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When I suggest to my job-seeking clients that they network, I often hear the following reaction, whether they are introverts or extroverts:
“I know networking is important, but it’s so hard to do. I’d much rather answer ads or put my resume on the Internet.”
I understand that it’s not a comfortable thing for some people, but the truth is that more than 65 percent of jobs are found through word of mouth and networking. In Huntsville, the figure may be even higher. On the other hand, less than 10 percent of job seekers find jobs through ads or by posting online resumes.
With these odds, it only makes sense to network.
Why do so many people hate networking? Some job seekers say they are too shy, or it makes them feel needy, or they fear rejection. Others feel it is pushy or aggressive.
Try looking at it a different way: People who are successful at networking view it as an exchange of information. We share information about restaurants, baby-sitters, and movies, and that’s networking. Participating in Internet discussion groups, listservs and chat rooms is also networking, as is attending professional meetings or local clubs. Most of us will gladly do this kind of networking. Yet, when we think about networking to advance our careers, we retreat to our computers and newspapers and rely on the mailman and the “send” button.
It’s not about job openings. It is about talking to people. Networking is not just taking - it’s sharing and giving. According to the Five O’Clock Club, a national career counseling network, the biggest mistake job seekers make in networking is to ask people if they know of any job openings. They usually don’t. Instead, you should focus on forming a relationship that will last a lifetime and plan to reconnect regularly with the people you meet. Many people say they got their jobs through someone six or seven levels removed from where they started.
The Five O’Clock Club offers several suggestions for networking:
Make sure you always have business cards with you.
Have your “commercial” ready. Have a two-to-three sentence description of what you do and what type of job you are seeking.
Look for temporary volunteer opportunities. You’ll feel good, get some experience, and meet other volunteers for future networking.
Follow up with the people you found interesting and who showed interest in you. Continue to follow up.
Don’t forget to give back. Look for opportunities where you can offer tips, advice and information.
For those of you who aren’t currently searching for a job, another big career mistake is not keeping up with your network while you are employed. Your network can keep you informed of important happenings and opportunities in your field, whether you need them immediately or in the future. If you don’t maintain that network, you don’t have it when you really need it most.
Networking is important. I say, “schmooze or lose.”