When networking, remember to bring the other person’s interests into the conversation. Networking is about relationships and developing connections and a sense of trust. One of the best ways to create good interpersonal chemistry and promote a productive interaction is for both parties to potentially benefit from the encounter. Even though only one of the individuals may currently seeking job searching assistance, the potential candidate can provide value by praising the other person's knowledge and generosity, offering future support, providing follow up to the conversation's outcome, etc. If you are the individual seeking assistance, look for ways to give something back. It can be a simple thank you email or voice message, a holiday greeting, an invitation to an event so you can get together again, a link that they might find interesting, an introduction to someone that you think they should know, etc. In other words, don't treat your networking contacts as "one off" /one-sided exchanges but incorporate them into your existing relationships.

Yet one more reason why networking is critical for job seekers, recruiters are focused on hiring the best possible talent, not the most qualified candidate. Check out this blog post, Talent Pipeline Development - Part 3 - Focus on Finding the Best Possible Talent, Not the Best Qualified Applicant

The ABC's of Online Networking
by: Joanna - January 19, 2009 09:01pm

We all know that online networking is important, but for those just getting started it’s a huge landscape to navigate. Where do you invest your energy first? How do choose the channels most beneficial for you? When do you make the crossover from virtual connections to handshakes?

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