Business Article - Networking With Other People
Networking is one of the most important skills that you can learn to help further your career. While around thirty percent of people getting new jobs reach their positions through direct contact after job hunting in a directory or on a web site, and about twenty percent get their new jobs through a job referral agency of some kind, the remaining half of all successful job applicants are a result of personal networking.
What are some of the most important skills and techniques that you can use to better network? First of all, think about networking not as a search for a specific job, but as a practice that you make into an ongoing part of your life. Even if you are successful in finding the specific kind of job that you want, chances are that eventually you are going to either need another one, or some job may become available which is a step up or which you would be really interested in and qualified for. If you have been networking effectively, the chances that people will come to you with jobs that meet your abilities is made much greater. This gives you a lot more freedom to chart the kind of career that you want, and by increasing the number of people who know your name and are interested in hiring you, you can find your talents in much greater demand.
While much of your networking is going to take place face to face, the internet makes it easier than ever for you to network with people over a wide geographic area. If you have a little skill using HTML, set up your own web site to post your resume and skills. You can put the address of your web site on your business cards and always have the address as something to refer people to when you first meet them so that they are able to get vital information about you any time that they need it.
Of course, the majority of networking takes place by meeting people in person. Look for every opportunity that you can find to meet new people in your industry. If you have the option of representing your company at trade shows and conferences, take advantage of that as a way to make lots of new industry connections. Go to parties, meetings, and other get-togethers that are related to your company doing business. When you are out and about, don't hug the walls - stay mobile and meet as many people as possible. Tell people enough about yourself to make a good impression then give them your card and direct them to be able to find more information about you if they have a need to.
Develop your people skills to be able to network well in person. If you are not particularly social, remember that getting to know people and introducing yourself favorably is a skill that you can develop through practice. Be aware of the needs of people you meet - don't try to make an impression on someone who is currently busy or who has something pressing on their mind. Look for people who are in the same mode of meeting and making connections as you are. Also, it is best that you do not network with a specific goal in mind. Don't aim at getting a specific job or trying to get some particular thing out of the person you are talking to - just focus on knowing them better. If a person has a question or concern that you are able to help them with, give them your advice. The less that you focus on yourself and the more that you help others find ways to take care of their problems, the better your reputation will become.
Remember that while networking is important for improving your reputation directly through introductions, you shouldn't only talk about yourself. If someone relates a problem to you which you know that someone else could help with, refer that person. This demonstrates that you are someone with connections who can help solve other people's problems, and reflects back on you to improve your standing in the industry. This is also one way that work can find its way back to you through other people's networking, so step up to the plate and do your part.
When you are meeting people in person, think about how every aspect of your manner and appearance work to contribute to people's first impression. You don't have to dress to the nines, but if you can achieve a professional look with some amount of personal style it will have a positive impact on the way that people think about you.
Even if you haven't got a job yet and are still in college, it isn't too early to get started on networking! Practically every college and university has guest speakers who come to talk about careers in different fields; these people are generally in a position where they can either arrange for internships directly, or they know the people who are in charge of their companies' hiring policies and can give you a bump to the top of the pile if you make a good impression on them. Colleges will also frequently have job fairs where companies set up booths to talk to prospective future employees about the benefits of working for them and what kind of work conditions and requirements they can expect. Not only is this a good place to get noticed by the companies that you may want to work for in the future, you can find out what the most important skills and know-how are for getting the job that you want. This can give you the edge by letting you know which classes are best to take for getting the job of your dreams, and you can make the best possible use of your college years.
After making contact with someone at a company that you would like to work for, stay in contact! If possible, send your resume so that the company has it on file, and send updates every year or so (or whenever there is an important change to your work experience or skills / education). The place you want to be may not have an opening that suits you now, but if you keep them aware of your interest, they'll be sure to consider you when something comes along which fits. Persistence pays off! Beyond giving your resume to people who you would like to get a job from directly, ask them that they pass your resume on if they become aware of anyone who is interested in your job qualifications. While the employer that you have in mind may not have something available they may be able to direct you to a position which is well suited for you and which you would never have thought of or located on your own!
Networking online is a great way for more and more people to improve their visibility to employers. Beyond your web site providing an easy way for people to get the most up to date information about you, you can catch the eye of potential hirers by being active on internet forum discussions, mailing lists and newsgroups which relate to your field of interest. Answering people's questions on the World Wide Web and showing that you have the knowledge to be of assistance as well as a personality to help others is a great way to show what you are made of. Follow the rules of netiquette and treat your online actions as just another ongoing part of the networking that is integrated into your life.
Don't only prioritize networking during the autumn months. Many people hire during that period, but there is also a lot of competition which makes it harder for you to make an impression among the rest. Meanwhile, jobs are becoming available for a wide variety of reasons at all times of the year. Network during the summer, when fewer applicants are active, and you can get more personal attention from people who have positions to fill and are actively looking for someone with your qualifications instead of becoming another resume in a pile of other applicants.
Finally, remember that being consistent in your pursuit of networking is the key. Benjamin Franklin said that energy and persistence conquer all things, and this is especially true for networking. The average job seeker meets sixty people before finding a job through networking. It may take you less time than that, or it may take more, but keep at it and you are sure to find results. Every day ask yourself what you have done to further your job search; even if you do something little each day, you are at least keeping the search fresh, keeping your name active and out there, and increasing the chances that someone will want to hire you. The job of your dreams is out there, and by talking to the right people, eventually you will find it!