Networking: what's that all about?
Everyone always goes on about networking, so what is it and why should you bother?
Networking is something we do naturally almost every day of our lives. We meet friends through other friends and in next to no time we have a network of mates. The principle is exactly the same when it comes to developing a network to find out about jobs. It needs a bit more courage but it's not as scary as it sounds, no matter how shy you are. And, while you're networking, you are putting yourself at the front of the queue, especially if your enquiries into job roles and career paths result in the discovery of concealed job vacancies.
Finding a contact
We all have friends, relatives and members of academic staff who, in turn, know hundreds of other people. Your careers service will also have contacts in a range of occupations, as may your university alumni office. Even if you can't find a contact through your own network, you can generally find a name from the phone book or website, by engaging in a bit of detective work or by attending careers fairs and presentations.
Arranging a meeting
If you want to take your networking enquiries to the next level, then you could arrange a meeting with a contact you've been given (obviously this is less scary if it's with your Aunty but, hey, whoever you meet is likely to be somebody's Aunty or Uncle, right?). You can either write/e-mail with a few details of yourself and why you would appreciate a meeting, or you can phone. If you write, end the letter/e-mail by saying that you will phone in a few days to try and arrange a meeting. Try to speak to the contact – you may have to phone a few times. And stress these three things:
1. You are asking for a SHORT meeting
2. You are NOT looking for a job, but information about the job
3. You have already found out something about the job and would simply be interested in discovering more.
You will be surprised that most people respond well to phone calls from pleasant, well-motivated students and graduates. If they enjoy their job, they won't mind talking about it.
The meeting
Remember this is a short meeting so get straight to the point. Ask them to describe their work: its joys and agonies, how they got in, where they have worked and what the future holds. Ask them for any advice and guidance they can give. Ask them to suggest things that you could do to strengthen your eventual application.
After the meeting
Write to them and thank them for their time. If you felt a certain amount of warmth towards the person, keep them in touch with your progress. Follow up any leads that you were given at the meeting. Before you know it, your network is up and running! Networking can yield unexpected results. You could get vacation work, a job offer, or you may meet your future employer. By getting off the sofa and going out to meet people, you are demonstrating a drive and commitment that not many others show. And finally, you can use the networking approach when you are looking for jobs as well as information about jobs.
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