Networking is a job strategy for building strategic relationships and cultivating connections. The purpose is to strategically and systematically seek out individuals who can provide a broader perspective, increased information and knowledge about industries, companies, departments and people and strong connections to potential managers or individuals who could lead you to your next job, maximize your opportunities and develop your personal board of directors to advise you in the future. Posted positions are a small fraction of available opportunities. Often there is already a strong candidate linked to that position before it even is posted. You need to be that strong candidate.

The networking process pushes you to think outside the box. Job seekers often err by depending on their own perspective rather than seek the enlightenment that comes from others. As with other critical life decisions, it is necessary to foster inquiry and dialogue, gather as much information as possible, determine what is helpful and useful, toss out what is not and make those critical life decisions. There is only so much you can learn from online resources or from your own life experience.

Networking provides a chance to validate the aptitudes, skills, education, credentials and education necessary for the work you seek and an honest reaction to the package you offer. It provides opportunity to increase your visibility in your preferred functions, industries and companies. You get a magnified view of trends, changes and nuances occurring in your field. You increase the depth of your industry knowledge and broaden your perspective about how the function may change as a result of advances in technology, changes in leadership or political/government initiatives. You have the unique opportunity to “sell to the need”.

You may informally investigate and become familiar with the culture and subcultures, personalities, preferred communication, and business and interpersonal challenges of a company that you could address if hired. Networking builds and cultivates your foundation and “board of directors” for success once you have secured that new position – those you can turn to for advice, information, outside perspective, support, etc. Networking can occur casually and naturally at social, educational or professional events, via online social or professional networks like LinkedIn or a website or blog directly focused to your particular skill set, function or preferred industry.

It is a proactive endeavor rather than reactive like the interview process. You are the interviewer and driver of fostering engaging dialogue. You need to prepare, plan, implement, determine next steps and follow through. These interactions give you an opportunity to showcase your listening skills, communication, organization and problem-solving skills and demonstrate your insight, values and follow-through. You proactively demonstrate your ability to receive, process, and incorporate feedback, suggestions and counsel and sensitively and professionally express opinions and ideas. Networking can provide an opportunity to communicate a perspective that may be useful to others. Your host may find it beneficial to tap into your network, knowledge base, and conclusions that developed as a result of your networking efforts or past experience. It is a dance of giving and taking, resulting in increased occupational outlook and marketing perspective.

I can consult with you to develop and implement a plan for conducting this essential component of your job search. Those efforts would include identifying contacts, developing talking points, determining questions, writing the critical approach letters and follow up communications and strategies for continuing to strengthen the relationship following the initial networking meeting and even after the job has been secured.