Networking 101
Networking Tips for the Less Gregarious
If your nervousness is compounded by wondering why any busy professional would be willing to take time to grant you such an interview, keep in mind that:
- People enjoy helping others--information and advice are free to give--jobs aren't
- People enjoy talking about themselves, their ideas, and their opinions
- People enjoy a break in routine
- Very few people are actually so busy that they don't have a free half hour during a week
Below are some helpful strategies you can use:
- Begin networking with people with whom you feel most comfortable (family, close friends)
- Write engaging letters introducing yourself, then arrange ways to discuss mutually interesting subjects with a few key people
- View your job search as a personal research project on a compelling subject - your own future-you'll find it easier to collect critical information and ideas
- Connect to your passion
- Volunteer to help others
- Recognize and deal with aspects of networking that bother you the most
- Create a structured plan and stick to it
- Set goals and be disciplined about achieving them
- Make calls when your energy is highest
- Practice what to say when you are calling
- Take time to replenish yourself
- Practice what to say before you call, perhaps even jotting down the important points you want to mention;
- Again, begin your interviews with people who are "low threat"--family, friends, previous employers;
- Practice the process with a low priority organization or in an area where you feel you have nothing to lose
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Last updated on Monday, September 18, 06 at 01:41:17 PM EDT.
