The Art of Networking

Networking is an informal communication system that promotes the sharing of information and getting information from a variety of different places and sources.

Professional networks usually consist of trusted acquaintances and friends who communicate with one another on various issues such as job search and/or professional development activities.

Developing an interactive network takes time. You may have already begun to do so and you are not even aware of it.

Ask yourself- do I have a network of trusted friends and acquaintances that I rely on for advice and guidance? Have I maintained friends and acquaintances through the years that I can add to my professional network?

On campus is an excellent place to start building your professional college and career network. Whenever you encounter deans, advisers, tutors, faculty, and/or campus administrative staff, for example, take the time to connect with them on a personal level, not just on an intellectual one. Ask them about where they’re from, their family, or just something as simple as where they went to school. Same type of strategy applies in the workplace as well.

And don’t wait until your senior year to start. Networking takes time and forging supportive relationships don’t happen overnight.

The art of networking is not always a surefire practice. Sometimes you’ll connect, and other times you won’t. The key here is to understand that networking is a part of who you are as a professional and your effectiveness really depends on your willingness and ability to go beyond the boundaries of your own self-perception.

For example, if you think you’re a shy personality, then flip the switch, and introduce yourself first at your next networking encounter. Worried about rejection? Don’t…remember, people are people, and they may be shyer than you or they may just be unaware of the value of making that connection. You’re in the professional world and “ups and downs” are part of your professional growth.

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

Contrary to popular perception, networking is not always about job hunting. At its core is building an informal network of trusted friends and acquaintances who are willing to share information on a variety of issues that you and they have in common.

However, there will be times in your professional life when having a network can turn into a tremendous asset, such as job hunting or your need for references. And before you get into a job hunting situation, you should be aware of the following:

Hidden Job Market—on average, over 70% of jobs are not advertised!

Typical Job Seeker Search Pattern
Look at online job banks or advertised jobs
Mass mail out of resumes
Drop off resumes
Contact an employment agency
Start talking to friends, family, colleagues, and instructors
Attend networking events

Typical Employer Recruitment Pattern
Promote from within
Ask for referrals from managers and employees
Brainstorm for possible candidates
Contact their industry colleagues
Review unsolicited resumes
Post the job online or advertise

Notice the difference…employers begin with employees and personal contacts; job seekers end their job search process with contacts and networking events. The lesson here is…Use Your Networks First!

Always begin any job search first with a visit to your campus’ Career Services office or state funded job center. Your career adviser should be a member of your network. Have a comprehensive conversation with the career adviser and take advantage of all available job prep resources such as resume and cover letter writing, career fairs, etc.

On campus, these services are free to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. Go off campus seeking similar services not associated with the government can cost you a fortunate !

If you are not currently attending a college or university, then check in with your local area’s Career One-Stop program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. You can make an appointment to see a career counselor who may be able assist you with your job search process. Take advantage of the other employment services they offer as well.

“ You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. ” — Will Rogers

New to networking… how do you introduce yourself? You have to develop what’s known in the trade as an “elevator speech”, a 30 second to 1 minute description of who you are, your interests, and professional goals (see sample below):

Practice your elevator speech until it becomes a natural part of your professional persona. Becoming competent at networking requires practice. And remember, the goal of networking is not always about just getting a job. It’s building a network of lifelong, mutually beneficial, formal and informal relationships.

Networking is an essential, professional advising and communication tool, useful on so many levels, particularly as you continue to grow and mature into a successful, working professional. Take entrepreneur, business guru Bob Burg’s advice. (see below)

“I like to define networking as cultivating mutually beneficial, give-and-take, win-win relationships… The end result may be to develop a large and diverse group of people who will gladly and continually refer a lot of business to us, while we do the same for them.” –Bob Burg