by Cachet B. Prescott, MSCCN Volunteer

I attended the University of Virginia as an undergraduate and at the time, the University Career Services slogan was “Networking is better than not working”. This simple mantra has stuck with me over the years, and by taking heed to it, I have had great successes in my career endeavors. Here are a few keys to successful networking that I have picked up along the way:

• Use any and every opportunity to network. How do you expect to find a job when no one knows that you are even looking? Whether you are at your child’s little league baseball game, at the grocery store, or at the spa getting a facial, use every interaction as a potential chance to expand your network. Be yourself and simply share what you have to offer rather than trying to sell an image because you never know who may be listening. I have networked while working out at the gym. Though I was not trying to pursue a career at my gym, I still used my conversation with the manager as an opportunity since I was new to the area. You never know with whom he has connections. That manager could have known someone who knows someone who could have been my next employer.

• Join professional organizations. Membership in a professional organization puts you exactly where you need to be: around others who share a common interest with you career-wise. This avenue allows you to make connections and gives you exposure to the very people who can alert you to potential job opportunities.

• Put your best foot forward. No matter where you are, you never know who is looking at you or who might be able to help you land your next job. Networking has the same rules as interviewing, such as always carrying yourself professionally and never bad-mouthing former employers. A past interviewer can also be a potential extension of your network. Though they may not have hired you, they may be willing to recommend you to someone else they know if you have left a positive lasting impression. Last year, I interviewed for a recruiter position with a company but did not get that job because they decided to hire an internal candidate. The person whose job I interviewed for actually kept a copy of my resume and two months later recommended me for another recruiter position (which I ended up getting) at a clinic. By putting my best foot forward and setting myself apart from others, I left a great impression in her mind and it paid off.

• Come prepared. Make sure you have copies of your resume and/or business cards on hand. After getting laid off from a job this past January, I still served as the Community/External Relations chairperson for a professional organization. At one of our monthly lunch meetings, a member asked me if I was still looking for work, and I said yes. She mentioned an opening that she was aware of and asked me to e-mail her a copy of my resume. I had a copy of my resume on hand to give her just in case an opportunity like this came up. This small action left a positive impression in her mind about me, and she was able to share this with the hiring authority.

• Follow-Up. Get contact information for the people who you build your network with (i.e. business cards), and check in with them from time to time. Drop an e-mail to update them on your job search or even to say that you have actually landed a job, and always thank your connections for aiding you in this process. Do not, however, be a nuisance. If you give someone the idea that you are a pest, they will not be inclined to recommend to you anyone.

• Don’t be afraid of rejection. Networking may not always result in the job of your dreams. Some people may not be as responsive as you like, and others may give you false hope…it happens. Despite these minor setbacks, just keep plugging along, and you will encounter the right person who is willing and able to help your career pursuits come to fruition.

Since research says that 70-80% people get their jobs through networking, the odds seem to be in your favor. You are your own biggest advocate so get out there and network, and you’ll be on your way to getting that job in no time!

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 12:12 am and is filed under Career. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.