By Piper C. Reason

Networking...

...just about people helping each other. Career coaches sometimes make it sound like a bigger deal, but that's just because we know what an important job search strategy it is. (Although the number varies by source, somewhere around 70% of jobs are found by networking!) But if you know even one person, you can network. In fact, if you have ever asked a friend to recommend a hairdresser or stopped at a gas station to get directions, you already have. And - this is the cool part - if anyone has ever asked you for help or advice about anything, you have been part of someone else's network. Networking goes two ways and it's something that most of us do all the time. We just don't call it "networking." Here are some guidelines to add to your job search toolbox:

1. Be clear with your contact about the reason you're in touch with him/her. Are you looking for job openings? Do you need information about a particular employer's benefit package? Do you want to make sure you qualify for a particular job? Prepare a short list of questions that will get you the information you need.
2. Determine the best way to contact the person based on your perception of that person's communication preferences and strengths. Factors including generation and life and job experiences really impact that way we prefer to communicate. Once you get going, you will be contacting people you don't even know, but whenever possible, be sensitive to your contact's communication preferences.
3. Prepare a brief introduction about yourself that includes the kind of work you want to do and your qualifications - experience, training and education, aptitudes, and interests.
4. Get yourself organized before you make the first contact. Using files, index cards, a notebook, or your computer, create a system for recording the name and contact information for everyone with whom you network. Where they work, their job titles, how you know them, when and how you communicated are all valuable pieces of information to track. (For example, 1/10/06 - had lunch with Martha - suggested I call Jane Doe at 555-3278, John Smith at 555-9862, and start checking www.monadnockjobs.com every day.)
5. Get into the right frame of mind. You need to be professional, friendly, thoughtful, and confident. If you are unsure about being able to do it well, do some role play with a friend or practice in front of a mirror. And make sure your first couple of contacts are with people with whom you are comfortable, even if you doubt they'll have much helpful information.
6. Make the contact. If you're the shy or nervous type, try deep breaths, visualizations, affirmations, and/or prayer before walking in the door or dialing the number. Taking a few seconds to collect yourself can really make the difference in the impression you make. Before you say goodbye, (a) ask for the names of three other people or resources, (b) repeat your name and contact information, and (c) express your appreciation for the person's help.
7. You will definitely want to record the outcome of the communication (see #4 above), but you may also want to schedule a follow up. (Did I mention how important it is to be using an appointment book while you're doing job search?) Depending on how your conversation went, you may want to send a thank you note or forward your resumé or schedule a follow up contact.

Remember, networking works both ways. Be willing to help others out too. What goes around, comes around!

Additional resources for learning to network:

• http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/networking
• Effective Networking, by Venda Raye-Johnson; Crisp Learning ©1990
• Networking for Job Search and Career Success, 2nd Edition, by L. Michelle Tullier, Ph.D.; Jist Works ©2004