Choosing a Network Contact

You should use the following criteria in selecting people to approach:

• People who are able to help you with new career information. You can learn details about new companies and industries and even add to your target list.
• People who are easy to approach and talk with - most likely good friends and former associates.
• People who are knowledgeable within your field of interest. They will know people in your industry or your target group and may be willing to make enquiries on your behalf.
• People with wide connections of their own by virtue of their jobs or associations.
• Other job searchers who can exchange their networks with yours.

Use your network contacts to find out about new job opportunities, or as a way of meeting further contacts. When you meet people on a referral basis, you are no longer a complete stranger, as you are already linked by your contact. Networking is considerably better (and easier) than a cold call - it is much more effective to have a third party call and recommend you than doing it yourself.

Tips for Successful Networking

• Stress to your contacts that you need confidentiality - the last thing you want is your current boss finding out that you're looking out for another position.
• Don't use your network contacts to complain about your current position. It will send out the wrong messages, namely that you might be difficult to work with and that you're only looking for an escape route from your present difficulties.
• Make sure that the messages you feed out to your network contacts are precise about the kind of job you're looking for - including the salary.

A good network is an ongoing process. You will continue to meet new and interesting people, which will offer you the opportunity to expand your world and enhance the quality of your professional life.