- Do realize why networking is so important. Only 5 to 25 percent
of jobs are advertised, so you can find out about all the unadvertised
openings only through talking to as many people as possible and telling
them you are looking for a job.
- Do think creatively about where to find network contacts. You
can find people to add to your network almost anywhere.
- Don't go anywhere without copies of your resume and business
cards or networking cards. You can keep your resume in your car or
briefcase, but be sure you can access it easily if you meet someone who
could pass your resume along to a hiring manager.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Most people are flattered to
be asked for assistance and advice with your job search. It makes them
feel important.
- Do join a professional organization related to your field. A
recent survey revealed that professional organizations were cited as the
top venue for networking.
- Do volunteer. Volunteer work was cited in the survey as the No.
2 way to make network contacts.
- Do find a mentor. A mentor -- that one person who can guide
you, help you, take you under his or her wing and nurture your career
quest -- can be the most valuable kind of network contact.
- Do come up with a system for organizing your network contacts,
whether a spreadsheet on your computer, a file box of index cards, a
three-ring binder, or whatever works for you.
- Don't forget to thank everyone in your network who has been
helpful to you, preferably with a nice thank-you note. It’s just common
courtesy to show your appreciation for peoples’ time and assistance, and
your contacts will remember your good manners.
- Do keep networking even after you’ve found a job. You never
know when you might need your network contacts again.
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