What is Networking?

Networking is an important part of your job search. Put simply, networking means talking to people and developing relationships with them. It can take the form of an informal chat with a neighbour, to a more formal meeting with a person in an organization that you’re interested in. Networking allows you to develop new contacts and grow your personal network.

Benefits

• The majority of positions are not filled through posted advertisements, but are
  typically filled through word of mouth and people known to hiring managers through
  their network of contacts. Networking increases the number of people who are aware
  of your job search and increases your chances of hearing about these unadvertised positions.
• Networking helps you gain valuable information about an industry and/or specific occupation.

How to Start

Most people don’t relish the idea of going to events or approaching strangers in hopes of finding a job. Start with the people you know:

• Speak to friends, family, professors and co-workers and those you have meet through involvement in the community
• Attend career events on campus, including employer information sessions, career
  fairs and panels
• Sign up for student memberships of professional association and attend their events
• Find contacts in your preferred industry or business sector and make an appointment
  to meet with them - also see Information Interviews

Be prepared, able to articulate the skills you have, know what you want and do your research before meeting with a new contact or attending a networking event.

Effective Networking Tips

Networking is a process of developing and nurturing relationships with others. Don’t simply cold call everyone you know and ask them if they know of any job openings. Instead:

• Seek advice and information from people you meet.
• Find ways to stay in touch with your contacts. It takes time to build relationships
  and earn trust. Keep those who are interested posted on the progress of your
  job search.
• Think of ways you can help the other person. Networking is a two-way street.
• Gradually expand your network of people who can help you by asking those you
  meet for introductions to people you don’t know.

How We Can Help

• Networking Events - Networking Breakfasts, Career Fairs and Panels
• Effective Networking Workshops and Work It! Job Search Sessions
• Networking Binder - with contact information for professionals who have offered to
  provide an information interview for you!

For More Information

• Employer Info Sessions Tipsheet
• The Networking Survival Guide, by Diane Darling
• Networking, by Meg Heenahan
• Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty, by Harvey Mackay
  (All of the above are available in the Career Centre Resource Library SE3094)