My short time in the real world has taught me that networking is the most effective way to land a job. After months of sending thoughtful cover letters into the Internet void to no avail, I focused my energy on networking–and was markedly more successful. At first I was very nervous and timid about bothering people. However, I soon found that meeting new people to discuss careers can be fun, and that many people have gone through the same process and are more than happy to help.
You may already know someone who knows someone who can help you get a job. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Networking is especially crucial if you have little work experience, if you’re switching careers, or if you’re moving to a new place where your credentials might not speak for themselves. From an employer’s perspective, it is easier and less risky to hire someone who can be vouched for by a friend or colleague. It might take you some time to build your network and cultivate professional relationships, but you should be patient, kick your social charm up a notch, and persevere.
Based on my experience, here are a few tips:
- Define your career objectives. The better you can explain what you are looking for, the easier it will be for people to help you. Think of key words that describe the jobs you want and your qualifications. This way, when your contacts hear of relevant job openings, they might associate them with you.
- Recognize your resources. Don’t be afraid to reach out beyond your close friends and family to extended family, former employers and coworkers, teachers and professors, your school’s alumni, etc. Always ask your contacts to put you in touch with someone else who might help: this is how you build a network.
- Approach people respectfully. You should not expect people to give you a job, and it is rarely polite to ask outright. Instead, think of it as requesting career guidance. When you contact people, tell them you would appreciate any advice or insight they can give you into careers in your field…and mean it. Most people cannot get you an interview immediately, but you may still learn valuable lessons from their experience.
- Follow up and thank people profusely for their time. Try to stay in touch with your contacts so that if they do hear of an opening in the future, they will remember you.
The best places to look for networking advice online are college websites. Try Wellesley College, Harvard, or Kenyon College for some great instructions.
I found my current job through networking. How has networking played a role in your career? We would love to hear your stories and advice!
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I don’t feel as if I have the right resources or connections for networking. I have been considering moving to a new place, but I have been hesitant because I won’t know very many people there. I was wondering if you have any advice for how to go about making these connection?
Hi Rebekah,
That’s a great question, and I don’t think you’re alone in feeling that you’re not well connected enough to network. It can be hard to get started, and my advice is to be bold and open to possibilities. You’ll find that you have more potential than you think, even in a new city with all new people.
To get started:
1. Tell your family and friends that they are moving and ask if they know anyone living in your destination. Reach out to your extended family, even the ones you rarely talk to, and talk to your friends’ parents. Ask if they can put you in contact with someone living in the area. Many of these people will be sympathetic and happy to help you. Even if they can’t refer you to someone working in your field, they might be able to arrange a phone call or coffee with someone living in the area who you can then ask for advice and for more contacts.
2. Reach out to former classmates, alums of your college, and old professors. Many colleges and universities, especially small schools or programs, have alumni networks that are easy to use. If you come from a big school without a reliable network, then email some of your favorite professors from your area of study, tell them you’re pursuing a career elsewhere, and ask if they have any advice for getting started. I’ve found that professors tend to have connections all over.
3. Consider temping while you look for a permanent job and network from within. When I was networking, many women advised me to start with a temp agency. If you work hard and prove yourself, then you may be hired full-time or you may work with someone who can refer you to a contact at another company.
Remember, you never know where life is going to take you, and you can turn many situations into opportunities. As long as you are sincere, eager to learn, and not too pushy, you’ll be surprised at how many people will be willing to help you succeed. And once you are established in your career, don’t forget to pay it forward by helping others network!
I absolutely agree: networking REALLY does work! Networking is how I landed every interview, internship and even my current job! Never be afraid to ask for help or guidance, more likely than not, people are willing to help – great article and advice, Caroline
Great article, Caroline. I run a search and staffing company called Mom Corps NYC, and we rely heavily on networking for so many of our candidate referrals. I know it can be hard to just “go for it,” but once you get out there and starting meeting people, you’re right – you will find just how willing people are to help. Great piece!
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