Don't ask for a job

Many people have misconceptions about networking. What is it?

Let me start by clarifying what networking is not. It is not cold calling. It is not an interview.

Networking is a low-key, low-risk conversation used to gather information, leads or referrals.

It is actually an activity in which you are recruiting other people to use their eyes and ears to help find openings for you.

The reason is simply because you cannot be everywhere.

Through networking you may meet influential people and certainly you will increase exposure of yourself as a jobseeker in the market.

It is a particularly effective way to uncover those ?hidden? jobs.

One local outplacement company recently told me in their experience 70 per cent of people looking for jobs are successful by using networking.

In short, networking is a way to gather critical information that is not available elsewhere.

How does it work?

Start by making a list of people you could talk with about your job search.

The list could include family members, friends that you know in the community, people you meet through a club or an association, neighbours, former co-workers, acquaintances in places where you shop, even your doctor or dentist.
 
Arrange to attend meetings, conferences and other gatherings related to the field which you are researching.

When you talk to people at meetings and even at social gatherings, be sure to get a business card from them.

Don?t forget to leave yours with them too. (Get some temporary cards printed if you have none.) These are your first leads.

How do you broach the subject?

The golden rule of networking is that you never ask for a job. What you are doing is seeking information and ideas.

But in order to do this you must communicate your needs clearly to the people you network with. Otherwise, it is unlikely they will put you in contact with the right people.

For example, you might be thinking of a career change and you are looking for opportunities within the hotel industry in the food and beverage department.

It is quite possible that the person you initially speak to may not have specific information about your area of interest.

But he may know someone in a hotel group who does. (Be sure to ask whether you can mention his name when you call the contact.)

Even if his contact is in a different area than the one you are interested in, that person may be useful in opening the door to find out where the decision maker is.

Here?s another important rule:

For networking to be successful it is essential that you keep accurate records as you gather information, including contact details that might lead you to a job.

Your target should be to gain the names of at least two more people from every initial lead you meet. From those two people, you should get contacts of two more people.

Typically I advise jobseekers to target making 50 contacts within a month and 100 within two months.

There are a few ground rules you need to keep in mind when following up on your leads.

Before approaching the person be very clear about what you are going to say.

? At the beginning of the call emphasise that you are seeking information, ideas and advice and other contacts, not a job.

? Introduce yourself quickly and explain the purpose of the call.

? Try to set up an appointment and end the conversation. Avoid interrogation but be prepared to answer the question, ?Tell me about yourself.?

If asked, keep your answer brief, upbeat and positive, and to the point.

? Don?t start out with a question such as ?How are you today?? or ?How long have you been in Dubai?? That may be irritating or seem trite.

Instead, state your name, mention the name of the person who has referred you to the person you are speaking with and be as clear as possible about the sort of information you are seeking.

? Be sure to ask whether it is a convenient time to talk. Be sensitive to the fact that even the most helpful people sometimes have very busy days.