Finding a Job You Love: Tip #1: Basic Networking

The first time I heard the term 'networking' was when I signed up for Facebook. Looking for: Networking. It sounded like a fancy way of saying: "Kissing someone's butt until it pays off." Being older and wiser now, I've learned networking actually does help since I got my oh-so-fabulous job because I proved myself to the right people. As I mentioned in my last post, there are a million people looking for that stellar job. You have to rise above the competition and prove why you're better than the last thirty people that they've interviewed. Usually knowing someone and getting rave reviews gives you an edge, since you have a proven history of success. Maybe this sounds basic, but I believe this helps.

A Few Tips to Start Creating Networks:

*Utilize the people you know first. 
If you're actively searching for a job, ask your friends and family first. Sometimes the people you know already have leads at their current jobs or know of places that are hiring. If they don't know of any job openings, ask them to keep you in mind if anything comes up. If they DO know of a job, a friend will be able to tell you the specs of the job without any filter or boundaries. They can tell you what HR won't--turnover, attitude of management, how often you get a raise, job duties, or if you should steer clear of the job altogether. Chances are someone in HR won't try to talk you out of the job no matter how terrible it truly is.

*Network Through Social Media. 
This one's my fave since this is my field of expertise. I believe we live in a time where we're so lucky to be able to take advantage of the internet and all it has to offer.

My favorite social media job-related site would be LinkedIn. LinkedIn does for the job world what Facebook does for...well, everything. Here are some facts from the Linked In Press page:

• As of September 30, 2011 (the end of the third quarter), LinkedIn counts executives from all 2011 Fortune 500 companies as members; its corporate hiring solutions are used by 75 of the Fortune 100 companies.
• More than 2 million companies have LinkedIn Company Pages.
• As of February 9, 2012, LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 150 million members in over 200 countries and territories.

Search for contacts and find your former colleagues. If a colleague is someone you truly had a good experience with, write a letter of recommendation. Start pouring out the praises for others you've worked with (if they're worthy of course.) Networking is not just what you can get out of it, but it's also about what you can do for others. Even if the connection never pays off for you, think about what kind of person you'd be if you did something without expecting anything in return.

Also, use Facebook or Twitter to keep in contact with colleagues and friends from the past. Ask them to keep you in mind if a new position opens at their company. If you plan to use the site to network, keep it PG. (I would recommend this as a general rule of thumb anyway since you never know who's looking at your page.) Personally, I probably wouldn't be willing to recommend you for a job if all of your pictures consist of you passed out on the bathroom floor.

*Be memorable--in a GOOD way.

This one is super important and makes me think of an experience I had one time. When I was working as a pharmacy technician, I had someone come in for an interview that I worked with in the past. I didn't like her but it was more than just that. She was the biggest gossip, created tons of discord among everyone and had an extremely poor work ethic. I heard through the grapevine that she was unhappy with her position at the pharmacy that I left and when she came in for an interview at my current job, I decided I would do everything in my power to make sure she didn't get the job. I'm sure she never thought that her behavior in her current job would ever effect her job-hunting in the future. This is where the networking comes into play. Networking can positively or negatively effect you depending on the mark you leave on people. If you leave a good mark on someone, then you've made a networking connection. If not, then you've made an enemy and that has the possibility to hurt you in the future.

Even if you're not passionate about the job you're in or you plan on it just being a stepping stone to your career, make a good and lasting impression. Show up on time, complain as little as possible, work harder than everyone else and always ask what else you can be doing to help. A previous manager taught me this trick and I think she's right on. If you show initiative, you are differentiating yourself from the rest of the team. You never know, you might go in for an interview and a former co-worker is now in HR and is the one interviewing you. (Stranger things have happened.)

*Take advantage of opportunities and your connections.


When I've been on a job hunt, I've had people ask what they could do to help. I'm always the person that doesn't want to inconvenience someone or waste anyone's time. If a person offers to help--it's because they want to help. Take advantage of it. Know what you want from that person. If someone asks you what they can do to help you out and you're lacking skill in a specific computer program, ask them to teach you. We could all use more knowledge. This tip applies to people that aren't currently job-hunting also. If someone you work with offers to help, accept the help. It could pay off in the long run for a promotion or if you ever decide to switch jobs.

*Attend conferences, job fairs, work parties, etc.

Go to any major event that would have people with a similar career path and try to meet as many people as possible. I'm not talking throwing your business card at every person in the room. I'm talking more about creating a lasting bond and relationship where you feel comfortable with the people you meet. Exchange stories, offer advice or help, hand out your card, and be in contact. Networking isn't just about meeting people then asking them for a job. It's more about creating an image that you'd be a great recommendation if an opportunity ever came up.

I recently subscribed to a new site called LearnVest. I have loved getting their "Build Your Career Bootcamp" emails because I think they have some great tips and have a really positive way of delivering career advice. You can find tips on what I've mentioned and way more! Instead of telling you what NOT to do, they give you advice on how to make you an all-around great candidate. They even give interview tips which I definitely need since I may be the worst interviewee in the world. Imagine my surprise when I opened an email today to see it was about networking--I guess I was on the same page as them! I love their suggestions of meeting contacts at the grocery store! This is why I try to be nice to every single person I meet and that's not because I'm opportunistic. It's because I truly believe what you put out there is equal to what you get back. After all, who wants to work with a person who consistently has a scowl on her face? If the person that I smiled at can get me a job or might hire me in the future, I'll take that.

Tell me followers. Has networking really worked out for any of you? If so, tell me how and what tips can you add?