Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Networking and Certainly Don't Want to Do!

There's a lot of misunderstanding about what it means to network while searching for a job.  Many job seekers think networking means telling as many people as they can that they're looking for a job in the hope that one of them will have a position to offer.  Asking for a job is actually the fastest way to short-circuit your network.  Networking is about starting a conversation.  It's about engaging people in your search.  When you network by telling everyone you know that you're out of work and asking if they have a job for you, you get one of two answers and two possible outcomes...

     YES, which is great because they offer you a job, but this doesn't happen that often and...
     NO, in which case the conversation is pretty much over.

Here's one of many job search pearls of wisdom...
People hate to be put on the spot for a job.  People love to give guidance and advice.

Tell someone you're out of work and ask if they have a job for you and you will often hear the sigh over the phone or see someone physically pull back from you.  It's putting someone on the spot, which is rarely something you want to do, especially when trying to build your job search cheering section. Again, if the answer to the question is no, you have lost the opportunity to start a dialog and expand your network, because that 'no' tends to end the conversation.

Ask someone for guidance and advice and you can almost always get them talking.  Creating the conversation enables you to build rapport, get to know each other and get them involved in your search.  People generally will not open up about jobs or their contacts unless they have a sense of who you are and feel good about you.  It's once you get to that point that the help, support, referrals and possibly even job leads come into play.

It is critical to be just as prepared for a network meeting as it is for a job interview.  In fact, while you want to create a dialog during a job interview, there is dual accountability for keeping the conversation going, as the interviewer has asked you to come in to talk.  In the case of a network or informational meeting, you've asked for the opportunity to come in and seek some advice.  It is therefore your responsibility to come in with questions.

Depending on who you're meeting with and what you want to find out, typical network questions might include...
     What are the critical skills or experiences needed to be successful in this position/company/field?
     What made you decide to join this company?  Go into this field?
     What organizations/associations would you recommend I join to expand my network in this field?
     Ask for feedback on your resume.

In this great age of Google, simply Google 'questions to ask in a network meeting' and you'll get lists upon lists to help you develop your top 10.  One site I find to be very helpful with all job search topics is www.quintcareers.com.  They actually have a list of 200 informational interview questions divided by category - new in the field, transitioning, etc.

Network meetings are great opportunities to seek advice about potential roadblocks.  Is age a factor? (clearly this is a dicey question to ask, but I put it out there a lot).  If it is, ask for suggestions as to how you can either play down your age or use it to your benefit.  If you are transitioning from one field to another, ask for feedback on potential wholes in your experience and how to work around them? 

Go into network meetings with a pad and a list of questions.  Having a good list of questions reflects intent and research and helps create a positive impression.  Let the person you're meeting with know that you're going to take notes.  Make sure to jot down the name of any companies or specific people mentioned during the conversation.  You can come back to this information towards the end of the meeting and say something like..."You mentioned you used to work in Career Services at Montclair State University.  I'd like to learn more about their program and approach as I understand they've decentralized their services.  Is there someone there you'd recommend I contact?" OR  "You mentioned Susan Smith at Citibank.  I'd like to talk with someone about the organization.  Do you think Susan would be a good person for me to talk to?"

The next part of the equation is to ask for advice about how to make the connection.  For example, "Would you recommend I call Susan or contact her via e-mail?"  And, most critical, "Would you be willing to let me use your name and/or send an introductory e-mail on my behalf?"

At the close of a network meeting tell the person you've met with that you'd like to stay in touch and keep them posted on your progress.  This opens the door to an on-going relationship and enables you to remain present.  Remaining present means keeping in touch, sending an interesting article, etc. and thereby making sure someone remembers you when they learn of an opening in their company or anywhere else.

I'd originally titled this post "What is Networking" and changed it to "Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Networking and Certainly Don't Want to Do!"  While this may seem negative, I have found few people love networking, especially when seeking a job.  Yet, it is a business reality and one that really pays off.

I have found every job I've ever had through networking. 

In fact, I have a great meeting scheduled for this afternoon and another one next week.  No open jobs, that I know of, but knowledgeable people I know I can learn from and who may be able to refer me to others in the field.  I'll keep you posted on my progress!