Smart Networking Tips from Job Search and Career Experts

Smart networking continues to be the best way to land a job that you covet and deserve.

Over the past 10-15 years, power networking has expanded to include connecting and communicating through social media.

So many of us shudder at the thought of having to network, even if we know we HAVE to. We can all benefit from help.

Here are some articles I came across recently on smart networking . . . to land better and quicker.

Dozens of Smart Networking Tips from the Experts

23 Scientific Ways to Network Better

Author Cassy Perera on Credit Donkey says:

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘It’s not what you know but who you know,’ and that’s certainly true when you’re on the job hunt or searching for business opportunities. Networking can become your saving grace for expanding your social and business circle — and even improving your life. Research shows that those with bigger professional networks are more connected, more successful, and better informed.

To improve your networking game, read her list of 23 scientific ways to do it better. My post, How to Write An Irresistible C-suite Executive Resume in 10 Steps, is cited in this article.

How To Introduce People: Two Rules For Better Networking

Author and TED talk speaker David Burkus writes about smart networking:

While many people think networking is more about meeting strangers at cocktail parties or networking mixers, research shows that much more value is created both for you and for the community by focusing on connecting individuals inside the network. Making new friends is good, but connecting friends of friends is better.

But introductions need to be made properly.

Intro-bombing people by randomly showing up in their email inbox with a list of new people to talk to isn’t only inappropriate, but it will likely reduce the amount of social capital you’ve build with that person and that community.

The article lays out 2 rules to make sure your introductions are always well-received.

How To Use Social Networks to…Network

Job search social media expert Hannah Morgan advises that networking isn’t a once-and-done task:

People who are serious about managing their careers understand how important it is to have a pool of people to interact and share ideas with. This doesn’t just happen overnight. Pick up some of the habits of ‘power networkers’:

• Build and nurture connections for the future
• Embrace a pay-it-forward mindset
• Show interest in what others are doing and saying
• Smart job seekers focus on the needs, wants and desires of others and obsess less over the need to find a job.

Successful networkers know that when they show generosity toward others, it can and usually does come back to help them in the future.

66 New Ideas for Upping Your Networking Game

Erin Greenawald at The Muse compiled her list from various sources, covering things like:

If your networking just isn’t working, start my making sure it’s not because of one of these six basic mistakes noted on Come Recommended.

Feel awkward every time you walk into a networking situation? Try these 15 ideas from Fast Company for making your networking not just natural, but graceful.

If you’ve made connections but never use them, try the four smarter ways to work your contacts by Inc.

Asking for AIR – Advice, Insights, and Recommendations

Marc Miller at Career Pivot advises that, instead of talking at length about yourself and asking uncomfortable questions when you’re networking, ask for A-I-R:

A – Advice

When you ask for advice it is a compliment. Rarely will anyone ever turn you down when you ask advice. In an e-mail to Jeffrey, ask for 30 minutes of his time to ask for some advice. It could be about how to pursue a position at the company or to learn more about the company. The magic word is “advice!”

I – Insights

Once you meet Jeffrey ask for his insights into how the company functions, the culture and management structure. You might ask him how he was hired or does he like his job. You will want to ask very open ended questions to give Jeffrey to talk. This is NOT ABOUT YOU.

R – Recommendations

This is the part that many people forget. Ask what should I do next? Is there anyone else you would recommend I talk with? Can you introduce me to anyone else within the organization?

For Executive Job Search Success, The Old Way Still Works Best

Many people think that job search in the digital age means they need to spend most of their time posting their resume to as many job boards as possible.

Then, they continually check email and voicemail to see if they received any interview requests.

That’s about all they do to land a job.

They seem to forget that the last time they got a new executive job, it probably came to them through networking, not as a result of blindly sending out their resume.

Someone in their network (or second, or third degree network) who had an “in” at a great company introduced or referred them as a good-fit candidate.

In my post, you’ll learn why networking is still the best way to land a job.