Career Corner-November 2005 - "NETWORKING 1-O-1"

No doubt, you’ve heard the phrase “networking,” and you probably know it’s good for your career.  You’ve possibly experienced and benefited from it.  If, though, you happen to be mystified by the process, then try thinking of NETWORKING 1-O-1 as an acronym for Nearly Everyone can Tap into Wonderful Opportunities by Requesting Key Information Necessary for Growth, 1-on-1.

Networking benefits Nearly Everyone—That’s you!  Whether you’re just starting out, or have been working in your profession for 20 years or more, networking can be the source of opportunities that help you to thrive, both personally and professionally.  While often considered a technique to get a new job, networking can also be successfully used to enhance a current job through developing new partnerships and professional challenges.

Think of the people you know: relatives, neighbors, friends, co-workers, colleagues from graduate school, members of organizations to which you belong.  Don’t forget about the people in your life who seem to know EVERYONE: clergy, real estate agents, hair stylists, bartenders, retail sales personnel and other counselors -- people who interact with others from all walks of life.

Now, consider what you’re trying to accomplish.  Maybe you ARE looking for that all-important first job.  Or maybe you’ve developed a new skill that you want to incorporate into your professional life.  Quite possibly you’ve reached a point in your career where you need to make a change.  Make a list of the people you would LIKE to know or NEED to know to reach these goals.  These could be specific names, job titles, or organizations. 

Here’s where you begin to tap into your contacts to build an information network: Ask your current contacts if they can refer you to anyone on your list of people you would LIKE to know.  You probably do this on a regular basis, but instead of, “Hey, Joe…can you recommend a good plumber?,” you might ask, “Do you happen to know anyone who works in child protective services?”  Once you’re armed with referrals, you can begin making new contacts and gathering information that will help you to understand where the best opportunities are developing.

“Information interview” is the term typically assigned to an initial contact, either a formal or casual conversation, usually between two people.  (That’s the 1-on-1 part.)  Information interviews can be conducted in person or over the phone.  Before you make contact, though, you’ll want to consider what key information you need to request.  Define your purpose before identifying questions.

Do you want to learn more about a specific job or organization?  Ask about typical career paths, hiring procedures, or special projects the individual or organization is developing.  Find out if there are special skills that would give you preference in interviewing or hiring.

Are you considering potential applications of your area of expertise in another industry?  Do you need to get an overview of another field?  Where does your contact think the field is heading?  How is the field incorporating new technologies and research?  What challenges (governmental, fiscal, sociological, physical, etc.) face these individuals and organizations as they seek to improve the lives of clientele? 

Are you trying to build your network within a certain practice field?  Does your contact know someone else you should contact or an organization you should consider joining?

Limit your initial conversations to about fifteen minutes, and follow up with a thank you note.  Then, analyze what you’ve learned, and apply it to your own career development to determine what steps are necessary for your own career growth.  Develop a plan for gaining new skills and insights that will enhance your short- and long-term career prospects.  Consult your contacts from time to time for an update on your progress (and theirs) and to determine if they are aware of any new (wonderful) opportunities that correlate with your goals.

Over time, you’ll experience plenty of changes in your career.  Successful networking is a long-term process that will help you to find career satisfaction, not only in its early  stages, but also after you have become established.

Amy Connelly is ACA’s Manager of Career Services.  E-mail her at acacareers@counseling.org.