The Importance of Networking

The Importance of Networking

By Candace Davies, Canadian Resume Writing Service

See Candace's Series of Job Search, Resume and Interview Articles: The Importance of Networking | Your Job Search - A Difference | Resume Content to WOW the Reader | Does Your Resume Lead Off with a Strong Profile? | Does Your Resume Contain Action Words? | A Winning Interview | What Not to do in an Interview

One of the most difficult aspects of obtaining employment, for many people, is networking. It can be very overwhelming. You may ask yourself questions like, “Where do I begin?” and “How do I start?” Most people are not comfortable calling strangers out of the blue and asking for their assistance and consideration. However, it has been proven that building a successful network will, without doubt, help you find the dream job you have been seeking.

To begin, you need to know what your potential employer is looking for. You will only be wasting your time trying to sell yourself and your talents to an employer who is not hiring or does not need your skills. So, take the time to do a little research on the organizations or companies that you have set in your sights. This research will end up saving you time and disappointment.

Then, ask yourself a few questions. Is your resume strong and relevant to the position that you are seeking? Does it contain a solid and clear objective? Your resume is your selling tool and must demonstrate your talents and successes. Are you willing to move or travel? What part of the country are you willing to work in? These kinds of questions will help narrow down your search.

Ensure that your resume is up-to-date. If you meet up with a potential employer who shows high interest in you, you must leave that person a current resume. You do not want to lose out on an opportunity because your resume is outdated and irrelevant.

The easiest way to begin your networking is to contact those people that you already know or are connected to. Call on your friends, family, and associates. Your local job placement agency is also a great place to begin, as they may be able to provide you with a few great contacts.

Create a list of no more than 15 potential employers. Do some research on each organization: determine the most appropriate individual to speak with and learn about the company’s strategic plans and future goals. Then, create a list of questions based on this research. Your questions should show your understanding of each organization or company, including the scope of its work. They should be specific and should relate to the type of position you are interested in and their available jobs. (To organize, update, and keep track of this information for more than 15 companies would be extremely cumbersome, if not impossible.)

Once you have made successful contact with someone within an organization, follow through with a simple thank you letter indicating that you are grateful for the opportunity to speak with the individual and that you are particularly interested in working for their organization. After sending off your letter, wait a few weeks and follow-up with a telephone call, restating your interest in the company.

If you are not looking for a job at the moment, it is still important that you maintain your network list, adding to it when you can. You may ask, “Why do I need a networking list when I’m not looking for a new career?” The answer is that networking puts you in a winning position and keeps you “on the inside” with individuals who can make things happen. Maintaining contact with your developed network will allow you to take advantage of any future opportunities that may arise.

Good networking is vital to your job seeking success; always maintain good relationships with your contacts and keep in touch with the new people you meet on your journey.

Tips for Great Networking:

1. Show sincerity

2. Be true to your word

3. Be polite and formal

4. Respect people's time

5. Do not expect payback

6. Treat referred friends with care

7. Introduce yourself—don't wait to be introduced

8. Always say thank-you

9. Follow-up

Canadian Resume Writing Service

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	The Importance of Networking By Candace Davies, Canadian Resume Writing Service http://canadian-resume-service.com/ candoco@telusplanet.net See Candace's Series of Job Search, Resume and Interview Articles: The Importance of Networking \| Your Job Search - A Difference \| Resume Content to WOW the Reader \| Does Your Resume Lead Off with a Strong Profile? \| Does Your Resume Contain Action Words? \| A Winning Interview \| What Not to do in an Interview One of the most difficult aspects of obtaining employment, for many people, is networking. It can be very overwhelming. You may ask yourself questions like, “Where do I begin?” and “How do I start?” Most people are not comfortable calling strangers out of the blue and asking for their assistance and consideration. However, it has been proven that building a successful network will, without doubt, help you find the dream job you have been seeking. To begin, you need to know what your potential employer is looking for. You will only be wasting your time trying to sell yourself and your talents to an employer who is not hiring or does not need your skills. So, take the time to do a little research on the organizations or companies that you have set in your sights. This research will end up saving you time and disappointment. Then, ask yourself a few questions. Is your resume strong and relevant to the position that you are seeking? Does it contain a solid and clear objective? Your resume is your selling tool and must demonstrate your talents and successes. Are you willing to move or travel? What part of the country are you willing to work in? These kinds of questions will help narrow down your search. Ensure that your resume is up-to-date. If you meet up with a potential employer who shows high interest in you, you must leave that person a current resume. You do not want to lose out on an opportunity because your resume is outdated and irrelevant. The easiest way to begin your networking is to contact those people that you already know or are connected to. Call on your friends, family, and associates. Your local job placement agency is also a great place to begin, as they may be able to provide you with a few great contacts. Create a list of no more than 15 potential employers. Do some research on each organization: determine the most appropriate individual to speak with and learn about the company’s strategic plans and future goals. Then, create a list of questions based on this research. Your questions should show your understanding of each organization or company, including the scope of its work. They should be specific and should relate to the type of position you are interested in and their available jobs. (To organize, update, and keep track of this information for more than 15 companies would be extremely cumbersome, if not impossible.) Once you have made successful contact with someone within an organization, follow through with a simple thank you letter indicating that you are grateful for the opportunity to speak with the individual and that you are particularly interested in working for their organization. After sending off your letter, wait a few weeks and follow-up with a telephone call, restating your interest in the company. If you are not looking for a job at the moment, it is still important that you maintain your network list, adding to it when you can. You may ask, “Why do I need a networking list when I’m not looking for a new career?” The answer is that networking puts you in a winning position and keeps you “on the inside” with individuals who can make things happen. Maintaining contact with your developed network will allow you to take advantage of any future opportunities that may arise. Good networking is vital to your job seeking success; always maintain good relationships with your contacts and keep in touch with the new people you meet on your journey. Tips for Great Networking: 1. Show sincerity 2. Be true to your word 3. Be polite and formal 4. Respect people's time 5. Do not expect payback 6. Treat referred friends with care 7. Introduce yourself—don't wait to be introduced 8. Always say thank-you 9. Follow-up Canadian Resume Writing Service Offering Resume & Cover Letter Development Plus Career / Interview Coaching http://canadian-resume-service.com/