How Do I Build My Network?

The question I'm often asked is "How do I build my network to help me uncover those jobs that never seem to get advertised?"

What you need to do first is to start by writing down the names of everyone you know - that is the basis of your own network of contacts who will be able to help you find those jobs. But that's just a start, you should also use on-line social networking and professional networks as well, which I will tell you about further down this page.

It really is that simple, but only if you can recall all their names; and because it is so important to your job search success, you should set aside some time to complete your own list of contacts before you move on to the next stage of researching and networking for jobs.

You can’t remember everybody's names? Don't worry, I’ll give you a tip in a moment.

Think about this - because it is important: Everybody you know also knows a number of other people, which is the main reason I build my network, so if you approach it well, all those other people’s contacts can soon become yours!

Do The Maths...

Do some maths: if you know just say 50 people and they also know 50 people each that’s a potential 2500 contacts for you. If they also know another 50 people each…

In fact you probably know lots more than 50 people but you won’t need to talk to them all.

The real beauty of networking is in the fact that all of those people are suddenly no longer strangers – you know someone they know, and they become warm contacts who will meet and talk with you because you share a common contact.

Now if one or two should resist, it’s because they don’t understand the value of networking, NOT because they dislike you.

“But I can’t go round talking to people I don’t know”

Yes you can! And with the help of your Personal Marketing Statements which you prepared earlier, you’ll find it easy to do.

Now, I said I’d give you a tip to recall all of your contacts names.

Its FROGS

• F is for Family (and family friends);
• R is for Recreation - people you know through sport or hobbies;
• O is for Occupation - people you know because of your work;
• G is for Geography - people you know locally or in another location you visit or lived in;
• S is for Same Name - this is a good test to ensure you include everyone you can think of.

Family is not just family names (you remember them?) but include the names of people known to the family (Christmas card lists are good)

Recreation helps you to recall names of people at the golf club, or those you play football with or even those you socialize with or meet at church.

Occupation is about those people you know in, through or because of work at any time so long as you know the name, write it down.

Geography covers everybody you know from places you’ve been to or visited or lived, including current and previous neighbours.

Same name asks you to think about all names on your list and see if there is anyone else with the same first or surname as someone already on your list.

This is how I build my network – simple really isn’t it?

What To Do Next

When I build my network I have these four steps in mind to make the maximum use of my research efforts:

1: Identify companies that are of interest to you:

Look at current advertised jobs that interest you, and then think of some other companies that might offer similar work.

You should start by focusing on organizations that operate in your industry sector.

2: Make a short-list of organizations you are interested in

By now you have a long list of industries or companies that are possible employers. The next step is to select the companies that best match your interests, skills and values, and make a short-list of target companies. Focusing on a few companies is more effective than targeting too many, as you can prepare more comprehensively.

3. Approach your target companies

Once you've completed this research, you're ready to approach your target companies about applying for your dream job.

Now, when I build my network this is where the network list comes in...

4. Work through the contacts on your network list so you can find or create a link with the firm that you are interested in, then arrange to talk with your personal contact who will be able to provide information and advice, NOT offer you a job; tell you whether it would be fruitful to pursue the company; and put you in contact with a decision-maker. Again you arrange to meet but don’t expect or ask for anything other than advice. Obviously you can network on-line using media such as LinkedIn to gain introductions on an even greater scale.

The secret to finding unadvertised jobs is to tread very carefully. Don't put anyone on the spot so that they think you are expecting THEM to find you a job!!

If there is the possibility of a job, and they like what they see and hear from you, then the meeting just may become an “interview” but don’t push it. Since knowing how to find a job is one of the main concerns for so many people in this troubled economic jobs market, you should also consider the the extra dimension of using social networking for jobs which is really something you need to know about. And with job losses and redundancies affecting more and more people, the fear of not being able to find another job can be minimised by using these latest social phenomena.

You can also download my own detailed guide about how to Find Hidden Jobs including the answer to "How do I build my Network".

Go back to the main networking for jobs pages. But don't forget how important networking is; I try to build my network with some activity every week.

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