Networking is important for finding job opportunities and making professional connections. It involves meeting new people in a business or social context to expand one's network. Some key tips for effective networking include joining a professional organization, finding a mentor, attending events early and talking to new people, being genuinely curious about others, finding common ground, and following up afterwards by thanking contacts. It is important to network regularly, not just when looking for a job, and to maintain relationships over time rather than using contacts for short-term gain. Patience is also important, as referrals may not come immediately.

1. Networking

2. Why is it important?

3. “You can find out about unadvertised openings by talking to as many people as possible”

4. What is networking? “Meeting new people in a business or social context” en.wiktionary.org/wiki/networking

5. When is the right time to network?

6. When?

7. Start With…

8. Self Assessment

9. Join a professional organization/network related to your field(e.g. LinkedIn). Participate in relevant discussions!

10. Mentorship Try to find a mentor for yourself Can be your teacher, colleague, or anyone who has professional experience

11. How to prepare for some job fairs, networking nights or corporate events? Want to prepare for some job fairs, networking nights or corporate events coming up. What should you do to make the most out of these opportunities?

12. When attending events, talk to people you don’t know! To maximize networking opportunities.

13. Ice Breakers… Stay polite and be open to learning! Address people by their first name This personalizes the conversation and makes them feel connected.

15. What if I am shy?

16. Be Genuinely Curious! Encourage others to talk about themselves. Everyone has a story, so listen and ask open-ended questions that allow for conversation. Learn something from everyone you talk to! Some of the best conversationalists do very little talking.

17. Find common ground with new people. Ask them about their interests outside of work. Don’t approach networking events as sales opportunities. Workshops, conferences and job fairs are opportunities to meet people, to create likability and commonality; the two cornerstones of networking.

18. Get to the event early! This way, you have a chance to talk to people one-on-one

19. Don't…

20. Come up with a system for organizing your network contacts whether on a spreadsheet, a binder, email or your phone.

21. Initiate informational interviews One of the best ways to gain more information about an occupation or industry Keep in mind! The purpose of the informational interview is to obtain information not to get a job. .

22. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Most people are flattered to be asked for assistance and advice with your job search. Suggest a tip, tool, reference, book, website or referral to help that person out. The other person will like your helpfulness, ask questions, and request your business card.

23. Thank everyone in your network who have been helpful to you (through an email or a call/text). Your Contacts will remember your good manners. Keep networking even after you've found a job.You never know when you might need your network contacts again.

24. Don't… Don't Use and Abuse! Networking is about creating mutually beneficial relationships, helping others, meeting a wide variety of interesting people and creating solid, long-term relationships. Don’t use it for short-term, one-sided gain.

25. Make it easy for people to help you If the topic of your employment situation comes up and you have the opportunity to talk about your job search, state specifically what kind of job you're seeking, as well as the industry and any specific companies that interest them.

26. Most importantly Don‘t expect instant results from your contacts! Be patient, as it takes a while before people are comfortable enough to offer you a referral.

27. Want to read more? Career Networking Do's and Don'ts byKatharine Hansen, Ph.D.http://www.quintcareers.com/networking-dos-donts.html Top Networking Do’s and Don’ts byTia Jackson, April 25, 2011 http://brandmakernews.com/personal-brand/5337/top-networking-dos-and-donts.html The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking byMonika Jansen http://www.networksolutions.com/smallbusiness/2011/02/the-do%E2%80%99s-and-don%E2%80%99ts-of-networking/