Networking Techniques – 7 Strategies for Job Seekers

Networking is nothing new, in fact, it has always been the best way to find the next job. Successful networking does take work. It entails getting involved with people. At a time when most people are depressed about looking for a new career, they are required to “put on their best face” and go out and talk to people about job opportunities.

Networking is all about letting others know of your desire for a position. It is not a “one size fits all” conversation. The most successful networkers, I have known, hone their craft. They use several different strategies and employ techniques to use at their disposal in a moments notice. They could give their “Elevator Speech”, a thirty-second job search soliloquy, or a five-minute oration at any given time. These different techniques and strategies are important because every potential networking situation is unique. One individual may be able to give you ten minutes while another person may only have one minute. Understanding the situation and providing the best, most succinct information will increase the potential of help from others. Respecting the other person and their time is crucial.

One successful job seeker has seven strategies he uses effectively in most situations. He can:

1. Provide a 30 second outline of his three major strengths and accomplishments.

2. Provide a 30 second review of his work experiences and major accomplishments

3. Provide a 60 second review of his work experiences and accomplishments

4. Provide a job objective or industry preference

5. Provide a business card with his name, phone number and email

6. Conduit for business contacts for others

7. Volunteering

Networking effectively requires talking to a variety of people in all walks of life and giving them just the right amount of information they need to help. This job seeker recognizes the importance of treating each networking situation as unique while have a “standard” response programmed. Some individuals just need a general direction – such as providing them with a job objective or industry preference while others like more detail. Giving these individuals a 60 second work history review with accomplishments provides pertinent data but does not mire them down with too many details. For individuals he meets on an informal basis, he provides them with his business card for contact information. He even uses the back of the card to write down key words of his job search as to help them as a mnemonic device.

His last two techniques, being a conduit for others and volunteering, allow him to meet and work with individuals he may not never have met any other way plus add to his self-worth and self-esteem by helping others. Networking is a lifestyle. Many professionals employ it to make business contacts. The savvy job seeker uses networking to help, not only him, but others. When networking, job seekers come across a variety of different opportunities. Remembering and relating these opportunities to others more qualified helps to keep the pipeline open and his contacts fluid. Volunteering offers many opportunities. It can be a means to use your skills and talents and keep them current. It also exhibits an effective use of your time to prospective employers.

Networking Techniques – 7 Strategies for Job Seekers