Networking Your Way to
the Next job
Dr. Greg Ketchum, 8/23/03
Most people know that networking is
an important tool in getting a job and
succeeding in your career, but many aren’t
sure how to do it well. Calling someone
to ask for help isn’t necessarily easy to
do.
Statistics show that 65% to 80%
of people get their jobs through networking.
Being a great networker is especially important
in tough economic times.
Remember
It’s not just your skills that make
you successful in your career, it’s your
rolodex. In fact, in many companies, having
a great rolodex is one of the factors hiring
managers look for. (old boy network)
To be an effective networker, you
need to understand the fundamentals of the
game. I’ll give you just a few.
- The best time to network is when
you have a job. You have more to offer,
more leverage.
- Networking is as much about helping
others as it is receiving help. If
you wait till you’re out of a job to get
in touch, it makes people feel used.
- Networking is fundamentally relationship
building.
On that last point, think about the qualities
that characterize your best relationships;
caring about the other person, sharing
resources and mutual commitment. These
are the same qualities that make for good
networking relationship.
Action Steps
If you want network like the pro’s,
here are 3 action steps that will improve
your networking skills and help you get
that next job.
