On the Job by Anita Bruzzese 5 Ways to Avoid Freaking Out About Networking

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese 5 Ways to Avoid Freaking Out About Networking Hear that? That growling noise? That's the sound of dozens of career experts venting their frustrations over how many job seekers still refuse to accept they must network if they want to find a job. Career bloggers are ranting about how the unemployed still spend most of their time looking at job boards instead of making contacts, and it's not getting any better. That's what prompted my interest in this story on networking -- the fact that so many job seekers seem to keep ignoring the advice. Here's the story I did for Gannett:If youre looking for work, it may be time to step away from the computer.Thats because like many job seekers, youre probably spending way too much time poring over job boards and sending resumes to cyber black holes that offer you little chance of finding a job.Instead, its time to get on the phone or go out to lunch. In other words, its time to network, still the best way to land a job.However, chances are good youre going to balk at the suggestion. Networkin g for many people has the appeal of doing taxes or having an especially painful medical procedure.I think part of the problem is because people dont feel at the top of their game when theyre looking for work. Theyre afraid of looking needy and helpless to other people. And, they feel like its begging especially if they havent been networking until now, says Liz Lynch, founder of the Center for Networking Excellence and author of Smart Networking.According to research by Upwardly Mobile Inc., an online career management service in Palo Alto, Calif., job seekers only talk, or e-mail, an average of eight people outside of their current organization on a monthly basis. Only 38 percent say they have asked for an introduction in the last month, and job seekers on average only have a network of 29 colleagues, which they define as peers theyve interacted with in the last 18-24 months.Such statistics, Lynch says, prove its time that those hunting for work must move past their doubts and i nhibitions about networking if they want to find a job. I think the first thing these people need to realize is that others really do want to help them, she says. The second thing they need to realize is that theyve got to be much more targeted and strategic about their networking.She suggests job seekers should: Attend events attended by others in your industry or field of interest. If you attend a networking event with random people, it wont help you. Then, youll just say that networking doesnt work and you wont do it again, Lynch says. Be prepared. Always dress professionally when networking, refine your pitch on your capabilities and be ready to ask pertinent questions. I think some people have this idea that theyre gong to network with someone and the person will say, Oh, my gosh! Ive been looking for you all my life! People dont really have a job in their back pocket, but they can give you information that will help you in your search, such as what the hot-button issues are in the industry, or who might be hiring in the future. Give back. It can be uncomfortable and awkward to just call and ask someone for a job lead, so instead ask a question like: Ive been thinking of going in this direction with my job search, and Id like to get your thoughts. Lynch says it also can help ease your discomfort by then offering something in return, such as saying, Is there anything I can do for you? To maintain the connection, send the person articles or information you think they might find of value. Avoid over-using social networking. Sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter are great for keeping tabs on your contacts, but nothing beats a face-to-face conversation for making strong connections. Use your social networks to do advance research when youre going to meet someone, but remember you can make a much better impression in person, she says. Keep the networking muscle in use. Its estimated college graduates will change jobs nearly a dozen times in their careers, and networks will remain critical. Often, your discomfort with networking goes away when youve got a job, so thats a great time to work on your connections, Lynch says. Take the time once a week or even once a month to ask someone from your company or another connection to go to lunch. By the end of the year, you will really have expanded your network.Social Bookmarking