Strategies For Successful Career Networking

Some of the best jobs aren't listed anywhere but filled through word-of-mouth or networking. Networking means developing a broad list of contacts and using them to your advantage when you are looking for a job. There are many career networking opportunities every day. It's done at parties, dinners, events, small gatherings, birthdays, volunteer activities, ceremonies and online via social media. It happens at the gym, the grocery store, and the garage. Talk to anyone and everyone including those new to an industry and old pros, those in school and those overseas. They all matter.

Here are some strategies for a successful job networking:

1. Develop Contacts

Contact everyone you know. You meet people who might have insight into your job search. You talk to people who know people who could help you out. You talk about it with strangers at parties. Don't limit yourself to people who could clearly help you out.

2. Places to Find Contacts

The best place to start developing your network is with your family, friends, and neighbours -- and with their family, friends, and neighbours, but don't stop there. Talk to co-workers, colleagues in your industry, and those you meet at industry gatherings, such as trade shows and conferences.

3. Be Prepared

You should approach networking opportunities with a game plan. Find out who will be at certain places and activities, or do your best to list who you think will probably be present. Then, decide who you would most like to meet. When you have your list of potential contacts, thoroughly research their work and their backgrounds and then make up some questions and conversational statements that reflect your research. And finally, think critically about what your goals are for your networking function.

4. Networking Knows No Boundaries

Business conferences, informational interviews, college reunions, and cocktail parties are obvious networking opportunities - you expect to walk away with a few business cards and some recommendations for potential employers. Good networkers are flexible people who approach connection-making as a fluid enterprise that extends far beyond hotel conference room walls. Don't let these opportunities pass you by. Always be ready to make a contact and exchange business cards. Prepare also a powerful resume and cover letter. Resumes can serve as detailed business cards, reminding contacts of you and your accomplishments. Create a version of your resume and cover letter for networking alone, one that can be pulled out on short notice.

5. Follow Up

The key is keeping your network informed of your situation. Never take your network for granted. It's important to keep them updated without being imposing or invasive. And, of course, if you get that new job, be sure to tell them and thank them again for their help.

6. Follow the Golden Rule

If you want to be treated with respect, treat others with respect. If you want your phone calls and emails returned, call and write back to the people who contact you. If you want big-wigs to make time for you, make yourself available to others whom you might be able to help out. It's that simple.

7. Make It Easy For Your Contacts

When you call, meet with, or write to a potential contact, make it as easy as possible for them to help you.  Explain what you specifically want, and ask detail-oriented questions.

8.       Be Organized

This is crucial to your success. Keep a record of your networking. Make sure your system has plenty of room for contacts' names, addresses, phone numbers, companies, job titles, how you met them, and subsequent conversations you've had with them.