Gain confidence in talking about the strengths you bring to an organization and the underdeveloped skills you feel hinder your candidacy. Be sure to review the section on self-assessment for tips on approaching each of these areas. Ask for critical but constructive feedback from the people in your circle of confidence on the letters you write and the one-minute infomercial you have developed. Evaluate whether you want to make the changes they suggest, then practice the changes on others within this circle.
Stretch the Boundaries of Your Networking Circle of Confidence
Once you have refined the promotional tools you will use to accomplish your networking goals, you will want to make additional contacts. Because you will not know most of these people, it will be a less comfortable activity to undertake. The practice that you gained with your inner circle of trusted friends should have prepared you to now move outside of that comfort zone. It is said that any information a person needs is only two phone calls away, but the information cannot be gained until you (I) make a reasonable guess about who might have the information you need and (2) pick up the telephone to make the call. Using your network list that includes alumni, instructors, supervisors, employers, and associations, you can begin preparing your list of questions that will allow you to get the information you need. Review the question list shown below and then develop a list of your own.
Questions You Might Want to Ask
- In the position you now hold, what do you do on a typical day?
- What are the most interesting aspects of your job?
- What part of your work do you consider dull or repetitious?
- What were the jobs you had that led to your present position?
- How long does it usually take to move from one step to the next in this career path?
- What is the top position to which you can aspire in this career path?
- What is the next step my career path?
- Are there positions in this field that are similar to your position?
- What are the required qualifications and training for entry-level positions in this field?
- Are there specific courses a student should take to be qualified to work in this field?
- What are the entry-level jobs in this field?
- What types of training are provided to persons entering this field?
- What are the salary ranges your organization typically offers to entry-level candidates for positions in this field?
- What special advice would you give a person entering this field?
- Do you see this field as a growing one?
- How do you see the content of the entry-level jobs in this field changing over the next two years?
- What can I do to prepare myself for these changes?
- What is the best way to obtain a position that will start me on a career in this field?
- Do you have any information on job specifications and descriptions that I may have?
- What related occupational fields would you suggest I explore?
- How could I improve my resume for a career in this field?
- Who else would you suggest I talk to, both in your organization and in other organizations?
In order to communicate effectively, you must anticipate questions that will be asked of you by the net workers you contact. Review the list below and see if you can easily answer each of these questions. If you cannot, it may be time to revisit the self-assessment process.
- Where did you get my name, or how did you find out about this organization?
- What are your career goals?
- What kind of job are you interested in?
- What do you know about this organization and this industry?
- How do you know you're prepared to undertake an entry-level position in this industry?
- What course work have you taken that is related to your career interests?
- What are your short-term career goals?
- What are your long-term career goals?
- Do you plan to obtain additional formal education?
- What contributions have you made to previous employers?
- Which of your previous jobs have you enjoyed the most, and why?
- What are you particularly good at doing?
- What shortcomings have you had to face in previous employment?
- What are your three greatest strengths?
- Describe how comfortable you feel with your communication style.
Make Every Contact Count. Setting the tone for each interaction is critical. Approaches that will help you communicate in an effective way include politeness, being appreciative of time provided to you, and being prepared and thorough. Remember, everyone within an organization has a circle of influence, so be prepared to interact effectively with each person you encounter in the networking process, including secretarial and support staff. Many information or job seekers have thwarted their own efforts by being rude to some individuals they encountered as they networked because they made the incorrect assumption that certain persons were unimportant.
Sometimes your contacts may be surprised at their ability to help you. After meeting and talking with you, they might think they have not offered much in the way of help. A day or two later, however, they may make a contact that would be useful to you and refer you to it.
With Each Contact, Widen Your Circle of Net workers. Always leave an informational interview with the names of at least two more people who can help you get the information or job that you are seeking. Don t be shy about asking for additional contacts; networking is all about increasing the number of people you can interact with to achieve your goals.
Make Your Own Decisions. As you talk with different people and get answers to the questions you pose, you may hear conflicting information or get conflicting suggestions. Your job is to listen to these "experts" and decide what information and which suggestions will help you achieve your goals. Only implement those suggestions that you believe will work for you.
Shutting Down Your Network
As you achieve the goals that motivated your networking activity getting the information you need or the job you want the time will come to inactivate all or parts of your network. As you do so, be sure to tell your primary supporters about your change in status. Call or write to each one of them and give them as many details about your new status as you feel is necessary to maintain a positive relationship.
Because a network takes on a life of its own, activity undertaken on your behalf will continue even after you cease your efforts. As you get calls or are contacted in some fashion, be sure to inform these net workers about your change in status, and thank them for assistance they have provided.
