Networking Tips

I recently received an e-mail from a client who was trying to break into a new industry. She wanted to "network" her way into the new job, but after querying her about what she was doing to network, I discovered she was a little confused about the difference between following up and networking.

She had drafted what she called a "networking" letter, but what was really a follow-up letter, since she didn't have the name of a specific individual at the company she was interested in.

It's not a networking letter if you don't have some connection to a specific individual -- it's not even a good follow-up letter ("To Whom It May Concern" doesn't exactly jump out and grab the reader.) You can try to find an individual in the department, either through an online service like Monster Networking or LinkedIn ... or try to meet them through involvement in your professional association activities or educational pursuits (or even at a career fair).

How do you cultivate actual *networking* contacts? You might meet someone in the a workshop or other educational course (maybe the instructor would know someone where you want to work?). I'd also recommend the idea of "informational interviewing." Find the name of an individual at the institution you'd like to work for. Contact them and ask for 15 minutes of their time -- maybe even offer to buy them coffee. You're not looking for a JOB -- you're looking for insight into what further preparation you need to make to position yourself for this kind of job. Beyond specific credentials or training, what else would they recommend? How did they get started? What do they wish they would have done to prepare? Do they know anyone *else* you should talk to? Be sure to send a handwritten thank you -- and be sure to follow up with anyone else they recommend you talk to.

Even if you don't have a robust network of your own, you can draw on the networks of others. Ask others for help! I find that most people are glad to assist, if you only ask.