Three things you should never do while networking

6 March 2012

2 minute read

Three things you should never do while networking

As you will know if you have read much at all on the best method of finding a new job, networking is invaluable. A large majority of new roles come not from recruiters, not from online applications, but from candidates’ networks.

To the uninitiated, networking may seem little more than chatting with friends and mentioning the notion that you’d be interested in a new role. However, there is more to it than that. Networking is a finely tuned process. Step over the line, do the wrong thing and you will get nowhere at all.

When networking, you are strongly advised NOT to:

1. Ask for a job

Don’t jump straight in and ask for a job or ask the person you’re networking with if they know of anything going at their place. This will put them on the spot and make you look needy. Instead, share that you are job seeking and that as part of your research, you’d value their thoughts, opinions and guidance about firms, sectors, geographies, industry trends, impacts, etc. This will allow them to feel comfortable and to understand what they might do to assist. They will also understand that you are available and will, either at the time or subsequent to your conversation, feel more inclined to mention any roles they are aware of.

2. Be vague

You should never network without being able to clearly articulate what you are great at and what you will bring to your next employer. If you can’t do this, how will they know how to help?

Equally, if you are able to create a powerful verbal message about yourself, it will be something that people can repeat when they’re talking to other people about you. This is much stronger than someone simply saying that “you are good person who lost their job.”

3. Fail to follow up

Never network and do nothing about it afterwards. If you’re doing it properly, you’ll need a database approach to your networking activities – your network will grow and therefore needs planning. Needless to say, this planning shouldn’t be overt – you will simply be adding structure behind the scenes.

Julian Rye is Head of Consulting Services at Lee Hecht Harrison | DBM, a leading talent development provider.

AUTHORJulian Rye

Insider Comment

5 comments

Qu
QueweyQ
18 May 2012
As a recent grad of a pretty pre-professional school, these points seem to have been drilled into my head, but it's great to be reminded as I enter the professional world for good. These points hold true for professional online networking as well.
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Mo
MonsterTruckHead
7 March 2012
Likes to think big picture at the strategic level, can't be bothered for tactical implementation. Get's bored easily; Prefers to avoid attention to detail; Likes to start projects and then passes the drudgery off to others for completion. Enjoys providing valuable insight on how others are f*cking sh*t up.
So when do I start and how big is my corner office?
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Ca
CareerOptimizer
7 March 2012
Another well-tuned collection of advice from Julian Rye.
On point 3, adopting a "database approach" facilitates another important component of networking: Introducing different people in your network to one another. Being able to introduce a new networking contact to someone already in your network whose capabilities or interests mesh with those of the new contact, is one of the few ways that a job-seeker (especially an unemployed one) can actually offer help, instead of just seeking help. And we all know that networking is a two-way street; so you'll do much better if you offer a favor (such as provide a useful introduction) right off the bat, before asking a new contact to do a favor for you.
Point 2 (articulating a specific, relevant and meaningful elevator pitch) means making it easy for others to help you. Most people in business actually want to help, but don't want to and generally aren't in a position to figure out what your value proposition is for others they might refer you to. So it's essential that you tell them; don't expect a potential contact to do your work for you.
Jon Jacobs
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vp
vprusack
7 March 2012
A good network is a group of professionals where you can tap for advice. It is a 2 way relationship where you can ask for advice but also share any expertise or tips on how to achieve best results.
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vp
vprusack
7 March 2012
Good advice, a good network contact is someone who is a professional and who is aware of the sectors' trends in and around the sector you are in or want to enter. It is a 2 way relationship you have to be able to convey and share good and valuable information with your network. You can also feel free to ask for advice on how best to achieve a particular result.
Good networks look and the problem, analyze it and propose several solutions to achieve best results. Or in case they do not have a solution, they will guide you to someone who can help you.
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