networking

Networking means talking to others about your

Networking job search and career goals. You can do this
formally or informally.

2
Networking Facts

• Networking is not the same as asking for a job. Networking is

about building contacts. Contacts are people you know. Your
networking contacts are people who work for a company or
organization.

• Networking helps you learn more about jobs that are being
created and advertised.
Networking Facts

• It lets you learn about the “hidden network.” This network has
many jobs that are never advertised.

• It is good to know people in different companies and

organizations. It helps you develop more as a professional.

• An employer may not be hiring today. However, tomorrow the

employer may be looking for someone like you.
Before Networking, Be Clear About Your Job
Search Goals

• What kinds of jobs are you looking for?

• What skills and experience prepared you for these jobs?

• Are you focused on a particular industry? (Examples of industries are car

sales or health insurance.)

• Do you want to work at a particular company?

• Do you want to look for jobs in one local area?

The Elevator Speech

• An elevator speech is a short description of your skills

and career goals. It lasts one to two minutes.
The Elevator Speech

Here is an example.

• "Hi. My name is ____.

• I'm looking for ( a kind of job ) in ( an industry, or place ).

• I really enjoy ( something about a past job or experience ).

• I'm good at ( a certain job skill )."

The Elevator Speech

After you’ve briefly stated these facts, you can ask for help or
advice. For example:

"Do you have any advice for me?"

"Do you know anything about this company?"
"Do you know anyone who works there?"
"Can I use your name to contact them?"
Writing And Speaking

Think about what you do when you try to network. What steps
are you taking? Many people will send an email and stop at that.
Writing And Speaking

The way you write or speak to the people you're trying to

network with is important. Reread your emails or think about
your voice mails.
Writing And Speaking

Now, here’s the hard part. Networking does not happen

overnight. Relationships need to be built over time. If you're
trying to rush things, people may be less interested in
responding to you.
Ask yourself the following questions from the point
of view of the person you’re trying to network with:

Why Should I Trust You?

You must be able to explain who you are and
how you’re connected to the person.
Ask yourself the following questions from the point
of view of the person you’re trying to network with:

What Do You Want Me To Do?

You must know what you want and be able to
explain your request to the person. If you
want the person to introduce you to someone
else, mention that and explain why.
Ask yourself the following questions from the point
of view of the person you’re trying to network with:

What If I Say No?

Most of the time, people want to be nice and
like to be helpful. That said, sometimes
people are unable to help everyone who
contacts them.
Ask yourself the following questions from the point
of view of the person you’re trying to network with:

What Will I Get In Return?

You may not have anything to offer right now.
However, make sure that the person knows
that you can help him or her in the future.
THANK YOU!

16