Networking is meeting and connecting with people in order to build relationships with them.
Why is networking important?
The majority of all jobs are never posted.
A job you are interested in may not even be advertised.
Job postings receive loads of applications
Employers prefer to do business with candidates referred to them.
Where do I start to network?
Everyone belongs to networks of people they already know: family, friends, colleagues, professors, classmates, church, sports teams, etc.
Write down names of people you know even if they are only acquaintances.
Begin to contact and connect with individuals in your network to share with them about your specific career goals.
Focus on building relationships while also asking individuals for additional referrals.
Pursue and schedule informational interviews with networking contacts.
Other Networking Strategies
Join a professional association in your field.
Create a LinkedIn account. Then join the NWC Professional Network Group and other LinkedIn groups.
Join a job support network group.
Make new network contacts through church, work, school, at various events, etc
Networking takes time, planning and actively pursuing people. It requires you to passionately engage in developing relationships to not only benefit you but for you to benefit others as well. It should be an enjoyable experience as you connect and communicate about yourself and the career directions that God has called you to.
Networking is meeting and connecting with people in order to build relationships with them.
