National Sales Center

Networking For A Job Can Be Challenging

The Networking Challenge

Why is networking for a job so challenging? Because, it can be a humbling experience that is not personally easy. Basically you are asking for help from your friends and colleagues.  Unfortunately networking produces about 85% of all methods of finding a job and is an “absolutely must do” in today’s job market. It can tax your skills while looking for that six figure career. You need to know how to network properly.

Everyone will tell you that networking is the only way to find that elusive job in a tough job market. Most people are reluctant to network because they are embarrassed about not having a job. Get over it and start networking with vigor. The longer you wait the harder it will be. So how do you go about the process?

How Do You Present Yourself

The first thing you need to do is craft your presentation to yield the greatest results. Never start off the conversation with “the company I was with had major financial problems and is going bankrupt”. You need to start off with a positive presentation. After some casual conversation, lead into the fact that you are looking to change careers and immediately drive the conversation into your strengths. You need to describe your abilities and any positive successes you generated so your networking partner remembers your value proposition. As an example:

• “I am a 10 year sales profession that has many C Level contacts in my area of expertise”.
• “I am an experienced sales manager that led a sales team to success in a very tough marketplace”.
• “I have been in the sales profession for 8 years. With my experience and C Level contacts, I can bring 50 companies to the table to discuss various telecommunications products.

Tell Networking Partners Specifically What You Need

Don’t be ambiguous. Be very direct in your request and demonstrate a lot of confidence in yourself. Tell them that in this challenging job market, you need to get in front of 3 or 4 companies to present your value and skills. “Can you tell me from your perspective which companies are the best ones in my field to pursue?” “Do you have a relationship with them and can you give me a name to call?” Don’t accept “call the HR Department”, you need a name of an advocate at the company that can guide you through the interview process. “Can you introduce me to that person?” A personal introduction either by an email or phone call can help you tremendously.

Better yet, if you have a specific company or two that you would like to pursue, ask your networking partner if they know a specific C Level contact at that company. If they don’t, ask them if they know someone that they network with that might help you.

Follow Up With Your Networking Partners

Persistence on your part is extremely important. It demonstrates that you are very serious about pursuing a job with the companies they recommended. Call your network periodically with an update on your progress. Let them know you are still looking for a job, who you interviewed with and if you found a job. They might have heard of something new going on in your industry or thought of a company they forgot to tell you about. Don’t be bashful to ask a second time for names of 2 or 3 companies they have a relationship with. It is very important that every time you talk to your networking partners that you reiterate what your strengths are in your field. It will give them confidence that their recommendation won’t come back to haunt them.

Tags: career in sales, interviewing, jobs in poor economy