Networking

I- How To Network Your Way To A Great Job

help you discover what job opportunities are available and increase your chances of being considered.  If you don't have a strong personal network already don't worry, just create one.

The first step in creating your personal network is to identify the executive responsible for recruiting at the companies you would like to work for.  Many companies provide the name of recruiters and their contact information online.  If not, use the phone book or an online directory like www.vietbig.com to get the phone number, call the company operator and ask for the name, phone and email of the person in charge or hiring.

Through your networking activities try to set up both job interviews and informational interviews where you can meet with people to learn about what they do, even if their company is not hiring.  Jobs opportunities will present themselves if you focus on getting to know as many people as possible in the field you are interested in.

And finally, unless your job search is confidential, don't be embarrassed to let people know you are looking for a job.  The more people that know and the more diverse your networking strategy, the more likely you are to find out about the perfect job.

II- Network Everywhere

Networking is not only a great way to find a new job, but also an important means for advancing your career. Many people assume that the best places to network are in the workplace or at business functions. But it is often the unexpected places, such as the post office, the bank or a coffee shop, where new relationships are developed with potential employees, employers and business partners.

Ly was at the Blue Sky Concert Series at the Opera House, where she was introduced to John. John had recently moved to Ho Chi Minh City from the United States to manage the media arm of an advertising company. At the concert, neither of them thought there was much significance in their meeting. Three months later, Ly was looking for a job in advertising and decided to call John because he was in the industry. At that time, John was trying to expand his department and was thrilled when he received Ly's call. One month later, they were working together.

There are countless stories like this one because it is often the times when you are waiting for something or discussing shared interests with strangers that connections take place. Therefore, it is important to be aware of opportunities to meet new people. Some of the most boring moments in our lives, such as waiting in line at the post office, can prove to be critical moments to strike up a conversation and get to know someone.

When you do strike up a conversation, make sure you have something interesting to say or have an intriguing question to ask. Don't try to ask for something; instead, think about what you can offer. Most important, make sure to follow up. If you don't give your new friend a call, you won't be able to develop a casual conversation into a potential business relationship. By seizing every opportunity to make wasted time into a networking opportunity, you can build relationships with a broad range of people and help to improve your chances of success in the future.

III- Great References For Your Next Job

The results of a reference check often determine who among top contenders will be offered the job. Yet many candidates take a reactive approach to this process, doing little legwork to ensure their recommendations are as strong as the rest of their application materials. A little planning and strategy, however, can go a long way toward building a rock-solid reference list.

Tailor your recommendations

When selecting your references, consider who would be most appropriate for the job for which you're applying. People who can speak about the traits and qualities you possess that directly relate to the position are your best bet. While you almost always want to use your former supervisors as references--as long as you're on good terms--the additional names you provide may vary. For example, if you're transitioning from a job as a newspaper reporter to a Web writer, rather than listing only former newspaper editors as references, you also may list a former online editor, one person who can attest to your technical abilities or industry knowledge (perhaps a new media instructor) and someone for whom you volunteered to write Web copy.

Start at the top

Hiring managers prefer to speak with those who have supervised you, so try to provide at least one or two references who can verify your job history and describe working with you from a manager's perspective. Check to make sure these people will be able to talk specifically about your skills and talent, and are not limited by a "name, rank and serial number" policy.

Refrain from listing those who have big titles but who don't know you very well. You may think it looks impressive to have a political official or a CEO recommend you, but this strategy can backfire if a reference is unable to offer detailed information.
Pave the way

Always ask permission before listing individuals as references. Hiring managers can usually sense when a reference is caught off guard, and it may cause them to question your planning or communication ability. You also want to ensure the person you're using as a reference feels comfortable recommending you and will speak highly of you. If you receive a tepid response, or your contact seems especially busy, you may want to use someone else. Individuals who quickly return phone calls and are enthusiastic about your talent make the most positive impressions.

Give references a "heads up”

Each time you submit a reference list to a prospective employer, let your contacts know they may receive a call. Briefly describe the job you're applying for so they are prepared to answer questions.

Express appreciation

Always thank those who offer to speak on your behalf, and keep them updated on the status of your job search. Once you are hired, thank your references again for their assistance via a hand-written note.

Along with strengthening your chances of landing a position, devoting time to the reference process enables you to expand your network. By keeping in close touch with those who recommended you--even after you've settled in to a new job--you create a solid contact base that can help you throughout your career.

IV- Networking to Advance Your Career

The purpose of business networking is to gain information, increase your visibility in your field and establish personal connections that will help you move forward in your career. Even if you're happy with your job, you should always be looking ahead to the next one. There are a few steps involved in this process:

Step 1: Look for ways to expand your networks

Look beyond your company for business contacts so that your networking will have lifelong continuity regardless of the specific job you hold. Join professional organizations that you have a genuine interest in and attend at least one activity a month. At the same time, habitually ask people in your circle if they know anyone who might be a good contact for you. At its core, networking should be fun. If you seek out people who care about the same things you do, you'll enjoy networking and won't view it as a chore.

Step 2: Know what you want from a contact and what you can offer them

Many people dislike networking because they think asking a relative stranger for help is an imposition. As it's human nature to want to help someone, you'll find that most people will be receptive provided you approach them the right way. If you know you're going to be meeting a potential contact, don't just drop a pile of business cards in your briefcase and call it a day. Prepare for networking conversations in advance by considering what you need from the contact.

Networking is a collaboration, every time you ask for something or meet with a potential contact you should think about how you can help them in return. Listen to your contacts carefully so that you can glean insights about how you might assist them.

Step 3: Contact the person

When approaching a potential contact, be friendly, respectful and brief. E-mail usually achieves better results than a phone call. No matter how you make contact, always keep in mind that the person is doing you a favor. Remember to send him a thank you note afterward.

Step 4: Follow up with your contact regularly

After a successful first networking meeting, it's your responsibility to keep the lines of communication open. Did your contact give you any advice or suggest a course of action? If so, touch base every so often to remind her who you are and keep her apprised of your progress. Keep on top of her career moves and make sure she stays informed of yours. Invite her to get together again, and during the holiday season, send her a card with a nice note.

Even the most natural networking interactions can be challenging if you're shy. You might not like asking people for anything, whether it's advice about a field or a piece of gum. Some experts advised overcoming anxiety by talking to potential contacts about the aspects of career and business you feel most strongly about.

When making a networking call, jot down a few notes so that you won't forget what you want to say. Also set aside time in the morning when your energy level is highest and stand up during the call so that your voice comes across professionally.