At the same time, there are several myths surrounding networks and networkings. Like many concepts that come into vogue, this one has become the object of exaggerated claims, abuses, and misuses. Let us examine several of these myths before you proceed to organize your networks and networking activities. Each of these myths stresses important principles for identifying, developing, expanding, and using networks and networking strategies in a job search.
MYTH 1: I should send a resume with my approach letter when initiating a networking contact.
REALITY 1: Never, never, never include a resume with any correspondence to a contact unless the individual requests it Remember, the purpose of networking is to get information, advice, and referrals. The resume should only be revealed at the end of the informational interview - for a critique.
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
MYTH 2: In the informational interview you want to impress upon the interviewer that you are qualified for a job.
REALITY 2: The informational interview is a means of (1) exchanging information about job alternatives relevant to your interests, experience, and qualifications; (2) learning how to strengthen your job search; and (3) receive referrals for expanding your networks. In an informational interview, you are the interviewer and the other person is the interviewee. Interviewers need not impress their qualifications on interviewees unless they are confused as to who is conducting the interview and for what purpose.
REJECTIONS
MYTH 3: You will seldom be rejected for an informational interview.
REALITY 3: This is true if you approach the informational interview properly. However, if you (1) focus on persons who have the power to hire, and (2) attempt to use the informational interview to get job interviews and offers, you may experience many rejections. Few people are interested in assisting others who primarily want to use them for personal gain.
INITIATING CONTACTS
MYTH 4: The best way to initiate contacts for networking is to write a letter requesting an informational inter-view,
REALITY 4: While letters play an important role in a job search if written and used properly, a telephone call is likely to be more effective because you will receive immediate feedback and you will be initially screened for the informational interview.
REFERRALS
MYTH 5: It is always best to use referrals in the networking process.
REALITY 5: Referrals are important in making contacts, but they are not necessarily the best way to proceed. Referrals help ease the process of introducing oneself to strangers, and they build on relationships of others. However, too much emphasis is often placed on referrals to the detriment of taking individual initiative in establishing cold contacts. Indeed, you may do just as well on your own by making contacts with strangers. The problem with referrals is twofold: (1) they are often time consuming because they rely too much on personal relationships/ and (2) you cannot be certain of the nature of the relationship between the sources of your referral and your networking contact, i.e., whether it is positive or negative for you. Cold calling techniques can be more effective because they can be initiated rapidly and they do not involve a questionable third party relationship. However, for shy individuate who have difficulty making cold contacts, the referral method will be the easiest because they will receive few rejections.
LONG-DISTANCE NETWORKING
MYTH 6: Networking does not work well when you attempt to conduct a job search in an unfamiliar community. In such cases it is best to respond to vacancy announcements/ contact employment agencies/ or send resumes and letters directly to prospective employers.
REALITY 6: Networking is not limited to the community in which you live. It can work anywhere, if you know what you are doing and can develop an effective long-distance job search campaign. If you are targeting your job search on another community, it is best to develop both individual and organizational contacts by telephone and personal visits to the community. While you may have to rely more on cold calling techniques, the techniques should work well if you spend the proper amount of time using them to uncover informational interviewing leads.
COOPERATION
MYTH 7: Most people are reluctant to share information about their job or career.
REALITY 7: Most people, regardless of their position or status, love to talk about their work and give advice to both friends and strangers. You can learn the most about job opportunities and alternative careers by talking to such people through your networking activities.
