Networking really works

Black Collegian, Apr 2002 by Shakoor, A Tariq

CAREER ADVICE & PLANNING

Networking may best be described as a support system characterized by interrelationships for the purpose of helping someone. To this extent it can also be said to possess an altruistic quality. Networking in its truest sense is about people helping people.

When we think of networking in the modern context, we think about "having connections" (people connected to you, who are connected to influential others). And these connections are used to assist people to achieve career goals whether it amounts to an interview for a job, a letter of recommendation for graduate study, or to make a major purchase. We will be examining networking as it relates to the job search.

The Road to Your Future

In traveling on your journey to career success, you will have many decisions to make about what roads you will take to meet your career goals. No matter what road you find yourself on, networking can play a very vital role in achieving your career goals. There are many networking vehicles you can use depending on your situation. Whatever you decide, don't ignore any of the following:

* Network with friends, family and professors

* Professional associations and societies

* Fraternities and sororities

* Direct contact with people you don't know

* Newspaper/trade journal advertisements

* Employment/placement agencies

* Job/career fairs

* Temporary agencies

Another Reality is Networks Really Work!

While estimates vary, most industry professionals agree that networking accounts for filling between 50 and 65% of all jobs. That's a tremendous statistic when you consider all of the possible ways people go about job hunting. As powerful and effective as networks can be, there's no trick to landing on your feet in the right place at the right time. The reality is that it's all about preparation, planning, and persistence. When you are networking effectively, it is very much like sowing seeds. And sowing seeds (networking), can produce some impressive fruit (results). In order for relationships to become fruitful, they require nurturing, time and patience. Many of your best networks are already in place from years of association. Relationships with friends, relatives and former teachers are a good example of established networks. These are often the best places to start because people know you.

Networking is not a new phenomenon. For centuries people have been hitting up friends, neighbors, former classmates and relatives for jobs or information and referrals that might lead to jobs. Most people do this quite naturally and don't even realize that they are involved in a very crude and simplistic form of networking. However, in order for you to maximize your chances of success, you need to formalize your efforts into a well-organized strategic plan.

The most important part of networking is people and people contact. You shouldn't think of networking as "using people," but rather, as a means of gaining access to a people database. You will need these people to gain and transmit information. You will either want to gain information about a particular industry, company, or position; or you will want to transmit information about yourself to others about your skills and experience. When approached, most people will understand, because most of them have been where you are now. The key to your personal success in this effort is to use poise, grace and tact. Be sure to read the do's and don'ts of networking presented later in this article, and use them as your guide.

Establishing Your Core Network

When establishing your network, start first with your family and relatives and work your way out. Make a list of family, relatives, former classmates, teachers and former employers. In most cases, your immediate family and relatives, and perhaps a very close friend, will constitute your core network. The people in your core network will be able to help you expand your network through their own acquaintances. Don't forget to include people you know from clubs and religious groups and acquaintances from professional associations. Everyone you've ever come in contact with is a potential link in your network.

The Basics of Networking

There are two ways to operate your network---the spoken word and the written word. The first is the most common. If you network vigorously, your phone will become an extension of your ear. Your networking goals are to:

* Let people know you are available for the job market.

* Discover hidden openings.

* Increase your knowledge of what's required by organizations.

* Hone your interviewing skills.

The first step is to identify the key people in your network. These key people should be those who most likely can refer you to people who know of job opportunities. You have already started making your list. Expand it to include not only the name of your contact, but also his or her title, company, address and phone number. Next to each name, put down what you hope to gain from the contact.

You would use the same format for family and relatives. When you start with friends of the family, be sure to start with those people who generally come in contact with a lot of people on a regular basis. Professional people, by the nature of their jobs, interact with a variety of people all the time. For your initial contact, phone numbers are enough, but as you move forward in the process you will need all the relevant contact information, including address. The key is that you develop an organized approach to networking.