Category: Jobs and Employment
One of the things mentioned in the board topic about working with a disability is the importance of networking with other people as a means to find a job. However, not everyone is good at networking with others. Perhaps there are some people out there who consider themselves introverts, and do not feel comfortable being in large groups of people. Or perhaps there are some people out there who have never tried networking before, and are not completely sure how it is done. So I thought I would create a new board topic to discuss networking on its own.
So for those of you have used networking to secure a job, internship, or volunteer position, how did you specifically use networking to secure this position? If you are currently using networking to find a new job, internship, or volunteer opportunity, how are you using networking to help you find this opportunity? If you happen to be someone who considers themselves to be more of an introvert, what specifically have you done to overcome your introverted tendencies to network with others?
Essentially, if you have any tips for networking, please share them here. Instead of labeling others as lazy for not having a job, perhaps we can provide some tips and tricks for networking with others to help people who are interested in finding a job.
The biggest tip I can give is to have a sample. Like me, I have a writing
sample of my work. I can give my essay to any prospective employer and show
them that I know what I'm doing. I know how to do things. Then, go to
conventions, meetings, seminars. Find something in your area that involves
what you want to do. Email the speakkers afterwards and tell them that you're
looking for a position doing such and such. People are usually willing to help.
As someone in the music industry living in one of the major hubs of the industry, networking is absolutely crucial. Finding jobs in the music industry boils down so much to who you know, and as someone who's very shy, this used to scare me. As for the shyness, the best way I can describe it is I basically just force myself to play a character. Not necessarily pretending to be someone I'm not, but more like fake it till you make it as far as confidence goes. For more practical tips though:
Get business cards made. Make sure you have something you can hand out that has your name, contact info, and basic description of what you do. I also include a link to an online portfolio on mine, as well as links to any major projects I'm working on.
Keep records of your connections. This was one of the best tips I've gotten from one of my professors. After a networking event, sit down with all the contacts you've gathered and send each a personal yet brief email. Nothing much more than a brief hello, was nice meeting you at such and such event, and maybe something significant that you spoke about in your initial meeting. Save that email in a folder with others like it, and it'll help you both keep records of your contacts and provide an easy opening once you need to reach out to them again. If you haven't contacted them in a long time, you can just change the subject of that initial email and add your message to the thread and you provide a more personal touch to an email that might otherwise just seem like it's coming from another stranger.
Finally, a question for others on here. A professor of mine once said that when networking, avoid sticking to pairs or smaller groups of people. This will make you seem less approachable, as anyone observing might think you're engaged in a private conversation and wouldn't want to interrupt. Obviously, this is difficult for people like us who may need guidance at larger networking events, and I can say that I almost find it easier to network by myself at a smaller event than while walking around a larger convention with a guide. Any experiences on dealing with this?
You can use a seeing friend to simply place you were you need to be.
Family is a helpful resource for some as well.
If you belong to a church, let them know you are looking in conversations.
Any social group for that matter.
well, for me, I made sure people knew my name. Every NFB event I went to, meeting at school, walking around campus, anywhere I was, I made sure I spread my name, introduced myself to people, and informed them in conversation that I was looking for work. I understand some people don't like communicating with a lot of people, but this goes back to what I said about going outside of your confirt zone. if you wan't it bad enough, you will make it happen. it not, wel...