Network Intelligence Gathering

Networking. Networking is often considered to be that less than noble activity that is reserved for only the most desperate in their job search. Yet nothing could be (or should be) further from the truth. Networking is truly one of the most effective and efficient activities in finding your first position. The reality of the job market is that many positions are never advertised, never recruited for, never made known outside of the organization. Yet they continue to be filled. How? By referral. By referral of someone internal, external, or the "who-do-you- know" method of job search. Networking. Let's understand some of the dynamics behind networking by looking at a practical case example. Entry level hiring within our company is usually planned a full eight to twelve months in advance of the actual hire date. The first persons made aware of this hiring need are our management team. Planning for entry level hiring is part of our strategic planning process. And the very first step in filling the position is taking internal recommendations from the management staff. The process goes to the next level when we announce the upcoming opportunity to all of our local employees. Next level is a request to our regional office. Then a request to corporate, each time seeking for qualified candidates that may be "already in the pipeline." If we have not yet identified potential candidates for the position, we will integrate the position into our on-campus hiring process. And no, we will never advertise the position. Job seekers who have tapped into our internal network often gain a job offer before we even begin our on-campus interviewing. The "who-do-you-know" network is alive and functioning quite well, thank you, in the employment marketplace. Yet most college students don't consider themselves to be very well plugged-in when it comes to networking. After all, who do I know who can give me a job? Probably no one. But networking is NOT about first level contacts. The key to effective networking is what I call "The Ripple Effect." Simply stated, The Ripple Effect is similar to what happens when you toss a stone into a pond. The first ripple is the largest ripple, but it's the second and third ripples that cover the greatest amount of area. The more stones that break the surface, the greater the amount of the pond that is filled with your ripples. Moral to the story: if you want to give yourself the opportunity to make a ripple in the marketplace, you're going to have to toss a few stones into the pond. Otherwise you probably won't even break the surface. In building your job search network, you will need to develop a list of potential network contacts. Don't worry about whether they are personally responsible for hiring. It's not who they are, it's who they know. The Networking Business Card Technique: One very practical device for facilitating networking is to use networking business cards. They are the same as a normal business card, with name, address, and phone number. But instead of a title, you should have a short description of your greatest career asset or interest. For example: "Seeking Public Accounting Audit Position" or "Seeking Reporter Position with Major News Daily." This "Seeking..." line replaces the standard title line on most business cards and makes it stand out in the eyes of the receiver. You can order 200-500 for a minimal cost at most print shops. The simple mechanics behind developing a network contact involves making a phone call to the person and telling them, "I would like to include you in my network of job contacts." Then explain succinctly what you are looking for (have your 30-second "elevator pitch" down pat) and offer to send them a copy of your resume and several networking business cards. Then ask them to contact you directly if they are aware of anyone who could be of further help. This important last step is what expands your network out to second and third levels. And by giving you the opportunity for direct contact with these next level contacts, you are able to expand your network exponentially. Who to contact? First, contact your relatives. And not just your immediate family--branch out into the family tree. And not just those who are "well-connected in business." Aunt Mabel may play bridge with someone who knows someone who may have an interest. Remember, it's not who they are, but who they know. Next, contact friends--old and new, high school and college, neighbors and social acquaintances. One of the best contacts in this group are your college friends who graduated last year. They're already through the job search process and probably have lots of contacts (and free advice). Next, contact every known entity within your college--professors, advisors, administrators, coaches (they are often amazingly well-connected!), and anyone else who has ties to your school. And be sure to reach beyond your circle of known alums to reach out to all alumni (recent or past) who are working for any target companies, within your target geography, or within your chosen profession. Spend an afternoon at the campus Alumni Affairs office. They're usually more than willing to help. Lastly, contact past and present employers, professional associations, and social contacts through a church, synagogue, club, or other organization. With this contact information in hand, you now have insider access to a plethora of companies that you may not have been aware of previously. In making contact with the employer, you now have a referral source who can not only assist you in getting in the door, but can walk you through the required steps on your way toward a potential position. -Article provided by CollegeGrad.com