JOB SEARCH NETWORKING

NETWORKING is the process of developing and using personal contacts to exchange career/employment information, ideas, and resources. Most job search experts believe that 60% of jobs are found through a person’s personal and professional network.

Networking in the job search can provide:

  • Professional contacts
  • Job referrals
  • Information about careers and skills needed for entry-level positions
  • A realistic view of the work world
  • Job search tips

How to make networking work for you:

1) Make a list of people you know who are in a position to provide you with employment or career information. Ask them for career/job search advice and to refer you to people they know who may be in a position to help you.

Good resources are:

  • Friends, neighbors, classmates (current and past), and relatives.
  • Current and former employers.
  • Professors, teachers, coaches, or advisors.
  • Members of your church, clubs, or professional associations.
  • Ask yourself “Who do I know, and who do I know who knows somebody, and who do I know who knows somebody who knows somebody who can be helpful in my job search?”

2) Initiate contact with individuals through informational interviewing. Use your networking resources to develop contacts with professionals in your career field and interview them regarding career opportunities.

3) A good networking pace is two new contacts each week. By the end of the first month, you will have initiated eight contacts. Networking is effective. It will work with patience and persistence.

Informational Interviewing (A networking technique to be used with companies that are H1B friendly):

What can you do if your contact or networking list is not extensive? How can you fully utilize the contacts you do have? A key component in networking is informational interviewing, which is an information-gathering and advice-seeking interview in which you ask the questions.

Begin by targeting individuals on your networking list who can connect you with people who are in a position to provide advice and/or job leads in your career area. Then contact those people to set-up an informational interview.

When calling to schedule an appointment, make sure to introduce yourself, indicate the person who referred you, state the purpose for seeking an appointment, and give a short synopsis of your background and career interest. Request 20-30 minutes of the individual’s time and prepare interview questions in advance.

Follow-up

Career experts believe this is as vital as the informational interview itself. After each interview, make sure to send a thank-you note and keep the individual posted on your progress. If you have not discussed your background with the individual in great detail, you may send a copy of your resume with the note. If any of the informational interviews result in a formal interview, consider tailoring your resume to the needs or specific duties of the company. It’s not always what you know; it’s who you know that will help you find a job.