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Career Search Tips: Networking

Have you ever eaten at a restaurant that a friend recommended, or gone to a movie because a coworker you trusted said that it was good? We tend to try things because someone we know has tried it — and shared about it with us. This same principle applies in hiring. It is common for people to hire someone they already know, or even someone a friend has recommended. So how do you become that person? That’s where networking comes in.

Networking doesn’t need to be overwhelming or dreaded, even for the shyest of people. One simple way to approach networking in this New Year is to find a new way to talk to the people you already know. Make sure that you let them know that you are looking for a new job or a new career. By making your job search part of the conversation, you open the possibility that they might talk about you to someone who is one step closer to a potential job opportunity.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you move more into networking…

• Let the people you already know that you are looking for a new job (or career).
• Be specific about the type of job (career) you are interested in.
• Share with your network that you would like to know of any contacts they might have. Tell them about your skills and interest, and ask them to spread the word!