Uncovering opportunities: networking

What is networking?

Networking is about making connections, developing leads, and building relationships with individuals and groups of people.

Networking for your job search is a planned process of contacting people who can provide information, advice, and referrals. Take advantage of opportunities to network whenever they present themselves. Whether you are looking for work within an organization, as an independent contractor, or as a consultant, networking contacts can help you locate job opportunities in both the visible and hidden job markets. Networking means making many contacts. It is simply an information gathering and sharing activity.

Why network?

Experts agree that most job leads are found through networking. You can’t begin networking, however, until you have defined the type of work you want. Interviews to help you decide on potential occupations are called “information interviews” and should not be confused with “networking interviews.” Once you can articulate the type of work you’re seeking, you’re ready to network.

Networking is beneficial to all parties. Individuals who find employment through networking tend to be more satisfied with their work and earn higher incomes. Steering away from the advertised market has other advantages, as well. First, this market often over represents lowly paid/unskilled or highly paid/highly skilled positions. Most people find work somewhere between these two extremes. Second, the advertised market can be deceiving because many advertised jobs don’t actually exist or are already filled when the jobs are advertised. Finally, the required qualifications listed can be significantly greater than the actual requirements of the job.

Being referred by others is advantageous. Managers trust people they know more than people they don’t. From an employer’s viewpoint, it makes sense to hire a “known quantity,” someone who has been recommended by a person who is known and trusted. Employers reduce their recruitment costs this way, so they encourage referrals from their employees. An employee who is a part of your network can help you and advise you on timing and the best way to approach the employer. Contacts inside an organization can also keep your name in people’s minds.

Keep in mind that networking is a long-term activity with a long-term pay-off. Many job seekers avoid networking because it seems time consuming or unlikely to result in a job. However, research shows that most people find their job opportunities through other people, and that leads typically come from “weak links” &mdash people whom we see infrequently, rather than close friends and family members. If you have been reluctant to network, remember that the energy you commit to it now will continue to benefit you long after you receive your next job, and that, when you approach networking with integrity, people are often willing to help.