Networking For Novices It s All In Who You Know
eading off to another people. An invitation you
conference and dreading the received to your neighbor's
schmoozing scene? It might holiday party could be the
help to know that networking is a perfect chance to meet that CEO
critical element of a successful or HR manager living around the
job search. In fact, there is a block.
lot of truth to the saying, "It's
all in who you know." In this age of technology, your
laptop is an invaluable friend
Many jobs, particularly when it comes to job searching.
high-level and executive, fill With a little Internet surfing,
through word of mouth, rather you will find an abundance of
than through traditional message boards and chat rooms
channels. A solid grasp of that are industry-specific and
networking basics keeps you in provide not only the advice of
the loop and helps avoid the urge other professionals, but also
to skip networking opportunities. contacts that could prove useful
down the road. Over time,
Network here, there, and networking helps you build a list
everywhere of valuable contacts.
Conferences and seminars are Networking is not a bad word
great places to meet influential
people, but making contacts Some people dread the idea of
doesn't necessarily have to take networking because they equate it
place in hotel conference rooms. with "schmoozing" or "sucking
Day-to-day functions and events up," but it is simply a process
in your current job, as well as of getting to know people. If you
during free time, offer many are friendly and good at making
opportunities to meet important small talk in social and
work-related settings, then your natural. Inevitably, a situation
list of "Who's Who" will grow will arise where you can break
quickly! Don't stress yourself by the ice and start a conversation.
the idea of having to be "on" and There is always something to talk
making a good impression. about, even the weather!
Basic social skills will get you • Make eye contact and
through your first few rounds of smile. It makes you appear
networking, and while you may not sincere and interested. If you
impress everyone you meet, you come across as distracted, or let
can avoid leaving bad impressions your attention wander, it will
altogether by doing your best to show and it is downhill from
make sure people remember your there.
name. Try sticking with these
basics: • Be polite. Put your best
manners on display. Be a good
• Relax. People can tell if listener and don't interrupt.
you are nervous or anxious, but Avoid making rude or biased
you don't need to be - most of comments, and end conversations
them are doing the same thing as gracefully. If you've done the
you. Don't get hung up on titles. job right, you might even score a
For the most part, everyone is business card before you go.
approachable, and if they aren't,
move on. • Follow up. If you
connected with someone and
• Be yourself. You know how discussed the possibility of
to talk to people. Don't over working together, follow up with
think it. Talk about whatever him or her a few days later.
makes sense. Wander the room, hit Schedule lunch or arrange a
the buffet, do what seems formal meeting to discuss future
endeavors. discouraged. You win some, you
lose some. There will be other
If you leave a function opportunities to meet people and
empty-handed, don't be hone your networking skills.
About the Author:
http://ResumeEdge.com is one of the nations leading resume writing service providers, offering professional resume writing, editing, and guidance. For additional resume writing resources, including free sample resumes, visit http://www.resumeedge.com today!
Read more articles by: Michael Fleischner
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