Everyone tells you that networking is important when you’re searching for your next job. However, very few places offer real advice for how to accomplish this correctly. Networking is a skill that is developed over time and takes a lot of practice so how can you ensure that you are getting things right? Here are some things to do, and to avoid, when networking.
- Reconnect. Making new connections can be hard, especially if you’re naturally shy. Why not start with reconnecting. Use a tool like LinkedIn or Facebook to reconnect to old classmates, coworkers, or managers. Find out what they’re doing now and see if you can be any help to them. When you’re helpful to others are they likely to reciprocate.
- Have a plan. You don’t have to meet everyone everywhere. When you go to a networking event or a job fair make a plan. Talk to just five or ten people and be sure to bring cards to give them and collect their cards in return. Try to make genuine connections rather than just collect business cards.
- Make time. You may think that you don’t have time to network but the opposite is absolutely true. You don’t have time not to. Networking is essential for a successful job search. Meeting new people provides insight on the local economy and how you can improve your skills to get your next career opportunity.
- Be a connector. Always think of networking as an opportunity to make connections, not just meet new people. As you meet someone think about others in your extended network that could benefit from this partnership. “Do you know Tom who works at Coughlin? I really think you two would have a lot to talk about when it comes to logistics. Let me connect you by email when I’m back at my desk.”
- Follow up. Collecting cards at a networking even is only the first step and it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t follow up. The next day send an email to everyone you met to reinforce your connection. Remind them of important points of your conversation and offer ways that you can be of service to them.
Do you need more networking tips? Cornerstone Staffing is hiring for jobs in Dallas TX so call us today!
