5 Big Mistakes People Make About Networking

In my years of coaching individuals through the job search, I have worked with a wide variety of individuals. Some eagerly engage in networking, some try to avoid it. Eventually though, everyone learns of the importance of creating, maintaining and nurturing a network in order to grow their careers.
Whether you are currently in the job search or happily employed, keeping that network healthy and active is critical. I’ve worked with too many people who’ve ignored their network but suddenly find themselves laid off and looking for a new job. They feel so uncomfortable about reaching out to people when it’s time to ask for help. My advice is always to keep your network active, continue to help others and karma will reward you when it’s your turn.
I’ve identified the 5 top mistakes people make and share them with you here.

1. Fail to recognize how many people are in their network (it’s not just coworkers). Your network consists of every person you know; from neighbors to schoolmates to doctors and lawyers. People know people and you just never know who that great contact will be. In a networking class I teach, I play a game and ask people to name a famous person they’d like to have dinner with. One student said Ellen DeGeneres. My initial thought, was “Oh my. I’m finally going to fail at this game”. Well, lo and behold, someone in the class had a best friend whose wife works on Ellen’s show and could make the introduction! That’s how amazing a network can be!

1. Don’t ask for informational interviews. Many people are uncomfortable asking for information interviews, but let me assure you, they are common practice and people are happy to engage with you. Friends are happy to meet with you and hiring managers are ALWAYS looking for great talent. They may not have a position at the moment, but if you make a personal connection, they will remember you when something opens up. As I always say, “They can’t say no if you don’t ask”.
2. Wait for a position to be open before approaching someone. I believe the best time to contact someone is before a position is posted. Make the personal connection without the pressure of ‘the ask’. Then when the times comes and you see a position posted, reaching out for assistance will be so much more comfortable. That goodwill you made just by reaching out and engaging will help you.
3. Making the informational interview all about you. Ok, you’ve asked someone for an informational interview, and yes, they realize you have something you wish to gain from it, but don’t make it all about you. Spend some time at the beginning of the meeting asking about them. After all, you reached out to them for a reason, right? Ask them questions about their career, why they chose it, how they advanced. Make that personal connection and you’ll be amazed what you learn and how that can help inform what you may ask from them.
4. Not networking at all! This is the fatal flaw for many people. Too many job seekers remain at home, behind the computer applying for jobs online only to be ‘ghosted’. No phone screenings. No interviews. No response. 85% of all jobs are gained through networking. Companies like to hire people who have internal referrals. After all, if they like the employee, they will assume any referral is a good employee as well. I had one brilliant, talented and experienced client who refused to network for many, many months and continually failed to gain any traction in the search. One day, he came to me with a big smile on his face and said “Andrea, I finally listened to you and I networked. And guess what? I have a job!!!”

Yes, networking is critical to any job search. Keep your network active and engaged. When needed, be sure to use it strategically. Respect the time of those you reach out to, be curious and use their valuable time to learn about their company and make that personal connection.
If you’re stuck and unsure how to begin networking, Andrea offers a 2-meeting package to help you establish a networking strategy with tips on where to find those connections and how best to engage. Schedule a complimentary 30 minute call with her to explore the options by clicking HERE.
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