Networking may be one of the buzzwords of job seekers but few job seekers know how to do it effectively. Most job seekers network abrasively and aggressively, or not at all. To get you going I offer the following 14 tips:

Tip #1 - Use tag lines. Tag lines are provocative ways to tell what you do or what problems you solve. Tag line descriptions are vivid enough to make you memorable. For example: A teacher might say, "I create tomorrow's workers." A speechwriter could say, "I put words in other people's mouths." A financial aid director could state, "I give away $12 million a year.” A government employee might grab attention by saying, "I work for you." A customer service representative would receive attention by saying, "I help the company make good on its promises." By now, you get the picture.

Tip #2 - Network with focus. The job hunter who uses networking to help him/her decide what kind of job he/she should look for, rather than to generate leads to specific jobs or companies, is wasting his/her time. Networking for clarification is looking for love in all the wrong places and can quadruple the time it takes to get a job. Don't make a single call until you can answer the question "What kind of job am I looking for?" in fewer than 10 words.

Tip #3 - Handle business cards with respect. Don’t mix your business cards with business cards that are handed to you. You want to be able to access your cards quickly without going through a stack of assorted cards. Always keep a pen handy for making notes on the back of the cards you receive. Make notes as quickly as possible.

Tip #4 - Don’t press any one contact too hard. Even if this contact knows everyone in town, don't work him/her too hard. You're not the only person who solicits his/her help. Don't ask for a list of 10 names. Don’t wear out your welcome mat; ask your network contacts for only two or three names.

Tip #5 - Work on your 2005 calendar. Block off all the dates of association meetings, seminars, and national conventions you should attend. You'll avoid scheduling conflicts by doing this early.

Tip #6 - Clean your files. Collect samples of your best work. Put them, along with letters of appreciation or commendation, in your portfolio. If you haven't started one, do it now.

Tip #7 - Update your Rolodex. Unfortunately, the worst time to begin networking is when you're unemployed, BUT YOU CAN DO IT. Promise yourself you'll add at least five live contacts every two weeks. Couple this with identifying at least 10 people from your industry you would like to meet. If you’re changing careers, “interview” people in the field you are interested in. Before you make the switch, understand thoroughly what you’re getting into.

Tip #8 - Follow up on every lead. "You're the second person who's mentioned his name to me! I guess I should call." Why was a second mention necessary? Think how long it delays a job hunt if you have to hear a name twice before you act.

Tip #9 - Go for diversity and numbers. The more diverse your network the better. Every person has approximately 50 contacts. Aim for 250 or more. Remember, if you have 250 people in your network, you have access to more than 12,500 people by the time you reach the fourth generation. That should be enough people to help you find the career information and job leads you need.

Tip #10 - Set your agenda, but don't just take, give. You’re the one who set the meeting. Be focused; most people don't have the time to go on a scavenger hunt. Also, pay attention to what you have to give -- the names of your contacts, for example. The key to successful networking is reciprocity and contacting people frequently to see how they’re doing; few people appreciate being contacted only in times of need. Reciprocity is what's missing in today’s networking, and why many of us have negative feelings towards networking.

Tip #11 - Give your contacts closure. Don't drop out of sight as soon as you find a position. Ignoring your contacts while you're doing well can be costly. How many people that you assisted NEVER let you know when they got jobs? Nothing will cement a contact better than a note or a telephone call that says, "I got a wonderful new job and you helped." It can make your contact's day.

Tip #12 - Adhere to the cardinal rule of networking --"If there's no mystery, there's no manipulation.” Remember, candor creates trust, not suspicion. Information interviewing is manipulative if the job hunter's agenda is hidden. You want a job and, at the very least, you’re hoping that the networking contact can refer you to someone who is hiring.

Tip #13 - To build networking relationships, you must learn how to use the 4 "E's.” Enjoy the moment, Engage in satisfying connections with people, Exchange information, ideas, and Explore future opportunities.

Tip #14 - Be prepared for the three most commonly asked networking questions. Be ready to answer…1) How can I help you? 2) Tell me a little about yourself. 3) What are you looking for?

If you’re changing careers and trying to network with people in the occupation that you’re interested in, the following questions can act as a starting point for developing your own informational interview questions.

Joe Hodowanes, a career strategy adviser in Tampa, Florida, offers a free resume and career analysis. Fax your resume to (813) 936-0201 or email it to jmwanes@jmwanes.com For questions, call Joe at (813) 936-0091 or visit www.jmwanes.com on the Web. All Job Search Advisor articles on this website are the property of www.jmwanes.com (J.M. Wanes & Associates). You may download
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© 2005 J.M. Wanes & Associates.