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How important is networking?
How important is networking?
In the world of work, networking is a very big deal—even the Wall Street Journal states 94% of successful job seekers claimed that networking made all the difference for them.
Here is how it works…suppose you ask your friend for the names of two people who might help you. You then contact these people, who then become part of your networking group. If each of these people give you the names of two others to contact, and so on, you will eventually have many people in your network. And all from just one original contact!
The 3 Bones of Networking for Student Success _ Isaac Serwanga _ TEDxCSUS 1080p HD 127kbps.mp4Develop Professional Contacts
Develop Professional Contacts
You may think that you don’t need to develop professional contacts until you have graduated from college and begin searching for a job. However, the earlier you learn how to network and begin the networking process, the greater your networking circle will be and the more employment options you may have. Use these suggestions to learn how to network in high school.
Expand your social circle.
Expand your social circle.
High school students are notorious for staying within their own clique of friends. However, in order to network properly in the future, you will need to learn how to approach strangers. Try sitting with different groups of people during lunch to get to know them better. Strike up a conversation with that shy student in your math class. Try out for a sports team or join a club to meet new people. Now and in the future, the more people you know, the better chances you will have to find employment.
Be nice to everyone.
Be nice to everyone.
Likeability is a huge factor in the hiring process, so it's imperative that you learn how to project a pleasant, helpful, and positive persona. In high school, you should hone this persona by being nice to all of your classmates. Lend a helpful hand to others when needed, avoid bully-type behavior, and smile at your peers as you pass in the hallways. Portraying this type of behavior will make you a more likeable person among your classmates (as you never know which of your peers may be able to assist with your career in the future) and will help prepare you for networking in the professional world.
Become involved in activities outside of high school.
Become involved in activities outside of high school.
Students often forget that life exists outside of high school. Even though you have a busy school schedule, try to make time for activities outside of school in order to expand your horizons and increase the number of people that you meet on an everyday basis. Consider volunteering at a homeless or animal shelter, becoming involved in community sporting activities, joining a church youth group, etc. Try to remember this tip when you begin your career as well. Adults often become so immersed in their work and company culture that they forget that there is a whole world of professional networks to tap into.
Rehearse networking interactions.
Rehearse networking interactions.
This may sound silly, but it can actually help to practice with friends or family. You can even write down your intended introduction and explanation of your interests and refer to that document when rehearsing — this can help you refine your approach and hit all the important points. (This type of introduction is sometimes referred to as an “elevator pitch.”)
There are many ways to identify networking contacts. Here are some places to find people who know something about an industry, organization, or a school you are considering:
Your Career Technician
Your ROP/CTE Instructor
Your friends’ parents and other family members
Your teachers, advisors, coaches, tutors, clergy
Your former supervisors and your friends’ and family members’ supervisors
Your ROP/CTE training site supervisor or co-workers
Agencies like the Employment Development Department and WorkNet
Social media contacts—caution! There are pros and cons!
People in organizations where you have volunteered
10 Tips for Effective Networking
10 Tips for Effective Networking
1. Prepare
Schedule appointments ahead of time. Have a resume ready along with your contact information (some people even have business cards made). Be sure you have proofread your resume prior to making copies! You will be processing a great deal of information, so create a system to be organized.
2. Present Yourself Well
Always stand when you introduce yourself. If you’re wearing a nametag, point to it. Use a firm handshake and make eye contact. First impressions can be lasting impressions.
3. Always Be Ready to Give Your Pitch
You must be equipped to market yourself on the spot, no matter where you are. Know and be ready to communicate your strengths and what you can bring to the table. Prepare and practice your 30-second commercial (link).
4. Ask Questions and Listen
Don’t be afraid to start a conversation. Ask open-ended questions that will allow you to build on the answers. Remember that networking is about building relationships, not just making contacts.
People want to know that you have heard and appreciate their experience and what they have to say.
5. Ask for Help
It’s likely that, at one time or another, the person you are networking with was a college student, just like you. Asking for advice never hurts. Get insight from someone who has been through the same process as you. People usually like to be asked for help – it means that you value their opinion and see them as a good source of information. It’s helpful to clearly tell those that you contact that you don’t expect them to have a job for you, but rather you are seeking information and advice.
6. Utilize Your Online Presence
Making connections online can be an effective networking strategy. LinkedIn, Twitter, blogs, and other social media sites offer great ways to learn insider information about your career path and connect with individuals and professional associations. Maintaining an active profile on these sites will keep you up-to-date with the most current information about the field, including hiring trends and job leads.
7. Be Aware of Your Online Presence
It is important to be aware of your online presence while using online networking tools. Some employers may actually check your social media sites as part of the screening process. Clean up your online identity by setting accounts on social networking sites, like Facebook, to private and/or removing questionable material, such as blog entries, photos, quotes, comments and applications. Be sure to present a positive online image. You may want to do a Google search on your name to see what results are generated and adjust your privacy settings accordingly.
8. Do Your Homework
Take time to research the employer before meeting and get to know him/her. Preparing in advance will help you can ask more intelligent questions and learn more in-depth information about the person, the work environment and the organization. Ideally, this will help you conduct a conversation that is comfortable and show that you are interested.
9. Stay in Touch with Your Network
The networking process does not end when the career event or job fair is over. Be sure to give and receive contact information. Following up with your network continues the relationships and preserves those connections. If you are on LinkedIn, for example, personalize the note field in the invitation to remind the connection of where you met.
10. Keep Networking
Your network is a living thing and should always be evolving, even after you have found a job. You never know when you may need to call upon your networking contacts. Networking will always be essential to breaking into that “hidden job market,” so do not abandon it. Be sure to promptly follow-up on information passed along to you by your contacts.
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