Becoming a Networking Star (Part 1)

When you are desperate for a job, you decide to start calling your friends for jobs. After a few phone calls, you found that you have run out of contacts. Or worst still, you might not even have a single contact whom you can turn to. You start to regret not having turned up for annual gatherings, and not joining them coffee talks and sort of stuff.

But, its never to late to start networking. Networking is an ongoing cycle in life. We have been networking all our life. Talking to a family member is one good example of maintaining that relationship through networking. It is important that you keep in contact with the people you now or barely even know.

Networking sessions are rare opportunities which I really do encourage job seekers attend. These are social events that provides you with the chance to interact with your future employers while at the same time find out more about the job. It would further benefit you when you meet your future employers for interview (if you do keep in contact with them, or gave them a good impression).

For those who feels they are introverts or feels shy at social events, adequate practice and preparation will help you survive a networking session. Here are some advices:

1. Research on the company, its background, corporate culture, job challenges etc.
   
2. Prepare some questions you may ask at a networking session.
   
3. Invoke a reply from the other person with open-ended questions. Networking is a two-way activity.
4. Imagine trying to catch up with an old friend whom you have not met for a long time.
   
5. Always end off the conversation beautifully with an exit strategy.

In the next part of this article, I will provide you with ways to work yourself through conversations and perform fantastic exit strategies.

Always remember:

Think relationships first, job second.