REALITY 1: While networking may ultimately lead to interviews and job offers, the purpose of networking is to get information/ advice, and referrals. In every step of your job search you need more and better information on which to make decisions. You get this by talking to people who have information. If you approach networking as a method for getting job interviews and offers, you will most likely become ineffective. You may appear insincere and untrustworthy as you attempt to use people for personal gain. You must communicate that you are honest/ sincere, likeable, and competent. You can best communicate these qualities to others by seeking information/ advice/ and referrals.
MYTH 2: Networking is the key to getting a job.
REALITY 2: Networking is one of several techniques used in getting a job. It is more or less effective depending on how you use it as well as the behavior of your intended audience. Many other methods used in finding jobs have little or nothing to do with networking: complete an application form for a job vacancy; submit a letter and resume in response to a classified ad; or interview directly for a position. These more traditional methods for finding a job are most appropriate for individuals who are seeking to fit their interests/ experience/ and qualifications into available job vacancies found on the advertised job market. Networking is most appropriate for individuals interested in finding high quality jobs that fit more directly with their own motivated abilities and skills. These jobs are more likely to be found on the hidden job market rather than on the advertised job market Individuals who know how to network are more likely to get job interviews that lead to job offers.
Networking strategies need to be aimed at those who have the power to hire.
REALITY: This belief is responsible for many abuses and misuses of networking. This is an example of how a little knowledge can become a dangerous thing. Many people who learn about networking remain confused about where to target their networking activities. They either don't know what they are doing or they lack a clear understanding about the purpose of networking. As a result they often engage in unproductive activities. Many, for example/ believe that networking is all about acquiring "connections", power, and influence in order to "pull strings" that will help get them a job. They forget that they should be gathering high quality information and advice in order to make employment decisions. Consequently/ they only seek out people who seem to be powerful in the hopes they will open the right doors to success. Such people often pester others who are busy and have no reasons whatsoever to meet with them. Such abuses and misuses of networking are partly due to advice given to job seekers by well-meaning but inexperienced career advisors who counsel job seekers to aim their job search activities toward those who have the power to hire. Remember/ networking is a communication process - exchanging information and receiving advice and referrals about jobs and careers. While it involves prospecting and informational interviewing/ and it should lead to job interviews and offers, don't approach networking as strictly a job finding technique. Those that do often abuse networking by contacting individuals for the ostensible purpose of gathering information/ but in reality they attempt to use the individual for getting a job. By focusing on individuals who have the power to hire, they give networking a bad name by bothering busy people who do not have the time nor interest in giving these "networkers" a job. Returning to the original purposes of networking, you will find that many people who do not have the power to hire also have very valuable information, advice, and referrals to share with you as you progress in your job search. You will find, for example, that a secretary may be able to provide greater insights into an organization - especially its politics - than more influential individuals who appear to have the power to hire. Furthermore, it is not always clear who has the power to hire since hiring decisions are often shared decisions involving many individuals. Whatever you do, approach networking as a communication process rather than a process of acquiring power and influence with employers.
MYTH 3: The best way to network is to join professional associations. Members of these organizations will help you gain access to job vacancies that arise in their organizations.
REALITY 3: Important networking does take place in many professional associations, but joining professional associations is by no means the best way to network. Indeed, too many people join professional associations with the mistaken impression that membership alone will enhance their job search. Some professional associations are peopled by so many "networkers" looking for jobs that many of the more established/ experienced, and talented professionals avoid participating in such associations for fear of becoming the subject of networking rather than participate in an organization that promoted substantive professional goals. Furthermore/ membership in any organization is only as good as one's participation in the organization. If you decide to join professional associations/ the best form of networking is to become seen and known - a participant rather than a spectator ~ for your activities and competence within the organization. You should promote the goals of the organization by serving on committees/ taking on assignments, and playing a significant role in monthly meetings and annual conferences. In other words, demonstrate your capabilities by becoming involved in the operations of the association rather than by collecting names/ addresses, and phone numbers of fellow members for the misguided purpose of acquiring "connections" that will lead to job opportunities. The best form of networking is one that communicates your qualifications to potential employers by demonstrating your capabilities within an organization.
