Networking is widely recognized as the #1 job search strategy. It has been said that between 80-85% of job seekers land positions as a result of their networking efforts, a far higher success rate than all the other job search strategies combined. Why? Because it is a "warm lead" strategy that grabs attention and opens doors (and emails) far more successfully than cold calling.
Networking is a relationship - driven, not a transaction-driven strategy.
The first purpose of networking in job search is not to ask for a job (which is presumptuous and off-putting) but rather, to conduct purposeful target market and target company research, thereby gaining valuable (and otherwise hard-to-find) insight and information needed to help you make informed decisions...while, at the same time, making a great impression each time you communicate with a networking contact.
Networking's second purpose is to develop and maintain genuine relationships with the individuals in your network so they will feel comfortable and confident lending their name to you as a referral source (a big vote of confidence, which has to be earned (we are not entitled to names just because we want them!)
When you are networking, you are 'back in the market' and you level the playing field. You are no longer on the outside looking in. You are having meaningful conversations with other professionals and industry colleagues (of which you are one) in which you are gathering data, exchanging ideas and building relationships. Remember, your value as a professional does not diminish because you are in a job search and 'in between assignments.' Active networking will help to affirm that in your mind.
Successful networking is about volume; but first and foremost, it's about quality....the quality of the leads you get, the quality of your preparation for networking meetings, the quality of your networking conversations, the quality and amount you give to your network (so important), and the quality and consistency of your follow up. You have to network a lot, and you have to do it the right way (there is no quicker way to sabotage your job search than to network incorrectly or inappropriately).
Networking is a relationship driven, 'give and take' strategy that works best when you are willing to give first (and actually do so in a meaningful way). Relationships take time and effort to build and are a two way street - you need to be thinking about how you can help and assist - and then be sure and follow up as you said you would.
Networking enables you to get in front of the people who have the power to hire you and to learn about what's happening in their organization and elsewhere. In so doing, you are able to make a 'live' first impression (and as such, you'll want to prepare for every networking meeting as thoroughly as you would for a job interview). Oftentimes, people who don't have all the requisite skills are hired over people who do...because the former group was more skilled at strategically networking into the organization. Soon-to-be colleagues and hiring managers can then assess them for overall "fit" (not just technical skills).
As a bonus, many a current or future hiring need may be revealed by your networking contact during the course of your conversation (though that should not be your conversation's focal point).
You also have to know where to best network, and where your time is best spent. Go where your target audience/buyers are (professional association meetings, industry events, relevant LinkedIn groups, etc.) and don't overlook your college alumni!
A word on networking while employed: You do not want to do or say anything that would put your current job at risk; and as such, you will need to re-calibrate your networking strategy accordingly.
There are a number of specific skills, techniques and strategies you will need to master in order to become a top-quality networker. But beyond all the skills and how-to's, you need to approach this all-important job search strategy with the mindset and perspective embedded in these guiding networking principles to help you strengthen your job search campaign and up your chances of success.
Laura Powers is a private career transition and job search coach and president of Powers Career Coaching, LLC, a boutique, Westchester-based career coaching practice offering tailored coaching programs to accomplished professionals looking to make satisfying, successful career moves. www.powerscareercoaching.com.
© 2014 Powers Career Coaching, LLC. This article may be reprinted, in its entirety and without alteration, with permission of Powers Career Coaching, LLC.