Build a Network

Your network is everyone you know — or should get to know — who can help with your job search.

Most employers have enough applicants without advertising. Plus, they often prefer to hire someone who's been referred by someone they already know and trust. This is called the hidden job market. You can tap into it by networking.

Networking involves talking with people, formally or informally, who might know about possible jobs in their companies, industries, or communities. Everyone networks — at school, church, social activities, work, and online. Professional networking is using your abilities to make friends and provide mutual support. You network because you want help with professional and personal goals (e.g., job search). It also helps you connect with and help others with shared interests.

Networking is not the same as asking for a job. Usually your networking contacts will not be potential employers. And situations change often. An employer who is not hiring today may be looking for someone like you tomorrow.

Job seekers who form and nurture their networks learn inside information, such as jobs that are being created or not advertised. And they can use their network for ongoing professional and personal development.

But how do you form a network? Don't worry. Even if you've never officially done it before, simply follow these tips to successful networking.

Be Clear About Your Job Search Goals

To get started, think about what you want to say to others about yourself and what you want to know from them.

• What kind(s) of job(s) are you looking for?
• What skills and experience prepared you for these jobs?
• Are you focused on a particular industry?
• Do you want to find a job at a particular company?
• Do you want to look for jobs within certain geography?

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1. Prepare an "Elevator Speech"

   An elevator speech is a clear explanation of what you are looking for, but told in a short amount of time (e.g., about the time you spend in an elevator with someone). It is a good way to communicate what you want to learn from someone in a position to help you. Here's an example:

   "Hi. My name is ____________. I'm looking for _________________ in _______. I really like __________________ . I'm good at ___________________."

   When using your elevator speech, don't be afraid to ask for help. For example, "Do you have any advice for me? Do know anything about this company? Do you know anyone who does know about ______________? Can I use your name to contact them?"




2. Make a List of Contacts

   List people who might be able to help you answer your job search questions. Start talking with them. These contacts might include:

   • Friends, family, neighbors, and church members
   • Former classmates, teachers, and professors
   • Acquaintances and business contacts, including former managers, supervisors, and coworkers
   • Referrals from other contacts




3. Be Prepared and Organize Your List of Contacts

   Some job seekers find it helpful to think about themselves as a business. Successful businesses have a business plan including how they intend to manage and market their products or services. In a job search, your skills, experience, and personal strengths are your products or services. Here are some ways to make sure you create a good first impression and demonstrate your ability to effectively manage your job search.

   • Create a simple business card. Make sure it focuses on your target job search titles and promotes your skills and strengths. Put your preferred contact information on it. Always have a few with you.
   • Organize information about your contacts in a way that is meaningful to you. Then track your ongoing communication with them. Some people organize job search contacts in a three-ring binder, tickler file, spreadsheet, or e-mail system.
   • Research potential employers to learn about their organizations before you contact someone who might be helpful to you.
   • Prepare your resume in case someone asks for it.
   • Reach out to others and enjoy yourself!




4. Set Up Informational Interviews

   An informational interview is a meeting with a potential employer or a professional within a specific industry. They are used to learn about the skills, training, and experience needed for an occupation. It's also a way to learn about a specific company or industry. Never ask for a job during an informational interview.




5. Contact Potential Employers

   When someone in your network refers you to an employer, make direct contact in-person, by phone, or by e-mail. Use your networking contact's name when approaching the employer.

   Tips for e-mail communication

   • Identify yourself in a professional manner. Avoid nicknames or unprofessional names in your e-mail address.
   • Keep messages short and to the point.
   • Introduce yourself with something of interest. Let them know right away why they might be interested in you.
   • Be specific. For example, ask for information or ask to schedule a meeting.
   • Give your message a descriptive and enticing subject.
   • Finish with your intent to follow-up. Provide an alternative way for the person to contact you. If you send e-mail to someone without their permission, find out if they would prefer some other form of communication. Include a phone number where they can reach you.
   • Check for proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
   • If you do not receive a reply but are serious about making contact, call them on the phone.




6. Nurture Your Network

   Networking is about conversation and building relationships. You listen and learn about the other person. You think about mutual interests and the ways you can support them while they help you. As with any friendship, respect their limits on the amount and type of interaction. Here are some ways to support contacts in your network.

   • Take notes during your conversations. Follow up by e-mail, telephone, mail, or text message.
   • Send them an article about something you know is important to them.
   • Show concern about their family or personal life. Remember the names and interests of important people in their lives.
   • Come up with a solution to a problem they discussed with you. For example, maybe someone you know used an effective service provider or vendor to solve a work issue.
   • Stay in contact with people from your past.
   • Include them in holiday greetings.
   • Let them know you are searching for a job. Tell them what is working and in which specific areas you could use help.
   • Update them on your family or on those things where you share a common interest.
   • Let your contact know that you appreciate the time they spend with you as well as their knowledge and professional opinion.
   • If someone has been especially helpful to you, offer to take them out for coffee or a meal on your dime.
   • Once you land a job, thank everyone who was helpful to you. Update your contact information with them.
   • Don't lose touch! Networking is not just about getting a job. It's about ongoing professional development and support.




7. Expand Your Network

   Looking for other ways to get your foot in the doors of potential employers?

   • Join a professional or business association. They are one of the best ways to learn about trends and hidden job markets. They can also help you develop important contacts in your job search and career fields. Professional association and business listings can be found online or at your local library, like this 2008 list of professional associations.
   • Join online networking websites, such as LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a popular networking site. It allows you to connect with potential jobs, colleagues, and business opportunities.
   • Contact your college alumni office. Alumni may be willing to do informational interviews with graduates of their institution.