by Vivian Steir Rabin
It’s common knowledge that most people get their jobs through someone they know. What’s less well-known is that most people get their jobs through someone they do not know very well. That’s because if someone within your inner circle had a job to offer you, they would have already done so. Unless your best friend or your brother-in-law can give you a job, you’ve got to get outside your circle of close friends and family to find out about potential opportunities. Here’s how to network effectively:
- Approach Networking as an
Exchange. Most of us feel uncomfortable
asking for favors, but if we can do something for someone in return
we’re much less hesitant about making a request.
Let that principle guide you in your networking.
Instead of thinking, “what can I get out of this
person?” “Who can he or she introduce me
to?” Think about getting to know that person and
finding out what you can do for him or her.
Those who have been out of the workforce for years may wonder what
they might possibly have to offer, but the fact is we all have
something to offer, whether it’s recommendations regarding the best
doctors or tutors, insight into the local schools or advice about
the college admissions process. If you’re
approaching someone in order to ask them for an introduction to
someone else, take the time to find out how you might be able to
help them.
- Put Yourself in the Other Person’s
Shoes. Many people wonder whether they
should network at a kids’ sporting event or other school
functions. Although different communities
probably have different norms in this regard, I think it’s probably
fine to network in these venues in a low key way, simply by having
conversations during which you might engage someone in a discussion
about what they do for a living, but you don’t want to appear to be
“working the room” or passing your card out like
candy. Try to imagine how you would feel if you
were on the receiving end of an ubernetworker and moderate yourself
accordingly.
- Let others introduce you, if possible, especially
in social situations. One of the best
ways to network is to have someone else toot your horn for
you. I picked up a client for my executive
search business because my husband blabbed to someone he met at a
wedding that his wife was an “ace headhunter.”
“Have her give me a call,” the man said. Within
two weeks, I had a new client. One of the
panelists at our Career Relaunch Forum in Chicago also claims she
got her first job after being home for years courtesy of her
husband. He met some UBS recruiters, and when he
heard what they were looking for he said, “you really should talk
to my wife.” That began another great
career.
- Case the joint first, before plunging into
conversations. Some people are so
scared to stand alone at professional functions that they latch
onto the first person they meet before getting a sense of who else
they could encounter. To make the most of
networking events, walk around and get a feel for the crowd before
falling into a specific conversation.
- Be positive and upbeat in your interactions with
people. No matter how bad a day you’ve
had, or how worried you are about the job market or your prospects,
put on a smile and display a positive attitude. You don’t have to
be a glad-handing life-of-the-party, but you do have to project
confidence and good cheer to draw people to you.
- Don’t worry if you didn’t get someone’s
card. With google or LinkedIn, you can
usually track someone down if you know where they
work. Or you may be able to ask the event
organizer for someone's contact information.
Carol Fishman Cohen and Vivian Steir Rabin are the co-authors of the acclaimed career reentry book Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work, and the co-founders of iRelaunch , a company providing career reentry programming, events, and information to employers, universities, organizations and to mid-career professionals in all stages of career break. They produce a one day return to work conference called the Career Relaunch Forum, and organize coach led relaunching groups called Relaunch Circles.For more information on Relaunching, see iRelaunch and check out Back on the Career Track. Carol and Vivian can be reached at info@iRelaunch.com.
