The future! It scares me!

Brooklynborndad
Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:15:56 +0000

“hmmm I knew networking was part of job hunting but I never knew it was a critical part…”

reasons to network

A. many jobs are filled informally, not through ads, recruiters, etc.
B. The jobs that are filled through the more formal channels, will be more likely to require experience, a specific degree, etc. networking can be a way around the weed out requirements
C. Even if you are doing lots of response to ads, etc you will likely have time when you have no ads to respond to, and this can add some activity. Probably a more valuable use of time than cold calling.
D. The asking for information isnt just an excuse to talk to someone, you can sometimes get good info. Probably not much from your primary contacts, but once you begin to hit networking gold, you will find some folks who know much more thats relevant to you than people here.

Did you read Harry Potter? remember Prof Slughorn? Real people like that exist, who live for networking, putting contacts together etc. (or at least they did not too long ago) Not all are as snobbish about it. They are often consultants, lawyers, heads of trade associations, academics, etc, etc. At some point one of your secondary contacts will suggest you contact Mr Obnoxious Network Hub (because, after all, so many people know Mr Obnoxious Network Hub, and they also know he knows lots of people) When you meet with Mr Obnoxious Network Hub (and he will like the fact that you are networking, he BELIEVES in it) the main challenge will be to make sure he understands what you are interested in, and focuses his referrals in that area. Hopefully you wont encounter him too early, before you know what it is you want.