Archive for category Networking

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Networking: it’s really just a big fancy word for making new friends.

Human beings are social animals, and like so many other things we quirky sapiens do, networking has served an evolutionary purpose long before the advent of Twitter, Facebook, or (gasp!) even Doostang. According to one theory, humans’ ability to socialize with one another played a key role in the eventual survival of our species, as we were able to band together in communities to protect ourselves against stronger, more aggressive animals. Without our superior communication skills, our entire race may have died out eons ago!

So now that I’ve captured your attention with a little bit of 5^th grade evolutionary biology, how does all of this relate to your job search? The point of this is that our capacity for networking makes us stronger – whether we’re 11^th century Mongols, pre-modern jungle people, or suit and tie white-collar professionals. Bringing people into your social circle incorporates their skills and knowledge into your own repertoire, which profoundly extends your opportunities to be successful.

Now you’re thinking: “Okay great, ‘make new friends’ was my mom’s advice in middle school – and it got me as far as a black eye and a nickname that made me a 11 year old social pariah.” To you I say: have no fear. There are a few easy tips you can practice that, if followed, will allow even the most socially awkward introvert to run with the in crowd.

1. Smile

There has been a lot of academic research on smiling and its effects on humans. Whatever their origin, smiles have a powerful positive effect on how people perceive you. Smiles actually make you look younger, confident, more attractive, and more approachable. Not only that, but they can actually have an effect on your mood. Smiling can trick the body into being happy even when you’re nervous or stressed. Researchers even found that smiling can have an effect in courtroom decisions – the ‘smile-leniency effect’ dictates that people who smile are more likely to receive lighter penalties from courtroom judges.

2. Don’t Stare People Down

A lot of people mistakenly hear that the key to a good interview is to keep strong eye contact. But seriously – think about it – if you are staring down your interviewer 100% of the time you not only strongly resemble a cat, but it’s downright creepy. While you don’t want to shift your eyes and seem disinterested, most people are not comfortable with eye contact that lasts more than a few seconds.

3. Keep the Conversation Light

Never ask a personal question that you do not already know the answer to! I once went to a conference and asked an acquaintance about her significant other – I had met this person once before and happened to know that she was in a relationship. It turned out that they had broken up just days before. EMBARASSING. Don’t let those kinds of awkward turtle moments happen to you!

4. Get Personal

Like we said before, networking is really about making new friends. Strike up conversations that center around your interests and you are bound to find others who feel the same way. Be honest. It doesn’t have to be about what you do for a living, although letting people know how you arrived at the place you are now is always an important topic when it comes to cuing them in to your current job search. You can talk about running, your Wednesday knitting club, or your secret love of Glee. Find common ground and build relationships. The more you share with people, the more trust you will build, and the more they will share with you. Only once you build and strengthen these professional friendships can you ask the people in your network for assistance in your job search. (Disclaimer: there is such a thing as being TOO honest. Stick to rule #3 and stay away from anything labeled TMI!)

5. Be a Good Listener

Networking is just as much about sharing your story as it is about listening to others’. Like any relationship, a professional relationship is a two-way deal, and your goal is to be as valuable to your contacts as they are to you. Listen to their stories and think of ways to be helpful to them. Maybe you know someone in the industry they are looking to break into? Maybe you both really want to see the midnight showing of the next Twilight film and can talk for hours about the relative merits of the books vs. movies? Make yourself both useful and fun to be around. Capitalize on the fact that people love talking about themselves.

6. Take Names

Always Always Always Always… ask for business cards. The worst thing you can do is hit it off with someone and then forget to follow up. Not only will he or she probably forget about you when you never contact them again, but they may even feel put off – which can lose you that contact PLUS their whole social network (assuming they warn their colleagues about the lame dude who never followed up with tennis plans). Try to always keep a few business cards with you when you go out. You could even get a little creative and print them out on beef jerky. Although that may limit your networking bubble as you try to steer clear of any and all vegetarians.

Remember, networking isn’t something new. It’s essentially a buzzword describing something that you already know how to do and have been doing for your whole life. It’s about getting along with people and honing your innate social skills. By becoming aware of yourself and the way others’ perceive you, it’s possible to make any social situation beneficial to your professional goals.

So now, go forth, ye job searchers! Make new friends, take business cards, and play lots of golf, tennis, and other stereotypically corporate sports. May you have many successful business contacts in your future.

Your Career Search BFFs,

Team Doostang

Tags: Advice, Careers, Doostang, Job Search, Networking