Networking

When researching networking I found a website that I found helpful Website here

What is networking?

• It is not just WHAT you know, it is also WHO you know that counts!  Networking is all about building mutually beneficial relationships and talking to people with a view to discussing topics that are of joint interest
• Every time you make a new contact you are effectively then tapping into a new circle of people, so you can gradually build up a list of contacts who can help you

Why do it?

• It is generally agreed that about half of all job vacancies are never advertised publicly and employers often fill them instead with people who have approached them directly. Obviously there is less competition for these vacancies than for those that have been advertised widely and research shows that a referral generates more success than a ‘cold call’ because people usually trust the source of the information
• Some people do a speculative 'mail shot' of the same CV to hundreds of different firms. What they are effectively doing is sending employers junk mail, with a likely return rate of only around 1 or 2%. Applications of this nature work when they are more targeted and well researched to meet the employers' needs.  You might find the selling your skills on paper information helpful as you produce your CV 

 What can you get from networking?

• Establishing what a job is really like – Asking someone about their job, or industry they work in, should give you a better idea of what is involved in a role.  In addition, your contact may be able to organise a visit to their company, paid/unpaid work experience, work shadowing (ie unpaid work observation) or mentoring
• Helping you look for work – Your networking contacts can also give you an overview of the range of jobs within their given field and the level of competition for vacancies; look through your CV and suggest improvements, provide information on experience or qualifications and recommend other sources of information and advice, including their own contacts. They may also be able to tell you which journals and recruitment agencies to use when looking for vacancies, give you ideas of other employers to apply to and let you know about current vacancies
• Researching companies and tailoring your applications – Contacts who work for organisations that interest you could be invaluable in your research.  They can provide insight into company culture, recent company news, and a deeper understanding of the job and even the role of the person who is going to interview you
• Some people are afraid to use contacts. Typical comments include: 'I don't know anybody who could help me', 'I wouldn't want to bother them', 'My uncle could help me get a job, but I want to do it on my own', 'It seems unfair to take advantage of who you know'
• It is possible for everyone to find somebody who can help. In fact most people are actually flattered to be approached for advice and are happy to help.  In addition, there are many existing networks that you can tap into for advice.  Professional bodies are a particularly useful source of contacts as they often publish lists of members.  It never hurts to contact someone (tactfully) for help - they can always say no. Bear in mind that contacts alone rarely get you a job - you'll need to prove you have what it takes. Finally, if you do not make use of networking, you could lose out to others.  That's what makes networking powerful - not everyone does it

What are the rules?

• An important concept in networking is reciprocity (or give and take). Do not only focus on your own needs. If you are looking for information or ideas from someone, you should expect to give something in return. This could simply mean sending them a piece of information, eg a link to an article you have read, volunteering to do some work or introducing them to one of your contacts at university
• You should show a genuine interest in the people you meet and always follow up when you say you will do something
• You should be prepared to share ideas and the skills, ability and experience you have
• Remember, even if the person you meet cannot help you it is quite likely that they will know someone who can

How do you do it?

Preparation:

• Before you go to a networking event ask yourself ‘who do I want to meet and why'? You also need to be prepared and confident so that you make a good first impression, so practise describing yourself in under 30 seconds. It is vital that the person you are speaking to gets an accurate picture of what you do and what makes you relevant to their needs 

What do you say?

• This is often very personal and can be planned to some extent, but here are some ideas.  If you are approaching a person you could smile and offer your hand, introducting yourself clearly and confidently.  You can then develop the conversation by asking relevant questions.  Most people will be happy to talk and will respond favourably to someone who is genuinely interested in them 
• If you are apporaching a group, remember to check body language.  If it is obvious that they are in a deep/personal conversation, don't try to butt in - find someone else to talk to and then come back
• To close the conversation and move on, you should again be polite.  Share your contact details if appropriate and agree future actions before saying that you are going to have a walk around to talk to other people

Follow up

• When you close the conversation or meeting, ask how they would like you to follow up. Write down the action points on the back of their business card
• Take immediate action, eg send them an email to say how much you enjoyed meeting them and send the information you have promised, even if it is something simple like a telephone number, coursework or a website address. You can also remind them of what they have promised you, but do remember to thank them for their offer, and when they respond, thank them again for doing it. Above all, set a reminder for yourself to complete what you have promised and do it on time
• It is also useful to create a contact list of people that you meet, with a few notes about what they do and any other helpful information you have picked up about them.  You can use Microsoft Outlook to manage this task by producing contact business cards