Networking is about making contacts and building relationships that can lead to jobs or other work-related opportunities. Thoughtful networking provides a focused way to talk to people about your job search. Done right, it can help you obtain leads, referrals, advice, information and support. It is an essential component of any successful job search, but it requires calculated planning.
The good news for older job seekers is that by virtue of more years and more experiences, you generally have an edge over your younger counterparts in the scope of your networks. But older workers may be less experienced in identifying and using those contacts, however. Here are some pointers on how to build and sustain your employment networks.
A key part of effective networking is being clear about your employment goals. A careful self-assessment can provide pertinent information about who you are and what you want when communicating with contacts. Prepare talking points and practice delivering them, whether you have 10 seconds for an elevator pitch, 60 seconds for a commercial or 10 minutes for an informational interview.
When a contact gives you leads or referrals, be sure to ask for permission to use the contact's name. Keep detailed records of your networking activity: to whom did you talk, about what, when, and what were the results? For each contact, identify next steps and develop a reliable follow-up system. A collection of index cards will work; so will a notebook or computer application. The key is to be persistent and actually follow up.
Your network will include people you know well, acquaintances and referrals. Be creative. Here's a partial list of common sources for networking contacts:
Your network is your net worth. To get the most from your investment, thank everyone who helps you (in person and with a written follow-up), and keep those who are interested posted on the progress of your search or career change.
And remember: Make yourself available as a resource for other job seekers, and treat them as you would like to be treated by those with whom you network.
Copyright 2008 - Monster Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. You may not copy, reproduce or distribute this article without the prior written permission of Monster Worldwide. This article first appeared on Monster, the leading online global network for careers. To see other career-related articles visit career-advice.monster.com/.
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