2. Networking: What is it and Why Bother?
The dictionary definition: the
exchange of information or
services among
individuals, groups, or
institutions; specifically: the
cultivation of productive
relationships for employment or
business
Translation: A VITAL strategy for
building and maintaining
mutually beneficial relationships
among individuals who share a
common goal; specifically:
getting a job!
3. Networking: What is it and Why Bother?
Networking enables you to mine
the hidden job market. Your
connections can make you aware
of an opening before it’s posted
on the Internet or in the
newspaper. (Some experts say
that as many as 50 percent of
available positions are never
advertised because a personal
recommendation from an existing
employee resulted in a successful
hire.)
4. Networking: What Is it and Why Bother?
Networking is a great way of
researching the businesses you
want to work for. This gives you a
big advantage over other job
applicants who haven’t done their
homework. Use it, for example, to
find out the names of the owner,
the hiring manager and other key
personnel. (Knowledge is power
when looking for a job. Addressing a
cover letter to an actual person is
better than using “Dear Sir or
Madam” or “To whom it may
concern.”
5. Networking: What is it and Why Bother?
Networking affords you an
opportunity to learn about a
company from an insider,
knowledge that can help you
decide whether you’re a good fit.
Networking enables you to find
out about a company’s plans,
giving you valuable insight into
how your skills fit those plans.
Bottom Line: Networking gives you
the POWER you need to sell
yourself to the right people at the
right time!
6. So Why Don’t More People Network?
Some experts say that 80
percent of all positions filled in
a single year are the result of
networking, yet only about 20
percent of jobseekers network!
Why? Our society places great
value on independence. People
are taught to do things on their
own. The fact is, everybody
needs help. (The president can’t
be elected without the votes of
people like you!)
7. Other Excuses for Not Networking
Fear: For a great many people the idea of
asking someone else for help is scary. The
person might say (Gasp!) “No.” Then
again, he might just say “Yes!” Truth
is, you don’t know until you ask.
Ignorance: Some people simply aren’t
aware of the all the potential networking
has to offer. For all of you here today, this
excuse is no longer an option.
Habit: This one is tough. Old habits tend
to die hard. But once you know how to
network, and once you get in the required
practice, you might find you enjoy
networking!
8. Building Your Network: The Basics
Start with people you know:
friends, family members, other Kuhn
clients, your minister, current
classmates, former classmates –
anybody with whom you have regular
contact . Let them know of your
desire to get a job. Ask them if they
know anybody who’s hiring. If they
can’t help with a name, ask them if
they know someone who can.
Contact those people, introduce
yourself and tell them of your
employment goals. The more eyes
you have looking the better your
chance of success!
9. Building Your Network: The Next Phase
Growing your network beyond the
connections in your immediate and
near immediate circle requires more
effort and a bit of planning. Consider
engaging with people who share
similar career goals or hobbies. If, for
example, you’re a plumber, join your
local trade union, or if you enjoy
knitting, join a local knitting club. How
about an employment support?
Whatever the venue, allow your
relationships to flow naturally. Don’t
immediately hit people up for job
leads. Give as well as receive.
10. Building Your Network: The Internet
Social media websites like
Facebook, Linkedin, Google Circles
and Twitter enable you to multiply
the contacts in your network with
the click of mouse. Having a
strategy is key. Having established
virtual connections with people
you’ve actually met, your next goal
is reaching out to actually meet the
people best positioned to help you
achieve your employment goals.
Obviously, you need to know what
those goals are.
11. The Basics: Social Networking
Your online or “virtual identity” is
your “brand.” Your brand is the thing
that distinguishes you from other
job seekers. Spend some time
thinking about how you want to
market yourself to prospective
employers. If you’re an ace at
customer service make sure you
state that high up in your profile.
Make sure that your profile clearly
indicates how your unique skills and
talents can help an employer
achieve his goals.
12. Social Networking (Some Suggestions)
Your first connections will be with
people in your industry, people in
your “network,” i.e. those who do
what you do for work.
If there’s a job, or type of job , you’d
like to explore, try inviting those
people to join your network. (Hint:
Ask for information about their
industry or experience, rather than
a job lead. People really do want to
help.)
Personalize every invitation to
connect!
13. Networking Tips and Tricks
Be a sleuth: Before attending
networking events or job fairs, find
out who’s going to be there. Prepare a
“hit list” of people and businesses you
want to talk to.
Do your homework! Use Goggle,
Linkedin, Facebook and other online
resources to gather info. Knowing
little details about where a potential
connection went to school can help
you stand out from the crowd.
Get the scoop. Be aware of recent
news stories about companies you
want to work for, new products etc.
14. Networking Tips and Tricks
Make a list of conversation starters.
Meeting new people can be
intimidating. Your list should be
targeted at each of the new people
you expect to meet. If a potential
connection enjoys gardening, you
might say something about how the
coming warm weather signals the
start of growing season.
Practice, practice, practice. Spend
some time role playing conversations
with a friend. Talk to your dog if you
have one! Use a mirror. The goal is to
appear natural and comfortable.
15. Networking Tips and Tricks
Be a good listener. People enjoy talking
about themselves and what they do for
a living. Ask plenty of questions.
Nod, smile and do everything possible
to create a favorable impression. A
good conversation is one in which the
contact feels valued.
Request a meeting.
Congratulations, you’ve made friend!
After you’ve exchanged business
cards, emails and phone
numbers, you’re ready for actual face
time. Use your gut to tell you when it’s
time to talk about work. Don’t appear
desperate for a job.
