• Bright Circles
• www.networkingforprofessionals.com

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When networking

• Embrace experiential learning opportunities that
  offer you hands on experience and remain in
  contact with the people at your learning site.
• Participate in professional organizations.
• Subscribe to publications within your career
  specific area.
• Exchange business cards whenever possible

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• Use Microsoft Access to organize your networking
  data and help you maintain your networking
  connections easily