Networking Your Way to a New Career Opportunity

Networking Your Way to a New Career Opportunity We have all heard the following saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Well, it is true. With the competitive job environment today, it is more important to network, network, and network with those individuals that can assist you in your career. How did you get your last job? Did you read the classifieds in the newspaper? Did you peruse an online job website? Or, did you know someone who knew someone else that told you about a wonderful job opportunity that they heard about from a neighbor? Statistics show that the majority of successful job searches are completed when the employee discovered a job through a networking contact. Here’s a quick example for you. My current job is serving as the Business Program Chair at Globe University in Eau Claire. The school opened in June 2008 and I was hired prior to the opening of the college. However, I began applying for a job within the Globe Educational Network during December 2007. How did I do this? The company did not have one advertisement about the new location in Eau Claire (at least at that time). During the winter months of 2007 and early 2008, most people in the Chippewa Valley were wondering what building was being constructed on the south end of town. My dad works as a laborer in the construction industry. I like to think this gives me the “in” to the construction industry in northwestern Wisconsin. When he told me the newest building he was constructing was for a new university, my ears instantly perked up. As soon as he told me the name of the college, I was on the Internet, seeking additional information and finding out how to apply for a teaching position. Within a few days of receiving this “secretive” information, I sent a resume to the corporate headquarters. After some follow up correspondence and an interview, I was hired. My persistance and “inside” information completely paid off in the form of a wonderful career opportunity. Networking helped me land what I like to consider my dream job. Simply talking to my dad about his latest work endeavor allowed me to find my latest job. One of the presentations that I have given is titled, “Planned, Purposeful, and Productive Networking.” This is so true â€" especially when seeking a new job. Take the time to meet new people, go to free networking events, attend conferences, ask questions, and put yourself “out there.” Even if the thought of this makes you uncomfortable at first, take the leap and try it. I have often seen bumper stickers on vehicles that say, “He who has the most toys wins.” If I could create my own bumper sticker/philosophy for networking, it would be, “She who has the most business cards wins.” I say this because I know a lot of people and have met them through various events. When I need a source for a story, a potential guest speaker for a class, or someone to partner with for a business endeavor, I instantly go to my network of contacts (business cards) and start contacting the appropriate people. Remember, being a good networker means thinking, “How can I help this person?” It will all come back around to you and you never know when your recently-made contact may develop into a business opportunity or career prospect.