Knowing how to network is important. Most jobs are found this way. But to make it really effective, you need to know how to do it right. It’s all about making connections.
Here are some things to avoid when networking, practices that will make it harder for you to establish those connections.
1. Using e-mail
E-mail is certainly effective for some types of communications. But it won’t help you much for networking. The best way to network is face to face or even over the telephone. This is the best way to connect and establish a rapport with someone, to get to know them and for them to get to know you. This way, you can establish a dialogue, a back and forth, which is the best way to get information
2. Only looking for what you can get.
Good networking is a process of give and take. If all you do is take, you won’t get very far. You need to give something in return. The meetings have to be fruitful for everyone involved, in other words, a win- win situation.
If all you do is simply ask the other person to do things for you or give you information, it may just build feelings of resentment because the person will feel like they are simply a means to an end.
3. Asking for a job
Networking is about an exchange of information, learning about opportunities that may be available and the lay of the land, so to speak. These meetings are not job interviews, and you shouldn’t treat them that way.
If you go in and simply ask for a job, the person may feel as if they are being used or even set up.
4. Lack of clarity
You do, however, want to be clear about your purpose, what you are trying to accomplish, so that your contacts know how they can be of help to you.
5. Not doing a follow up
After talking with a contact, you should send a thank you letter. It also helps to stay in touch with them as a courtesy to keep them apprised of your career and how your job search is going.
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