How to do networking?

Networking has recently become an important strategic tool in one’s job search. Networking means meeting and getting to know people from your or even other industries who can help you develop your career or give you important information and contacts. To network effectively, you can begin with people you know and develop your contacts further step by step.

A lot of good job opportunities remain unpublished and therefore it helps to know someone inside an organisation who can give you the inside line.

It is important to follow certain rules when networking:
•    First impressions count – make sure to make a good first impression as a professional worker serious about your job and future. This is important in each communication (face-to-face, via phone or email). Remember, you will never have a second chance to make a good first impression.
•    Don't ask directly for a job – networking gives you an opportunity which you might want to develop further, it does not necessarily guarantee a job.
•    Give and take – networking is a two-way exchange, so don’t expect to take without giving back. This also includes being prepared for meeting your contacts (researching your contacts and trying to expand your network).
•    Be Patient – networking is a long run and expecting to find a great job opportunity at your first meeting would just cause you disappointment.
•    Build your network – even if you're new to the game, you have a lot of worthwhile contacts like old classmates, distant family members, acquaintances, former colleagues and associates, etc.

Stay in regular touch with your new contacts even if you're not after anything specific at the moment. It never gives a good impression if one gets in touch with others only when asking a favour.

Keep records of who you meet and the topics you discussed (outcomes, feedback, ideas, etc.) There's really no point in building a network of contacts if you forget them.

Good ways to build a network are to attend a conference or a networking event. Make sure you know why you are there and what you want out of it. Prepare a short introduction of you and your professional background if you are not confident talking to new people. Always carry your business cards to hand out to the important contacts you meet.

Keep in touch with your contacts. Don't wait until you've lost your job before speaking to contacts in your industry.

It is also good to combine actual face to face networking with internet networking. There are many forums and business networking sites (e.g. Linked in, Xing) which enable business people to share and discuss their views, knowledge and experience. Make sure to keep your personal and professional profiles separated. Internet networking can never completely replace meeting people in person but it can help you build your network.

Career Networking Do's and Don'ts
•    Do realize the importance of networking: Only 5 to 25 percent of jobs are advertised.
•    Do think thoroughly about your potential network contacts.
•    Do create a system for organizing your network contacts so as not to mix them up or confuse in any way.
•    Do consider conducting informational interviews.
•    Do keep networking even after you've found a job.
•    Don't be afraid to ask for help.
•    Don't go anywhere without your business cards or networking cards.
•    Don't forget to thank everyone in your network who has been helpful to you and be ready to help them back. Your contacts will remember your good manners.