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Networking

Thursday, September 11, 2014 8:01 am

Networking – What’s that?  They say that "to find a new job, you should be networking". Well due to my military background and my “gung-ho” attitude of doing things myself (otherwise it may appear that I am a failure), whenever people would say that to me, it would stress me, as networking has this reputation of having to force-make friends who all knew it would be superficial anyway.  I thought cold-calling people in organisations to see if there were any jobs was way too uncomfortable for me. 

But it's not like that at all.

Here are 5 other myths about networking and how you can successfully create a network.

1. Networking is cold calling people you don't know. This is actually anti-networking. Networking is all about making connections and reconnecting with people you already have a relationship with. You start with the people you do know and they can introduce you to people they know. The key is in the introduction and building your circle of people. Don't just start calling people up and asking for favours. It does not work. 

2. You should only network with people who do what you do. There is some logic to that but you never know who knows who.  If you connect with someone from a different trade, they might know a person from the same trade as you. They have family and friends, as does everyone else. Networking involves talking to everyone. You never know who they know.

3. “I'm employed, I don't need to network any more”. This cannot be farther from the truth.  Once you are in a job it’s then a great opportunity to build relationships within your trade so that if your employer needs a role filled then you may just be able to help someone in your network to get a job just as your network previously helped you get your job.  In a recruitment process, an employer will often ask their staff first if they know anyone to fill a vacancy as they know that the network system is very powerful, it is also cost effective for them to pay a staff member a small referral bonus for a quick result.  Then there is always the chance that you could be made redundant.  You will then be able to call people within your network to let them know you are available and the network starts working for you again!

4. If I tell someone I want a job, they'll think less of me. Do you think less of people who are looking for a new job? No? Then why the fear that others will think this way about you? When you're at a BBQ and chatting with someone for the first time, the inevitable question of, "What do you do?" comes up, feel free to answer, "I'm a Sous Chef and I'm looking for a new position as a Head Chef." Then let the conversation flow from there. People naturally want to help and most likely the response will be, "Oh, my brother-in-law used to own a restaurant in Sydney." Everybody knows something but unless you make people aware, they can't help you. Don't push the point and look needy, but let it be known what you do and what you want to do, you just never know what will come out of any conversation.

5. I can use information from meetings to land a job. Calling and making an appointment with a Manager in a company and trade that you want to work in, just to have a chat about the industry and what it takes to succeed is a great way to make a network connection.   If you are comfortable doing this then you must be clear that it is just an information gathering meeting with no ulterior motive of trying to short-circuit the recruitment process.  Use it to ask for information about how they got to where they are, or what trends they see in the job, or what skills you need to gain in order to achieve your dream goal.  If they have a job you're a fit for, that's a bonus, but don't have that motivation just yet. Instead, use the information they give you to help you continue your job search.

For assistance in finding how you can network to open opportunities for your situation, please call us on 1300 366 104, or email info@transciv.com.au.