Internet Job Networking
Minding your P's and Q's is important anywhere. If you are part of an online discussion group take some time to absorb and understand the way people conduct themselves within the group so that you do not commit a cyber faux pas.
Once you have identified a few people you would like to contact, correspond with them via email in the correct manner.
Do not post a general message to everyone in the group. Send a personal message to the person you would like to speak with.
Do not be long winded. Tell them as concisely as possible why you have contacted them.
At this initial phase it would be extremely opportunistic to send a copy of your resume. You are simply gaining information and introducing yourself at this point. Besides, the very art of networking involves a long term connection, which must be nurtured. It is not just a one time exchange. Allow yourself and your contact time to get to know each other before giving them your resume.
Request your contact for a follow up and give them a choice about how they would like to be contacted, via phone, mail or a personal meeting.
Contacting people via email is perhaps best for contacts you find online, but is not necessarily effective for people you meet in person. A phone call or letter to request an interview is perhaps the best way to catch their attention.
Contacting people over the phone
- When calling remember to cover this vital information
- Your introduction
- Your purpose
- Request an appointment at a time suitable for both of you
- Mention the name of the person who referred you, in case there is someone.
- Prepare yourself for the conversation by jotting down what you will say. This will help you stay calm and clear on the phone.
- Trying to get through to the person may be difficult as receptionists or secretaries may not put you through. Polite persistence can pay off and so can calling at a time when you the receptionist may not have arrived as yet or have left for the day.
- Try and request a personal meeting and find a suitable time for both of you.
- Check the format, spelling and grammar of your letter.
- Mention clearly in your letter, in the conclusion, that you will call on a given date to arrange for a suitable time for a meeting.
- You never know how the person you met at a coffee shop yesterday could help you tomorrow? The power of and advantages of networking is remarkable. Your list of contacts could include anyone from your neighbors to your classmates to your boss's cousin you met at the Christmas party! Continue to add to your networking list and you will be amazed by the opportunities it presents you with.
