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Networking Your Way to the Top
An Article by: Marc Belaiche C.A.
TorontoJobs.ca
Networking has always been a great way of hearing about job opportunities that
you might otherwise not hear about. With some studies saying that
up to 80-90% of jobs are found through the hidden job market, it's
important to know how, when and where to network. Networking involves
making contact with people and nurturing those relationships.
The experts at TorontoJobs.ca have come up with a few tips to
help you in your networking:
Always Be Networking
Most people only choose to start networking when they're looking
for a new position. If you network continuously, when you begin
to look for a change in employment it won't be something you need
to switch on and off. Your network may pay off even when you're
not expecting it.
Anyone Can Be Part of Your Network
You don't have to be speaking to a President of a multi-national
company for you to be able to network with people who can help you.
Your network can consist of friends, family, relatives, previous
and current associates, your hairdresser, banker or mechanic or
former classmates or people you recently met at a party. The list
can be large. Ask people who they know and you will be surprised
as to how your network can expand.
Give and You Shall Receive
If you let others know about job opportunities or things that might
be of interest to them when they might least expect it, they might
let you know of opportunities when you least expect it. Be sure
to pass on anything useful to your contacts when you see something
that might interest them.
Organize Your Network!
Organize your contacts so that you can stay in touch with them
on a regular basis. With contact management systems that are affordable
and easy to use, you should be able to stay in touch with your network
on a regular basis quite easily, even if it's just wishing them
the best during holiday periods.
Do What You Say You Will
By not contacting people if/when you say you will, you are sending
a message that you're not that reliable. Following up is so easy
to do, requires a few minutes of your time and sends a very positive
message about you.
Get Others Talking by Asking Questions
Don't fall in the trap of thinking that networking is telling
others about yourself. Networking is about sharing information.
If you're not comfortable talking, ask questions about the other
person - their background, experience(s), what they like doing,
etc. so a conversation will be easier to get started.
It's Not Just Who You Know
Your network consists of not just who you know, but also who your
contacts know. Keep that in mind that if you show you're willing
to pass on names of people you know, others will do the same for
you.
Build Relationships
A relationship isn't created by meeting someone once. Stay in
touch with people. Create a rapport with them.
Make Yourself Available
Go to Chapter meetings, volunteer or join networking groups. There
is never a shortage of places where you can meet people - ask around
and you will be amazed at places where people are. Make the time
to go to these events, but don't expect a lot the first time you
meet someone. Like sales, most of the benefit of networking doesn't
come in a first contact.
Thank People for Referrals
Let people know the result(s) of their referrals, even if nothing
happened. It sends a positive message that you are thankful for
the referral.
Tips at Networking Events
When you go to networking events, keep in mind some simple things:
- Bring business cards
- Listen carefully to what others are saying
- If you're nervous about going to an event alone, ask a friend to join you.
- Make
eye contact with the person you're speaking with
- don't keep looking
at who is coming into the room every two minutes
- Shake hands and smile
- Don't talk with your mouth full!
- Don't fill up your plate with appetizers at a reception.
- Don't just meet one person and talk to that person the whole time….mingle.
- Don't flirt!
- Don't use off-colour jokes!
Conclusion
If you stay in your own circle you'll be limited to what opportunities
you will hear about. However, by continuously expanding your network
you will hear about opportunities that you might never have imagined.
Marc Belaiche is President of TorontoJobs.ca, an internet recruitment
website specializing in helping candidates find jobs in the Greater
Toronto Area. Marc has been in the recruitment industry since 1995.
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