Be S-M-A-R-T About Networking
Posted on Thu, Jun 17, 2010
What's the difference between Job Hunting and Internet Surfing?
A Hunter’s Survival Guide - Part 2
Has someone recently suggested that the best way to get a job is to go out and network? It sounds like an easy and pretty obvious suggestion, but when it comes time to put on the tie, it can be more intimidating than it needs to. We’ve all seen the people at a networking event that can work the room effortlessly. While that might be their natural inclination, all of us can take little steps to get better at this critical job hunting strategy. So, be smart or, be S-M-A-R-T, when you search by following these easy steps:
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Stay: Go to Networking Events by Yourself
This may seem more intimidating in the short term, but in the long run you will be glad not to have a crutch that you can leave after 30 minutes with. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes after the event has started (if appropriate for the format) so you aren’t standing around by yourself waiting for others to get there. When you check in, tell the front desk attendant that this is your first event with the group, or you are looking to meet other members. Often times the volunteers at the desk are there to do the same thing – it is a networking event after all – and they may even be on the board of the organization. They won’t be at the desk all night, so you can always stop by and chat with them later on that evening.
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Make: Bring Business Cards
If you don’t have a job where they give you business cards, spend the $20 at Kinkos to get some professional cards made or get free business cards from VistaPrint. You can include your personal contact information and a short sentence about who you are helping a person you do chat with remember your skills – or learn more about you.
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Appearance: Polish Up
We all stand a little taller, smile a little bigger, and are just a little bit more professional when we have a suit on. Pay attention to how you look. If you don’t have a suit, or it wouldn’t be appropriate to wear one to an event – just ironing your shirt and pants before you leave can give you a little edge. Wear professional shoes, even if it means you bring a pair to change into. Your pinstripe pants are not enhanced by your running shoes. Make your best first impression.
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Read: the Entire Sunday Newspaper before the Event
Networking for a job often starts as an entirely different conversation. Maybe the networking event is next to the construction site downtown where that weekend the Business Section commented how behind the developer is – bring it up! Maybe the person you can’t seem to make good conversation with about work is a huge sports fan. Even if you aren’t a big football or hockey fan, you should be a little clued in to what is going on in the larger world so you can have conversation – or at least ask some good questions. From the arts, to local news, you never know where the person you are standing next to might land. Be open to a discussion that might not seem about work, but really is just about getting to know you.
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Tact: Get Some
Can you imagine if every person you ever talked to asked you to marry them? Well, when you approach a person working for a company and start the conversation by saying “Do you have any jobs open? I’m the perfect fit.” Or “I’ve applied to several jobs on your website and haven’t heard anything back.” The right time to ask about job openings isn’t your opening line. Take the time to get to know a person and then approach them about something you saw online. Now, if you are at a job fair, or a specific “find a job” networking event, have at it. But remember, your first impression is a lasting one, so make it something to be proud of.
Three additional networking links:
- How To… Network
- Making the Most of LinkedIn
- Flex Your Networking Skills
About the author: Kristine Dunn is part of MassBayODLG