What is career networking?

Networking is all about building up a number of contacts with people who can influence an individual's career within a particular company or industry sector. Useful contacts will be able to
introduce job seekers (contact) to the people who can make a difference.

Contacts can be business people, friends, family, recruitment consultants, former employers, careers advisors, unversity lecturers and work colleagues or contacts made through professional associations, meetings and recruitment fairs, etc.  Basically, anyone can be a contact.

Career and personal networking websites such as Linkedin.com or Facebook are very useful for establishing contacts and building networks.  However, it is recommended that you do not disclose too much personal information about yourself for security and identity reasons.

Significance of networking

Essentially, all networking involves is talking to people and learning about what people do so in order to benefit from their experiences, insight and contacts. Successful networking requires much time, effort and background work. This can be a great tactic to put job seekers ahead of the competition.

Networking happens more than people think, particularly in close-knit business communities or where there are high-profile individuals. It should be deployed as an effective job search technique wherever people find themselves on their career path.

For instance, networking can potentially introduce people to company contacts. Possible opportunities can result. At the very least you can benefit from an additional insight into a particular industry or company. Alternatively, it can put people right off working for a particular employer or within an industry.

                                                                                                                                 

Building up a credible network of contacts

There are several considerations involved for effective networking. This can be applied throughout a person's working life.  Contacts can be called on at any time in the future.

1) Remember that you are at the centre of any network.

2) Define any contacts under specific headings - i.e. business contacts, family, friends, etc. Include name and other relevant details for each contact.

3) Identify what is required from each contact and how they can possibly help. At this stage, some contacts will be deleted as they do not currently add value to your network.

4) Make initial contacts through writing, telephoning or emailing those identified. Arrange a face-to-face meeting if possible - this is more effective.  It shows serious intent and are not wasting their time.  It is much easier to build a rapport when face-to-face.

5) Maintain a spreadsheet of all contacts, meetings, correspondence and business cards. This can be used for future reference and to avoid the over use of contacts.

6) Show courtesy towards contacts. It is important to thank them and to maintain a good relationship as they maybe able to help in the future. Keep in touch and offer some indication of any career progress made. It makes sense not to 'over-use', neglect or be rude to contacts (i.e. otherwise they will not remain contacts for very long!)

                                                                                                                                 

HOW TO MAKE AN INITIAL CONTACT                                                                                          

WRITING A LETTER OR EMAIL

Make sure that any correspondence clearly explains why you are writing. It is important to maintain copies of all correspondence, contact details and dates of when contacts were made. A follow up telephone call maybe appropriate once sufficient opportunity has been given to receive the correspondence (i.e. usually after 14 days or so).

Approach the correspondence by being grateful for any time, assistance or advice they can give in relation to a particular enquiry.  Ask for a face to face meeting as it is easier to convey any answers / obsevations to your enquiries.

                                                                                                                                 

TELEPHONE CONTACT

It is important to get as much information regarding the contact before making the call. This can include the name, job title and their responsibilities within the organisation. Also research the company and possible job roles.  This will help to target efforts and increase any understanding of the possible roles / company.

If trying to make contact with a senior member of an organisation, research is even more important because they are likely to be contacted by unsolicited sales calls. It maybe worthwhile speaking to a secretary or PA first to give an indication as to why you are calling. The PA maybe able to help to get an appointment or a convenient time to call.

During the call

Have an idea of what to say and what to ask about. It is worthwhile stating objectives about why you are calling and what you would like to learn from your contact. Make it clear that you are not looking for a job but are interested in joining the company and are looking for help (flatter them - make them feel empowered to help you).

Carefully structure questions. Keep them short and straight to the point (shows preparation). Sound confident, listen and be very personable.

Remember senior people within organisations will have limited time so do not waste their valuable time. They receive many calls throughout the day, so they will not be afraid to put the phone down. If approached in the right way then it should be no more than a career discussion. Many people do want to help, particularly as they have been there before and understand what is required!

Depending on how the telephone call goes, it maybe worthwhile asking for a short meeting with them or one of their colleagues.

Make notes throughout - it is important not to forget what has been discussed.

                                                                                                                                 

FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS                                                                                                              

This is a real confidence booster. Face-to-face meetings not only demonstrate that you are a credible candidate but that someone is willing to take time out and show interest in you. Any meeting should be approached in a professional manner such as when attending an interview. However, it is likely that you will be asking most of the questions, certainly at the beginning.

Preparation is the key

If you get the opportunity, send the attendee a copy of your CV before the meeting. Also, include a covering letter outlining main motivations for meeting the person and initial reasons why you are interested in a particular role / company. This will give the contact a useful insight about you as an individual and make the whole meeting more effective (it may also help the contact to prepare something for you).

Set some personal objectives in terms of what is to be achieved from the meeting. Always keep such objectives in mind throughout the meeting.

Make sure the time and location of the meeting place is convenient. Give your mobile telephone number just in case of last minute issues or even cancellation of the meeting.

Read up on the company and research possible job specifications. It maybe necessary to demonstrate knowledge of the company / role during the meeting. Understanding the company will also help to tailor effective questions to be asked.

Prepare effective questions. Use open-ended questions to encourage a deeper insight / response. It is important to get allow the contact to assess strengths and weaknesses.  Ask about other observations like opportunities for improvement in terms of your CV, skills and experience.  Consider asking to meet other contacts within the industry / company.

Dress smartly, arrive in good time and take a copy of your CV. Be polite and formal. Keep questions to the point and be careful when asking about sensitive issues like salary (salary should not be reflected as motivation for meeting).

Remember to take notes throughout the meeting. This shows genuine interest and commitment to learn more about a particular role, company or industry sector. It also creates a positive impression.

Questions To Ask

Ask about the current role, responsibilities, skills, etc.  Ask about a 'typical' day, week or month.

Gain an honest appraisal of the role - i.e. asking for the positive and negative aspects of the role.

Ask why the contact decided to choose this particular career path and how they got into this role. This gives a deeper understanding of motivations for this role and tactics to use when seeking this role.

Ask about essential pre-requisites - skills, qualities, special training, experience and qualifications, etc.

Asking about how to be successful in the role, lessons learnt and approaches to be deployed.

Ask about the company, the market it finds itself in and any significant issues affecting the industry / competition, etc.

Prospects for career progression, training and development (investors in people?).

Where are such jobs advertised, what the employer looks for in candidates, competition for places, application procedures and any other useful contacts.

Follow-up actions

It is important to maintain a relationship with your contacts going forward (you may need them in the future). First of all, thank them for their time and the opportunity to meet them as well as give feedback regarding what you actually gained from the experience. It is worthwhile periodically maintaining contact as they would be interested in any progress and maybe able to offer further assistance.

                                               

                     

Networking / building contacts - how effective networking can influence careers!