Network Power
We often hear that networking is the most effective way of finding a job. Depending on the level of the position, this may be more or less true. If you believe networking works, then it’s worth your while to develop your network savvy. Refer to the Networking Checklist for an overview of some of the things to keep in mind. Networking comes naturally to some people, but for others, it requires significantly more planning and effort. It takes work for networking to work! And as with many things in life, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. Networking is a two way street, and includes the mutually beneficial sharing of information. It’s also an ongoing process that needs to be maintained. If you’re not sure where to begin, look around - friends, family, colleagues, classmates, teachers, acquaintances - anyone who crosses your path in life is a potential network contact. Take some time to identify what your networking objectives are - aimless networking yields few results. Know what you want to say to people, what kinds of questions to ask, and what kind of help you need and can realistically provide. When it comes to managing your network, keeping organized and following up are key. Invest in your network with the intention of reaping its rewards - the job you want today, and the people you want to stay connected to throughout your career.
Tags: Networking