Networking Do’s and Don’ts for Job Seekers

Networking Do’s and Don’ts for Job Search

Why is networking so important in your job search?

You are more likely to get hired by networking than the “spray and pray” approach of applying to everything, hoping your resume stands out from the crowd, and then the waiting game begins.

It’s time to get proactive! Studies show that more than 70% of jobs are found through networking. You are 4-5X more likely to get hired through a referral. Your resume gets to the top of the pile when it’s hand-delivered and comes with a recommendation.

Sounds easy, right? Well, not for everyone so here are some things to consider as you build your networking plan.

Don’t make these common networking mistakes

• Asking for a favor before building a relationship (trust)

• Being desperate (or rude)

• Not respecting time

• Asking without being specific

• Not enough networking

• Not following up

• Not being grateful

Always Connect - anytime, anywhere!

• Personal connections

  • Friends and family

  • Alumni

  • Neighbors and community acquaintances

• Professional connections

  • Past colleagues (managers, peers)

  • Customers

  • Vendors

  • Consultants

  • Agency partners

  • Conferences

  • Trade Shows

• Associations and Organizations

  • Professional associations (American Management Association, National Society of Professional Engineers, American Finance Association and so many more!)

  • Service and non-profit organizations (Rotary, HandsOn Network, Dosomething.org)

  • Faith-based groups

  • Volunteer organizations

• Anywhere!

  • Coffee shops

  • On a plane

  • On a train

  • At the gym

Have a strategy

• Intention - What’s your objective?

• Target - Who can help?

• Research - What companies, roles, industries?

• Outreach List - Who will you contact?

• Message - What will you say?

• Connection - How will you connect?

Get some help!

It can feel daunting to start reaching out to your own network and even more to new connections. It takes some work but, as with most things, having a networking plan is worth the effort.

I can help you…

• Determine who should be on your list and how to do creative searches to find the most effective connections

• Create outreach messages that will get people to respond

• Learn how to set up a meeting that is a good use of everyone’s time

• Prepare for and tackle objections

• Write out a list of targeted, meaningful, relevant questions for your meeting

• Craft timely meeting follow up messages

• Get noticed with proactive outreach to recruiters

Remember that networking is the best way to get the job you deserve! Contact me and we can work together to build your plan. Let’s get started!

Follow Telma Sullivan Career Coaching on Facebook and like the page.