Networking

Choosing a Network Contact

You should use the following criteria in selecting people to approach:

• People who are knowledgeable within your field of interest. They will know people in your industry or your target group and may be willing to make enquiries on your behalf.
• People who are able to help you with new career information. You can learn details about new companies and industries and even add to your target list.
• People with wide connections of their own by virtue of their jobs or associations.
• People who are easy to approach and talk with - most likely good friends and former associates.
• Other job searchers who can exchange their networks with yours.

Use your network contacts to find out about new job opportunities, or as a way of meeting further contacts. When you meet people on a referral basis, you are no longer a complete stranger, as you are already linked by your contact. Networking is considerably better (and easier) than a cold call - it is much more effective to have a third party call and recommend you than doing it yourself.

Tips for Successful Networking

• Make sure that the messages you feed out to your network contacts are precise about the kind of job you're looking for - including the salary.
• Don't use your network contacts to moan about your current position. It will send out entirely the wrong messages, namely that you might be difficult to work with and that you're only looking for an escape route from your present difficulties.
• Stress to your contacts that you need confidentiality - the last thing you want is your current boss finding out that you're casting about for another position.

A good network is an ongoing process. You will continue to meet new and interesting people, which will offer you the opportunity to expand your world and enhance the quality of your professional life.