Networking for Job Searchers

Tips in Making It Work, Networking Myths and Etiquettes

Apr 5, 2008

When used appropriately, networking, online or not, can work to the advantage of the job hunter.

Basically, the purpose for networking is to make yourself available and to expand relationships with other people by mutual advantage.

As a job searcher or job hunter, you are looking for a potential employer, so you want to "spread" yourself around. The networking definition can be enhanced to include a purposeful plan that makes use of the power of the word-of-mouth marketing.

Nowadays, 'social networking' is an over-used phrase on the Internet. It is one of the hottest Web applications used to get new contacts online, but not necessarily job contacts. There are MySpace and Facebook, to name two; there are many more of these sites, all about social networking.

Offline, networking can be rolled over starting with solid friends, through phone calls or a face to face chat over a hot cup of coffee. Then you are introduced to a friend of a friend, and so on.

Myths of Networking

Networking takes too much time and energy. Think of networking as part of your marketing strategy, something that you do on a regular basis, and therefore, incorporated in your daily life.

I don't know anyone. Start from the people you are already in contact with on a regular basis.

Defeatist attitude that networking "will not work anyway so why bother". Perhaps you haven't any job offers this time, but it doesn't mean things won't change for the better in a couple of days or weeks. Instead, develop rapport and build relationship.

How to Make Networking Work

In today's extremely competitive market, often, modesty will get you nowhere. You need to brag about yourself to a certain extent, and be assertive but not aggressive. Sometimes even a simple brag can be difficult, but you have to let people know you have something to offer. Most of all, you have to start getting the attention of potential employers. You need to talk about you!

Ways You Can Talk About Yourself

You must be able to communicate your strengths effectively. It is definitely a good practice to be able to relay these.

Get others motivated about you, starting from your family, friends, ex-colleagues (if any). That way, they can support you in spreading the word around.

Show and tell how you can add value to a potential employer. Prepare your own strategic plans to be able to discuss why you can be an asset rather than a liability.