Bringing Key People into your Career Network

Networking is powerful.  I've seen stats that report that anywhere from 60-80% of job offers come through networking chanels (that's who you know).  I'm not sure about you, but that gets my attention.  While I'm not endorsing the networking bootcamp plug that's thrown in at the end of this video, I think this video give you a nice overview "Why Network to Find Your Next Job." 

Now, what do you do with this list you’re generating of people you know or are becoming acquainted with through close friends and family (see my last post called Networking 101)? The first thing you want to do is to begin to discern who would be best to bring into your Career Network circle. If you recall from my last post, your CN should be made up of “people who have an interest in, work in, or knows someone who works in your career field of interest or at least a field you’re exploring” (March 2, 2010). You next task is to start talking with the people you have identified and learn all you can about your field of interest. One strategy that is commonly used is the Information Interview. An Information Interview is a powerful way to gain information about a career field and to develop your relationships with people who may then become part of your official Career Network. You’ll find a great resource on Information Interviews here. I hope you’ll find this useful. The people you bring in to your CN can help you learn more about the day to day work and trends in your area of interest, refer you to potential jobs or internships, expand your network and introduce you to other professionals, and offer general career advice. It’s useful to go back to the definition I offered in the last post “a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest” and look for ways that you might be able to support or serve the person your meeting with. Maybe they need a contact at your school for recruiting; maybe you can volunteer with them or help with a particular project (of course you win to by gaining experience). Think about your skills and ask how you might be able to help them in return. At the very least, by asking you show that you’re not just in it for yourself. And, of course, always follow up with a thank you note. You’ll get more great tips in the link I gave you above.


Here’s a YouTube video that walks though some strategies for networking and building your Career Network. Enjoy!