This is especially true in the nonprofit sector, where an
estimated 60% of open positions are filled through referrals
and networking.
To many, especially those who are just starting out in their
careers, networking can be a daunting activity. However,
there are a number of easy ways to tap into the people you
already know to grow your network.
Building Your Network
Networking is a social skill. Luckily, we are constantly in
social settings that promote networking opportunities. As a
general rule, make yourself as visible as possible. Go to
every social or professional gathering you can, such as
conferences, career fairs, alumni activities, professional
association meetings, and fundraisers. Participate in
volunteer opportunities at organizations that interest you.
You never know when a hiring manager will be volunteering
next to you.
When it comes to building your network, begin with your inner
circle and move outwards. Make a list of your family and
friends who work in particular fields, organizations, or
roles that interest you. Initiate conversations with these
immediate connections, and at the end of every meeting,
request introductions to at least three of their colleagues.
This is how your network grows by degrees--by connecting with
the people who know the people you know.
Beyond your immediate network, conduct research to identify
people in positions and/or organizations that interest you.
Online resources such as Idealist, Guidestar, and The
Foundation Center may be helpful to this end. After you
conduct your research, create a comprehensive list of people
with whom you plan to conduct outreach.
Networking 2.0: Leveraging the Internet
It's no secret that web sites like MySpace and Facebook are
incredibly popular. In the recent years, online social
networking tools have exploded. What started as a way for
former classmates to find each other has grown into a
widespread forum for anyone to connect with people they
already know and people they want to know. Today, there are
over 200 social networking sites, many of them devoted to
connecting professionals to each other.
Professional social networking sites provide great
opportunities to make connections. On these sites, members
create profiles that summarize their professional
accomplishments, which can then be used to find and be found
by "connections," such as current and former colleagues,
clients, partners, and schoolmates. Your online network
consists of your connections, your connections' connections,
and the people they know. This is especially helpful when
trying to connect with someone to whom you may not have a
direct connection, as it eliminates the need to know someone
in common.
Some good professional social networking sites are LinkedIn,
Ecademy, and Ryze. A few
sites that serve individuals interested in the social sector
include Rethos, Care2, Change.org, and JustMeans.
Cultivating Your Network
Once you've identified and started to build your network,
it's time to cultivate those relationships. Reach out to
people by e-mail, provide a brief introduction to your
background and interests, attach your resume, and request
fifteen to thirty minutes by phone or in person to discuss
your search. Make it clear that you are looking forward to
your contact with them for information and advice (NOT for a
job, in which case they may just try to route you through
human resources). You will be surprised by how many people
are willing to take a quick call to help a jobseeker,
especially in the nonprofit sector.
In preparing for each informational interview, develop a list
of ten questions that you could not have answered on your
own. A few good examples may be: What are the largest
challenges currently facing organizations like yours?
How do you see macro-level changes in the sector and the
economy impacting your work? What do you find to be the
most and least enjoyable aspects of your work?
Additionally, remember that these meetings are also an
opportunity for others to get to know you, so be prepared to
talk about your own interests and experience.
After you've had a meeting or informational interview with
anyone in your network--whether it's your Aunt Sally or the
head of an organization you're hoping to join--remember to
send a personalized thank you note immediately. In addition
to your gratitude, offer your assistance to the people in
your network. Networking is all about fostering goodwill and
shared knowledge; be prepared to reciprocate in any way
possible.
Remember, networking is an ongoing activity. Smart
professionals are constantly developing networks throughout
their careers. This can lead to additional employment
opportunities as well as making you more effective in your
job by providing you with professional associates, mentors,
partners and resources. If you invest in building
relationships to gain information about work that interests
you and to connect with others, you may network your way into
an ideal position sooner than you think.
