WHAT IS NETWORKING AND HOW DOES IT HELP YOU FIND A JOB

What is Networking? Networking. Does it conjure up images of people standing around a room, balancing drinks in one hand and plates of overcooked, fried appetizers garnished with wilted vegetables in the other? You may wonder, “Is it really possible to harmoniously manage the plate and glass, simultaneously shake hands with strangers, and sport a warm, welcoming smile featuring eye contact that is neither overbearing nor disinterested?”

What is Networking? Successful networking does not require a physical balancing act. However, it does help to understand networking’s important role in job searching. With the right expectations and a little know-how, professional networking is a lot easier than you may imagine. Even if you haven’t been able to leverage this challenging job search tool in the past you can still overcome obstacles and use networking to accomplish your professional goals in the future.

Why Network? Why should networking be near the top of your list? CareerXRoads, an international consulting practice that works with corporations to identify recruiting solutions, surveys employers annually regarding their hiring practices. According to their research, referrals are still the top sources of new hires. Persuasively, the CareerXRoads 2015 Source of Hire Report notes, “A job seeker who is referred is conservatively 3 to 4 times more likely to be hired than someone who applies for a position without a referral.”

Network for Success Whether or not you relish the idea of working a room or glad-handing with people you don’t know to enhance your professional prospects, it is possible to improve your networking outcomes via a little preparation. Don’t leave it up to luck. Consider adding these items to your mental networking checklist, and you won’t regret it.

Sleuth Out Attendees Whether you’re attending a friend’s Super Bowl party or an event hosted by your professional organization, it’s usually pretty easy to discover who plans to attend. Look through the list with a critical eye. Where do the people work and what do they do? Who has interesting backgrounds? Does anyone share your alma mater? Visit LinkedIn profiles to discover whom you’d like to meet and learn a bit about them. Make notes, and you’ll be well prepared to start great conversations.

Look Beyond the Obvious During your research, don’t underestimate the networking potential of anyone you meet, and don't assume the only people who can help you professionally are those who are in your field or who have high-powered, executive careers. The best networking contacts are often people who spend their professional lives meeting a lot of different people in many professions. Don’t limit your networking preparation to new contacts in your industry.

Understand What You Offer If you accept the point of networking is to provide resources and information to people you meet, and for them to do the same for you, it’s important to have a strong handle on what you offer. Identify what you can provide by way of introductions, resources, or information to the people you will meet. It will be easier for you to engage in networking relationships if you are at-the-ready with how you can help.

Never Ask for a Job Even if people tell you to let everyone know you’re looking for a job, you want people to view you as a competent professional, not as a job seeker. Ask for contacts and information, not for a job. Otherwise, if people do not know about opportunities, they will assume they cannot help you.

Consider Your Timing Sometimes, a new contact may seem hesitant or disinterested in you or your information. If you’re convinced the person is an important contact, don’t give up on building a relationship. Be cognizant of the person’s busiest times and avoid engaging when you’re pretty sure you won’t hear back. Even if you’re not able to schedule an extended meeting with the person, don’t hesitate to stay in touch via less invasive ways, such as social networks or infrequent follow-up notes.

Be a Good Listener Most people don’t listen well; it’s a lost art. You will be surprised by how much people appreciate someone who listens well and remembers what they say. You’ll make a great impression and potentially win new networking contacts by listening and asking questions about people you meet. Most people appreciate the opportunity to talk about themselves. Be the person who wants to listen more than talk, and you’ll be that much closer to networking success.

Stick to It Don’t let setbacks convince you networking isn’t helpful. Even if several people fail to return your phone calls, or everyone seems to ignore your e-mails, look at your approach and identify what you can do differently the next time. Be persistent in pursuing contacts you need to help manage your career, and be flexible enough to shift your approach when what you’re doing isn’t working, and you’ll grow a useful professional network in no time.