Get The Job You Want, Even When No One's Hiring: Take Charge of Your Career, Find a Job You Love, and Earn What You Deserve

Chapter 44. Masters of Networking Use a Networking Script

Please understand that career networking is different than what you may think it is. This is true for those of you with an outgoing personality who have done lots of networking in the past, and perhaps even more true for those who don't have an outgoing personality and have less networking experience.

Networking is not about being charming, or selling someone on the idea of hiring you. It's about purposefully and gracefully asking peers for help, advice, input, and contacts—and offering genuine value in return. And as I mentioned earlier, most people really do want to be helpful.

On the following page, you'll see an example of a Networking Script, which you should adapt to your own style and personality. When you're in a networking phone conversation or meeting, don't read the script, but do follow its structure and format very closely.

During this first meeting, you'll be presenting your Professional Biography and Target Company List—the two primary tools used for networking. Once the other person has reviewed these two documents, and has had time to think about the people you should meet, you'll have a follow-up appointment in order to get the specific help you need. Be sure to set the follow-up date and time before you end the first conversation, and make sure to enter it into your calendar so it will really happen.

Note

Your Professional Biography and Target Company List are the two primary tools used for networking.