3-1 Networking 1 - The Riley Guide

Networking to Enhance Your Job Search - What is a Network?

I bet you have a network you don't even recognize.

According to Merriam-Webster, one of the definitions of network is "a usually informally interconnected group or association of persons". These associations can be personal relationships with friends, family, and others you meet in an informal gathering. They can also be business relationships you develop with vendors, customers, supervisors, subordinates, and even competitors you encounter during the course of your career.

In her article, Everyday People Key in Job Networking (Denver Post, March 30, 2003), Kelly Pate wrote that "Friends, friends of friends, a barber, a neighbor and former co-workers are often the best resources for job seekers, especially in a market with far more people out of work than job openings, job placement experts say." Your network is only limited by the company you keep, both on and off the job. Just don't think the only time you are networking is during a job search.

You are networking when you...

• attend professional meetings, conferences, or conventions
• visit with other parents during your child's sporting or music events
• volunteer for "clean-up" day at the park
• visit with other members of your social clubs or religious groups
• talk with your neighbors
• strike up a conversation with someone else waiting at the veterinarian's office
• search out friends (current as well as former) on Facebook
• re-connect with former colleagues on LinkedIn
• talk to sales persons visiting your office

In Terms of a Job Search, Networking is the way to Go!

Networking is consistently cited as the Number 1 way to get a new job. You know how everyone says that "80% of the jobs available never get advertised? This is how you find them and get them!

According to CareerXRoad's 9th Annual Sources of Hire Study (Feb 2010, PDF)

"referrals make up 26.7% of all external hires (new employees hired from outside the organization). The yield for referrals is one hire for every 15 referrals, making this category the most efficient source by far." (Since I know you will ask, "Hires attributed to Job Boards represent 13.2% of external hires.")

Those who make the actual hiring decisions would much rather talk to someone who has been recommended by someone they already employ. This is your first reference check, which saves the hiring manager considerable effort sorting through all the resumes and phone calls an advertisement will generate.

My Own Networking Story

I am where I am now because of networking, especially networking online via mailing lists. When I was ready to make the transition from university librarian to private consultant, it was my network that presented the initial opportunities to get me going (an introduction to the senior management at Drake Beam Morin, a request from the Employment and Training Administration for project work, an invitation from the National Business Employment Weekly to do some writing, and even an offer of a book contract.) The network I did not realize existed provided support and assistance when I needed it, and I work to return the favor as much as I can.

What Networking Isn't

Networking isn't a process of making cold-calls or sending Friend or "Join my Network" requests to people you don't know. It's connecting to people you do know through a valid connection.

What I mean by a valid connection is someone who may be a member of the same professional association, a fellow alumnus of your undergraduate or graduate school (or even high school), or the friend of a friend to whom you were introduced either personally or professionally.

Networking does not have to be a carefully-choreographed process of meeting and greeting people. For some people it's more manageable on an informal basis, but always remember that networking is a two-way street. It must benefit both persons to be most effective, so as you ask your network for help when you are in need, be prepared to return the favor when asked.

Once you are comfortable with the general practice, then it is easy to take it online because the same basic principles apply.