One of the most important skills we learn in job search is the ability to network. A good networker does his/her homework before the meetings so he/she can share more than just the me in 30 seconds and the questions to the interviewee about the industry challenges, the reasons they enjoy their job and what keeps them up at night. While the purpose of networking isn't to ask about any open positions, it is to get closer to someone who might be a hiring manager. Some of your LI research might be to identify the hiring manager in that company or competitors that the interviewee might know and if the interview goes well might be willing to introduce you to. Another thing the interviewee might be asked after hearing about your background is whether you're pursuing the right people and companies. You should respect the interviewee's time and get back with any further business intelligence or feedback from their suggestions.
My suggestion is that you need to nourish those key connectors who might continue to provide leads only after you build stronger relationships. While you continue to network, maintain closer relationships to your key connecting partners (generally 10-20). Some of those partners might be people in job search like yourself but may be in other industries or jobs. They have their key connections which might help you when you help them.
When I invite someone to my LinkedIn connections I always try and give them a reason for joining my network. The more you can offer them, the more likely they'll want to join you. Be willing to look at their profile, their interests, blogs and websites to comment. Everyone wants to feel you care about them. So get back with positive comments. Show how you can help them or offer assistance. Then for those in the network that can be nourished and made partners, follow up with face to face meetings and warmer connections. These connections shouldn't be forgotten when you've found your job. Keep them close. While I manage the Salt Lake Metro Transitionition Professionals and write a networking blog, I still want to maintain close relationships to those same 10-20 networking partners.
When I go to the monthly SHRM meetings, about 80% of the people sit with people they know and never network. The person in transition is always looking to meet new people and making warmer connections. The meetings should be where you exchange business cards, exchange information about your passions and how you can help one another. If I had to pick between a SHRM meeting or a Job Club or BYU professional meeting with many people from other backgrounds than mine, the second is more rewarding. I treat networking among those with the same skills and aspirations to be sometimes problematic. The people generally less inclined to connect to me are people in my profession in the same area. It's because they feel they are competing with you and not networking.
For the timid person who only associates with their friends, networking forces you to be more gregarious and you lose some of this temerity. So don't break out the headphones or novel while traveling. Don't look for the most popular person in the party or group. Look for someone willing to share information and friendship like yourself. You generally can't make strong connections in several minutes, but you can find interesting people you'd like to get to know later on.
Last week I met an interesting person who wrote an inspiring book about mountain biking and life on the narrow path. I plan to make that connection one that is more warming and mutual for both of us in the future. I read his book, am applying the principles to these blogs and have passed his message forward in my LinkedIn profile and meeting with other networking groups. I loaned his book to an associate to read for a week and will make a friend with that person based on similar concepts from the book. Sharing stories we have in common that are fostered by a common experience or book is a great way to make friends. And doesn't help us better work with new team members when hired?
So don't forget to mention the power of networking as one of your skills or strengths when interviewing.
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