15 7. In the past six months, have you acquired a list of professional conferences or acquired any association mailing lists for use in your networking? ☐ Yes ☐ No 8. Are you willing to make “cold contacts” or do “informational interviews” to seek help and advice from people who might be able to hire you or are in your line of work? ☐ Yes ☐ No 9. Have you attended any type of class, taken a course or sought help in building job lead prospects in the past six months? ☐ Yes ☐ No 10. Can you list at least ten ways to expand your network and develop more job leads? ☐ Yes ☐ No HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP? 7 OR MORE “YES” RESPONSES 4-6 “YES” RESPONSES 1–3 “YES” RESPONSES You probably have a number of job prospects and interviews already set up. Begin working on possible responses to interview questions. You’re a bit better off than some of your competition. You can still use a little networking advice. You’ve not gathered enough names, skills or information to make your network pay off and reduce the length of time you will be looking for work TOP 10 NETWORKING TIPS, TRICKS AND TECHNIQUES 1. Generally, avoid asking for more than 20 minutes of someone’s time in-person, or more than five minutes of their time on the phone. 2. Return all phone calls within 24 hours. 3. Present yourself and your needs concisely. Do not talk too much about personal or unrelated matters. 4. Look for “leads,” not for “jobs.” “Leads” will lead you to “jobs.” If someone suggests getting in touch with someone else, ask permission to use their name and then follow up as soon as possible. 5. Focus your networking on people who have direct links to the people with the power to hire. 6. Always be prepared to present your strengths, goals and how you’ll benefit your next employer. 7. Never speak poorly of someone in your network, your school or your former employer. 8. Practice, practice and practice your verbal and phone presentations. 9. Learn more about the field you’re currently pursuing. 10. Be ready to handle rejections. 10 COMMON NETWORKING MISTAKES 1. BELIEVING THAT NETWORKING BY ITSELF WILL SOLVE ALL OF YOUR JOB SEARCH PROBLEMS Although networking is one of the top approaches to developing job leads, you’ll limit your search success if you rely on only one method, approach or technique. 2. NOT HAVING A SET OF WELL-DEFINED OBJECTIVES WHEN YOU TALK TO A PERSON IN YOUR NETWORK Always remember that the time a network contact spends helping you is time they could have spent elsewhere. Be brief and specific about what you want. Be prepared to answer at least four questions: • What are you trying to get from your contact (names, advice, company information, etc.)? • What are your immediate short-term and long-term career goals?
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