The Value of Networking
Whether you're looking for a job or not, networking is important. Why does it matter?
According to the New York firm BH Careers International, eighty percent of all available jobs don't make it to job boards or the classifieds. Landing a position, therefore, is far more likely to be accomplished through word-of-mouth. That means who you know and who knows you are paramount to your career.
Whether you are content in your current job, actively looking elsewhere, have not had a job in years, or are working on getting your very first position, networking is important. You never know when you will need to call on your contacts, or when they may have a lead on an exciting new opportunity.
The Round-the-Clock Approach
True or False:
- If you already have a job, there's no need to network.
- Networking is only done at formal business get-togethers.
- You can't network successfully if you've never had a job or haven't worked for awhile.
The answer to all these questions is "false." You should always be networking, no matter what your current job status. If you think of every place you go as an opportunity to meet people, whether it's for business or pleasure, you will expand your network seamlessly and have resources to tap when it's time to make your move. Your current job status doesn't matter.
Contacting former colleagues, friends, and family and arranging face-to-face meetings may be the core of networking. But so are the serendipitous contacts you make standing in line for stamps, mingling at a tenants or neighborhood meeting, or striking up a conversation with the person at a fundraiser or on the next treadmill in the gym.
What Makes A Successful Networker?
It's true that the longer you've been in the work world, the more people you can call on. But even if you haven't worked for years, you probably already know a lot of people through informal networks-community book clubs, faith-based groups, walking groups, and children, for instance. Having multiple networks exponentially increases your professional opportunities.
It's how you network that will determine your effectiveness. HR experts and savvy networkers offer this advice:
- Be prepared. Rehearse what is known as an "elevator speech," a 30 second summary of what you currently do and what you'd like to do professionally to use in social and business situations. Say it in a way that will make someone want to pursue the conversation. For example, instead of, "I'm a freelance magazine writer trying to branch out into corporate communications," try, "I just finished a national magazine story about a group in their 70s, 80s and 90s who sing rock 'n roll and tour Europe." If you're not currently working, you could say, "I recently helped raise $50,000 at my son's school to start an art program and I'm hoping to find a job in business development," or "I volunteer at the local hospital with preemies and am thinking of pursuing a job in child development."
Always have business cards with you and an up-to-date resume you can send off upon request. At the very least, business cards should contain your name, address, telephone number, fax (if applicable), and e-mail. - Make a list. Consider current and former colleagues, competitors, classmates, parents of your children's friends, your spouse's and your parents' friends and business associates, neighbors, relatives, acquaintances from professional associations, organizations, religious or community groups, or bridge or golf buddies. When appropriate, tell them you are job hunting and ask if they can recommend a couple of people for you to contact.
In today's multigenerational workplace, make sure to include referrals from those younger and older. Your adult son's friend, for instance, might have hiring power at a company that interests you-maybe he's the president's nephew.
- Fill in the gaps and be visible. What's missing? Reconnect with old friends (high school and college reunions) and former colleagues. Sign up on alumni websites. Join trade organizations and boards. Volunteer on committees to meet members. Circulate!
- Follow up promptly. After you've met someone knowledgeable and interesting, send a quick e-mail or a handwritten note. Say that you enjoyed meeting them and mention something you discussed to jog their memory. ("It was fun talking about….") Tell them you want to learn more about how their company hires financial analysts, for example, and offer to take them for coffee or lunch. Let them know you will follow up in a week or so.
- Stay in touch. The best time to be in contact is when you don't need anything. The point is to build a rapport so that when you do need a favor, it feels comfortable to ask. Then, every few months, send an e-mail or call to say hello. Let them know there is no agenda. When you read an article you think might interest them, send it off with a short note. Your job is to keep your name at the top of their list should they hear of an opening.
- Ask for advice, not a job. You risk turning off potential contacts if you hit them up outright, so seek their counsel instead. (If there's an appropriate job, they will bring it up.) Draw them out about their business experience. Explain your skills, the kind of position you seek, and then solicit suggestions.
- Be grateful. A thank you note to everyone who helps you is a must, whether it is handwritten or an e-mail. Keep contacts appraised of how their referrals pan out.
- Offer to return the favor. Be generous with your contacts so there is give and take. Make introductions when you think it will benefit prospects, and let them know you want to reciprocate their kindness.
- Create your own network. Get together once a month with five or six people you respect to learn more about their work. Actively trade leads.
- Be patient. Meeting someone once rarely leads to a job. Networking requires time and effort to cultivate and nurture relationships.
- Explore online networking. Peruse online resume databases, networking and company websites, niche job boards and discussion boards. The list at the end of this article will get you started.
AARP Resources
AARP National Employers Team
These companies recognize the value that older workers bring to the workforce. They want to hire mature workers because they know they bring experience, leadership and skills to the job.
Job Search Websites for 50+
A list of the major job search engines and sites that cater to mature workers.
AARP Message Boards
Form your own job networking group on AARP's message boards.
Networking Websites
40-Plus of Greater Washington (includes links to other 40-Plus chapters)
Job-Hunt, the Online Job Search Guide
Other Resources
Career Journal, The Wall Street Journal Executive Career Site
iVillage Job Seekers Support Group
JobHuntersBible (site for What Color Is Your Parachute by Dick Bolles)
