Why Networking?
by Barbara Reinhold
In the world of work, networking is, indeed, a very big deal -- even the Wall Street Journal reported two years ago that 94% of successful job seekers claimed that networking had made all the difference for them. Networking comes in many forms -- everything from meeting an old friend for a cup of coffee to ask how she likes law school, to having your best friend's father put in a good word for you at his company, to meeting with an older alum from your university to learn more about a career in social work.
There are many ways to identify networking contacts. Here are some places to find individuals who know something about a field, an organisation or a school you are considering:
- Your university alumni association or career office networking lists
- Your own extended family
- Your friends' parents and other family members
- Your professors, advisors, coaches, tutors, clergy
- Your former bosses and your friends' and family members' bosses
- Members of clubs, religious groups and other organisations to which you belong
- All the organisations near where you live or study
- They can tell you what it's really like (from their perspective, of course) to work in a given field or organisation now. They can also tell you how the field has changed and what they see for the future.
- They can help you understand the aptitudes and training needed to get into and be successful in a particular field.
- They can give you the inside scoop on schools and training programs.
- They can give you "insider" information on an organisation, such as who is in charge, what the culture is like, what kinds of people have held the job you're looking at, what it takes to succeed in that position, what new directions or changes might be happening soon, how to customise your cover letter and resume to get noticed, how to market yourself effectively and tips for interviewing. A cover letter and resume that demonstrate that you are just the kind of person an organization is looking for can really give you an advantage.
- They can be living demonstrations of what it's like to work in the field. Can you imagine yourself doing what they do? Does the picture you imagine feel good? Or does it horrify you?
Every once in a while, the person with whom you're having an informational interview will offer to help move your application along. When that happens, it can be a real advantage for you. But whether you get that offer or not, the nuggets of information you've gathered can be essential in helping you to sort out your options and present yourself more effectively!
