Networking

Surprisingly, many people find jobs that are not posted or advertised.  Many places do not advertise for openings because people find jobs through word of mouth or networking. Because there are many jobs out there that are "hidden," or not advertised, we will discuss how to find these jobs through networking.

Networking means that you are making connections or contacts with people who may be hiring.  It is about knowing people who can lead you to job opportunities.  Your network should consist of people who like you or have helped you out in the past.

Looking for jobs is hard work.  For every 1 person hired through an online application, many more are hired by an internal or personal referral. Networking is KEY.  This confirms how important it is to talk to people.  You never know who might know about a job opportunity that might be right for you. 

Step 1:  The first step to networking is to come up with your network.  Think about people you know who are likely to think of you as a good worker. Don’t discount people because you don’t think they know of job opportunities that you’re interested in. You never know who they might know!  They might have a friend that works in your area of interest. 

Step 2:  Write down this list of people so that you have it for easy reference.

Your network should consist of people who live in your area.  For example, if you live in Florida, it would be silly for your aunt in Idaho to find you a job there if you’re not willing to move.

Here are some ideas of people who could be in your network:

• Family members or relatives
• Friends
• Friends of your family
• Neighbors
• Teachers
• Past and current co-workers
• Past and current supervisors
• Religious leaders or church community
• Sports coaches
• Counselors
• Leaders of social groups
• Social media contacts

Use the Brainstorm Networking Tree to get organized.  

Step 3:  After you have a list of people in your network, decide who to contact first.   You might decide to contact just the first 4 or 5 people in your network to start with.  If nothing turns up from these contacts, then contact a few more people in your network.  Again, if nothing comes up, contact a few more people on your list and so on. 

Use the Networking Action Plan for help.

Step 4: Decide how you contact them: Email, telephone, face-to-face or social media.  Email or telephone is a good way of contacting the people in your network.  If you don’t have their contact information you can ask them for their email address or phone number by contacting them “privately” via social media (Facebook, etc.).   Once they give you their contact information via social media you should us their email or telephone to let them know what you are looking for.  (We suggest to, use social media only to get their contact information and then use email or telephone for further contact). 

Step 5:  If you choose to use email to contact people in your network, your email should be friendly, but still professional.  You should include the following information in your email:

• The type of job you are looking for
• Relevant educational background or training (optional)
• Relevant work experience or work history (optional)
• Skills you have that are related to the type of job you are seeking (optional)
• Your contact information
• An attachment with your resume (optional, but strongly advised)
• "Thank you!"

Here is an example of what to write in an email:

Hello Aunt Maria, I am currently looking for a job that relates to computer or technology, and I was wondering if you could help.  I am very skilled when it comes to computers, particularly with repair and maintenance.  I also recently completed a computer course at Hillcrest Community College to increase my skill set.  If you know anyone in the area who might need computer assistance, I would really appreciate connecting with them.  I am attaching my resume to give you an idea of my qualifications and you are welcome to forward it to those who may be interested in hiring me.  I can be reached at Gregory@email.com or at (555) 555-1223.  Thank you, Greg

• If the person you emailed replies back without any helpful information, you should still reply back to them and thank them. 
• However, if they reply back with helpful information, you should thank them and then follow up on the information that they give you.  
• If the person you contacted does not email you back, they probably are either busy or don’t know of any helpful information.  If you want to email them again, wait at least 7 days before sending one more email.  You should not send more than 2 emails to the same person if you do not get a reply from them. 

Step 6:  If you choose to call people in your network, be sure to practice what you will say beforehand.  You want to sound prepared and professional so that people think you will be a good employee.  Have your notes in front of you when you make the phone call.

Leaving voicemail messages 
You might get someone’s answering machine or voicemail when you call them.  You should write down and then practice what to say on their voicemail beforehand so that you sound professional and stay on topic. 

If you choose to leave a message on someone’s machine, your message should be no longer than one minute. 

When you leave the message, be sure to tell them:

• Your first and last name
• Why you are calling (2-3 sentences)
• Your telephone number
• "Thank you!"

Step 7:  If you choose to contact people by using a social media platform, be sure to review the below “Basic Internet Tips” section and always remember proper Internet use, also called Internet Etiquette. 

Make sure your social media sites are presentable.  Your future employer might do an online search and you want to make sure your sites will not give them any reason to dismiss your application. Be cautious with content and comments on your online sites. 

When contacting people via social media we suggest:

• Review the section below regarding “Basic Internet Tips”.
• Then follow the directions in Step 5, the email template – but do NOT attach your resume.
• Wait for a reply and then, if appropriate, email that person your questions and resume.

Here is an example of what to say on someone's voicemail:

"Hi ____. This is ______.  I hope you are doing well. I was calling to talk with you about my current job search.  I am looking for a job in the computer industry and would love to discuss whether you are aware of any job opportunities in this area or may have some leads or ideas on how to proceed with my search.  It would be great if you could please call me at your earliest convenience.  My number is (867) 555-9898.  Thank you very much. Good-bye."

If the person you contacted does not call you back, they probably are either busy or don’t know of any helpful information.  If you want to call them again, wait at least 7 days before making one more phone call.  

All of us use the Internet and sometimes it is easy to forget that there are real people on the other end.  These are a few guidelines when using the internet. 

General communication:

• Remember, people can’t see you in person. 
• Always be polite and courteous in your emails and on any social media platform. 
• Treat people the way you want to be treated. 
• Only say things you would say to them in person- face to face.
• Always be truthful.

Read before post:

• Do NOT post anything you might regret later. 
• Do NOT post anything you would not want the world to see or find on youtube.
• Assume everybody can see everything you post. 
• STOP, WAIT and consider before you hit “reply” or “send” on a post.
• RE-READ your comment or post, walk away and come back and read it again – if you like your post hit “send”.

Pay attention to the tone of your post/ text:

• Avoid negative comments, bad jokes, sarcasm or gossip.
• Consider other people’s feelings, AVOID cyber bullying.
• Think how your post, comment would make you feel if someone sent it to you.

Privacy

• ALWAYS protect your personal information
• Assume internet communication information is visible to anybody
• Stay Away from posting personal information including phone number, address, social security number, driver’s license information, etc.

Communication

• Write clear and complete sentences.
• Keep your message to the point.
• Use spell-check before sending any message.
• Remember attachments.
• Use upper- and lowercase lettering. ALL capital letter messages give a negative impression and is taken as shouting.
• Limit abbreviations.

Other Notes

• Follow and observe all rules and guidelines set by whatever social media platform you are using (including but not limited to forum, blogs, discussion groups, etc.).
• When writing a text consider copyright laws – always cite your source and add the link to their website to your paper.
• Do not copy other people’s work and use it as your own.

 Please remember – what you post on the internet is there to stay and for everybody to see.  Always use caution, manners and THINK before you hit “enter”!

The above list was compiled after reviewing various websites.  There are many sites that provide helpful tips regarding internet etiquette, safety, etc.  If you are interested in finding more information we suggest typing “internet safety” or “internet etiquette and rules” into your search engine.

Networking means that you are making connections or contacts with people who may be hiring.

• Step 1:  The first step to networking is to come up with your network. 
• Step 2:  Write down this list of people so that you have it for easy reference.
• Step 3:  After you have a list of people in your network, decide who to contact first.  
• Step 4:  Decide how you will contact them:  By email, telephone, or in person.
• Step 5:  If you choose to use email to contact people in your network, your email should be friendly, but still professional. 
• Step 6:  If you choose to call people in your network, be sure to practice what you will say beforehand.