NETWORKING

You have all heard the saying "It's not WHAT you know, but WHO you know." That concept is alive and well in today's marketplace, and it gives experienced networkers a competitive edge. After all, researchers tell us that approximately 70% of jobs are secured through networking, as opposed to about 5% secured through answering want ads! So what IS networking , anyway?

In the context of occupational exploration and job search, networking is getting to know people who currently work in the field or environment in which you are interested. Newtworking contacts are not necessarily people who are in a position to hire you. They are people who are in a position to give you valuable opinions about, or perceptions, of the occupation you are researching.

Occupational research can be started in a library or on the Internet, reading what you can on the occupation. Once you have read what you can, then you need to find people who do this kind of work. See if your friends, relatives, neighbors, doctor, dentist, etc., can give you the name and phone number of someone (or more) who does this work, or works in a closely related field. If they give you some names, ask them if you can use their name as the referral source when you contact this person(s). If they don't know of anyone, ask them to ask THEIR network for names. If all else fails, contact a place where this type of worker would be employed, or the professional membership organization or union to which this type of worker might belong, and find someone that would be willing to talk to you. (HINT: Strangers are more willing to talk to you if you are connected to someone they know.)

Call this worker and explain that you are very interested in learning more about this occupation and industry. Mention to them how you got their name (referral source, newspaper article, membership list, etc.) Ask if you can take 20-30 minutes of their time, within the next 2 weeks, to ask them some questions about their work. Be sure to emphasize you are gathering information, not job hunting. If they think you are looking for work, they will avoid you. No one wants to be saddled with your job search. But people are very willing to talk about what they do, and love to give advice and opinions. Approach them as an expert in the field who can help educate you to the ins and outs of this work.

Prepare a list of questions to ask your contacts when you meet with them. What do you need to know about the occupation to evaluate how good a fit it is for you? Salary? Demand? How they spend their time? Education? Training, etc.? Don't forget to ask them for names of others in the same occupation who work in a different environment. You don't want to break the chain of referrals.

Interview as many people as you can, not less than 6 or 8 in the same occupation. The more people, the more contacts in that occupation that could turn into employment leads later on. Plus, several opinions can tell you whether there are industry standards you can count on, or whether the occupation changes greatly in different environments.

Don't forget to apply common courtesy when networking. Be sure to offer to reciprocate in some way. Write thank-you notes when someone has taken time out to talk to you. Not only does this convey your appreciation, but it also gives you a vehicle to leave your name, complete mailing address, phone number and email address with your new contact. If this person was impressed with you they may think of you if/when they hear of any openings in the "hidden job market."

Networking has taken on a whole new dimension with the Internet. People expect to network on the Internet, that's what it is all about. But don't expect to be besieged with job offers and contact names simply because you logged on to a professional discussion group and posted a message full of intelligence and insight. Networking online is a slow process. In the online world, just as in real life, relationships do not form overnight. It takes time to build up trusted contacts. In fact, it may be months before any job leads materialize. That is why it is suggested that you continually maintain a presence in appropriate discussion groups -- even when (especially when) you are happily employed! The opportunity of a lifetime may turn up when it is least expected.

Discussion Groups