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What Networking Actually Means
While social media remains an excellent source for networking and
building relationships in the job market, offline sources still benefit all who
choose to use them.
Networking means enlisting support to comfortably ask for advice, ideas,
and referrals
Professional relationships built through networking should be a “give-and-
take,” not one sided
In the end, finding and using available resources may just get you that job
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Easy Ways To Build A Network
What Should Be Done:
Use referrals
Join professional associations or clubs
Volunteer
Attend Networking Events
Contact former educators, administrators,
and career-services officers
Contact former co-workers, customers,
and volunteer organizations
Find a mentor
What Shouldn’t Be Done:
Ignore people trying to help you
Use shyness as an excuse not to meet
people who can help
Lose or misplace business cards given to
you in your job hunt
Overuse a networking option and give
nothing in return
Forget to follow up
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But I’m New To All Of This…
Teenagers, new high school graduates, and college students just starting
out face an uphill battle in getting even the most basic job.
So where should you turn:
Classmates, alumni, and recent grads
Parents, relatives, and parents of friends
Teachers, coaches, advisers, and guidance counselors
What if I’ve never worked before?
Volunteer experiences offer great opportunity to network
Attending charity events and fundraisers is a “Who’s Who” of professionals
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Final Thoughts
Networking isn’t necessarily easy, but once you start to build your network,
the rewards speak for themselves
For new job seekers that are shy or feel as if limited experience will hinder
chances:
Use a buddy system: pair up with a friend to make the rounds together
Project enthusiasm: smile often, become self-assured through practice
Work for it: getting the job, in the end, is up to you
Online networking: it’s okay to use it, just don’t let it become a crutch
Always, always, always express gratitude.
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So What Have We Learned?
What Does Networking Actually Mean?
What are some ways you can network
offline?
List some people and groups who can
help grow your network.
If you’ve never worked before, what are
some ways you can build a network?
Why should you bother networking if
there are all these job boards, postings,
and “Help Wanted” signs?
Informational Interviewing
What does it mean to have an
“informational interview?”
How does it differ from a job interview?
Are there similarities?
Describe how informational interviewing
can get you ahead of the game.
