2016 survey indicated that 85 percent of people find jobs through networking. With networking being the most effective way to obtain employment, it is essential to build your list of contacts and connect with people who may have insight into the types of jobs, companies, and industries that interest you. The following tips will identify the basics on how to network.
What is a Network?
A network consists of people you know and the people they know. Studies have shown that the average American knows about 300 to 600 people. That number includes family members and relatives, friends, current and former coworkers, people you went to school with, current and former neighbors, and so on. Think of this group—the people you know—as “Level One” of your network.
Now, consider the fact that each person in your Level One also knows about 300 people. Those people—the people they know—are the “Level Two” of your network. So, how many people are in your “Level Two” network? Well, 300 x 300 = 90,000! That’s why networking is powerful! There are literally scores of people whom you don’t yet know who may be able to help you find a job. The process of networking is moving people from your “Level Two” network to “Level One.”
Why is Networking Important?
Networking allows you to find out about jobs that are never advertised—the “hidden job market,” which accounts for 80 percent of all available jobs. Networking can also help you identify or find financing for self-employment or educational pursuits. The more people you have in your network, the more likely you are to find those hidden employment opportunities.
Through networking, you develop the ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of people. This skill is fundamental not only to a successful job search but to your overall job success.
How Do I Network?
The word work is part of networking. It is not easy work because it challenges you to reach outside your comfort zone. Besides meeting in person, use other effective methods of communication, such as social media (including LinkedIn), phone/text, and other positive interactions. Any honest effort can yield positive results.
Begin networking with the people you know—family, friends, neighbors, church groups, social groups, volunteer organizations—and build your network to include:
- People who know something about your chosen career.
- People who know others who have influence.
- People who know a lot of other people.
Use the steps below to guide you on your networking journey.
1. Prepare a “Me in 30 Seconds” statement.
The Me in 30 seconds statement – or “elevator pitch” – is an essential tool for networking. Learn more about how to prepare your own “Me in 30 Seconds” statement here.
2. Make a list of everyone you know.
Remember, these are your “Level One” contacts, but during the networking process, we will be trying to get to “Level Two” contacts.
3. Start by contacting those individuals on your “Level One” list who are least likely to be of help in your job search.
Why? Because this will give you the opportunity to practice your “Me in 30 Seconds” statement when the stakes are not high. Call your Aunt Sally or your Uncle Pete. Get comfortable with your “Me in 30.” (Besides, Aunt Sally and Uncle Pete may surprise you by having some good contacts!)
4. Make a good first impression.
Within 10 seconds, we form a detailed and persistent impression of anyone we meet. Researchers conclude that the impression we make when speaking to others comes largely from these three categories:
- Visual clues (50%)
- Tone of voice (35%)
- What we say (15%)
5. Keep a record of follow-ups and keep all commitments.
The key to networking is to follow up. If you say you will call someone, do it soon after your conversation.
6. Keep in contact with people in your network.
While great benefit comes from new contacts, the best networking contact is someone you interact with more than once. It’s helpful to keep a record of everyone you speak to and when. It’s possible that someone you spoke to 3 months ago is ready to get another call from you, and maybe this time they’ll have a thought, idea, or contact they didn’t have before.
Other Networking Resources
As previously mentioned, networking can be done in many ways, such as through social media or on the phone. Check out some of the articles below to learn more about other networking tools.