Organize your Winning Network

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Organize your Winning Network
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What is networking exactly?

• The process of developing relationships with
  people who can assist with job searching
  strategies and in finding strong job leads. In
  our classroom experience these strategies will
  also help you as you learn about various careers,
  college majors, shadowing experiences and
  internship opportunities.

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So what are the benefits?

• Tapping into jobs or other opportunities that you
  would not have access to otherwise.
• Gaining insider information about an industry,
  about trends, and about job search and hiring
  processes in your chosen field.
• Getting a chance to promote yourself.
• Obtaining referrals to other people who may help
  you.

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The goals of networking

• To make as many people as possible aware of your
  goal(s). This does not have to be limited to the
  world of jobs and careers-although in our course
  we will concentrate on this area.
• To make a good impression.
• To seek leads and referrals to others who may
  help.
• To seek career and networking suggestions.

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Networking sources

• Friends
• Relatives
• Current and former employers
• Coworkers
• Teachers, trainers, coaches, counselors
• Career/job/college fairs
• Classmates and alums from HH
• People you serve or meet at work or volunteer
  activities (customers, etc.)
• People from your place of worship
• Neighbors
• Members, newsletter, membership directories and
  websites of you clubs and volunteer groups
• Websites, bulletin boards, news/chat groups
• People with whom you do business (salespeople,
  clerks, others)

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The following guidelines will help you get the
most from your networking efforts

• Ask everyone for advice. Getting leads is
  importantthey are your goal. Dont say Im
  looking for a ______ (you fill it in job, shadow
  mentor, etc.), do you know any? Better is to say
  Im looking for a _______ . Do you have any
  advice for finding one in ________ (industry)?
  This focuses on the word advice and makes your
  contacts more inclined to help. Be courteous.
  Also ask for names of referrals you could contact
  to seek additional info.

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The following guidelines will help you get the
most from your networking efforts

• Put college career fairs high on your list.
  Fairs are an excellent networking source because
  you can connect with many potential college reps
  as well as career info sources.
• Participate actively in relevant groups. Join and
  be active in clubs and other relevant
  associations or groups. They are a valuable
  resource for getting leads and keeping informed.
• E-Network. Search for and communicate with
  contacts via the Internet.

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The following guidelines will help you get the
most from your networking efforts

• Network for life! (Chad Fosters example) In
  todays changing work world, it is essential to
  build and maintain strong networking
  relationships throughout a career, not just
  during a college or job search. Networking
  regularly will help you remain informed and
  connected in your field and ready to make a
  successful job change or be there (your name
  will come to mind) when opportunity arises.
• Remember Its a numbers game. The more people
  who know about you, your goals and
  qualifications, the greater your chance of
  finding the ideal career and (eventually) job!