Summary

Networking Summary

Networking can be overwhelming for some and I recognize that the 5 part series  (part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) I created contains a lot of information. As a result, I aggregated the main points from each section and listed them below.

·         Networking Defined

o   Getting to know people

o   Obtaining information

o   Building relationships

o   Enlarging your social capital

·         Importance of Networking

o   Sets you apart from others

o   Shows your genuine interest in the:

§  Person

§  Employer

§  Opportunity

§  Etc

·         Importance of Obtaining Information for Job Seekers

o   Tells you more about what you are entering into

o   Is it precisely what you wanted?

o   Will it optimize your competences?

o   What is your fit with:

§  The job itself?

§  The employer?

·         Importance of Building Relationships

o   Illustrates your character & attitude

§  May also insight employers about your potential as one of their employees (i.e. productivity)

o   Find out about common acquaintances

o   Form of “Giving back” if you exercise of a type of mentoring role

o   Could introduce you to people

·         Importance of Social Capital

o   Connections MAY have opportunities for job seekers, in the forms of:

§  Internship

§  Part time job

§  Full time position

o   Enhances your credibility because professionals will get to see who you know in addition to what you know

·         Tips from the Pros

o   An HR Director @ Furniture company advised:

§  Sincerely listen to the speaker

§  Evidence your interest

§  Do not use the person

o   Not a means to an end

o   Not tissues

           o   Venture capitalist stated:

§  Do not ask solely about person’s occupation, expand the topics of conversation to other areas (mutual acquaintances, common hobbies, etc)

o   Assistant Director of Placement @ a University cautioned:

§  Use correct grammar

·         Summary:

o   Networking = Fun

o   Keep in touch with your contacts

o   Attend all possible events

§  Regardless of topic à you never know

Good Luck!

To read my series on networking in full, you can conveniently access each part via these links: Networking 101, 201, 301, 401, 501.