Networking: Beyond the Goal
Following today's lecture and presentation on networking, I began thinking about how networking doesn't end when you reach the goal of getting a job. We often think about networking as a means of connecting with people in order to hopefully use them as a resource in the future or whenever you feel as if they are needed. However, I believe that networking goes farther than that.
Say you network with a specific individual and are able to receive a career position through them in the future. Say you work in this position for a couple years then decide to move forward to another company or job. The networking with this person does not end.
I think a practice that many people should fall into the habit of would be keeping in touch with former employers. For example, whenever a major holiday or event occurs, I always email my former bosses that I have had in internships or full-time positions and wish them a happy holiday. I do this in order to keep a positive relationship with them and to always keep one foot in the door. Whether that be because I may want to go back to that former employer with the hopes of obtaining another position, or merely because I want a reference from them, I think it is really important to maintain this relationship so that, when the time comes, you are not only reaching out to them when you want something from them.
Do you agree with my point in saying that networking goes beyond the 'end' goal of obtaining a position?
Hi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with your statement. Networking isn't about making connections, it's about maintaining them. The central purpose of networking is to create a web of interconnected individuals. If you break the web, your branch falls off. This is why it's also important not to burn any bridges because it is likely that the connection is connected to someone you may want to contact in the future.
Hi there, Yes I agree that networking goes beyond the 'end goal' of obtaining a position. Everyone you meet could be a potential job contact. I think it is important to stay true to yourself and be genuine with the people you meet. Even being in university, the individuals you engage with at the bar or in your classes (such as this one for example) could potentially work at your dream job 5 years from now. It is impossible to stay in touch or juggle hundreds of connections but I think that if you can take away specific interests or similarities between the two of you, that connection can be harvested at any time. Say that individual gets you a job one day, it could strengthen that connection and give them the confidence to ask something of you too.
ReplyDeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point here that networking goes beyond the goal of getting a job. I also remain in contact with my former employers as a way of keeping communication open and ensuring a stable relationship. I believe that it is essential to keep all employment options open. I am still unsure about what I want to do in the future for a full-time position, I do not see myself staying in the same job for the rest of my life right after graduation, that is why I make sure to keep in contact with former managers and bosses just in case any positions open up and they are looking for someone to fill those spots. It is also important that previous employers have a good impression of you and positively remember you, that way, you can use them as a reference in the future.
Therefore, staying in contact with former employers builds a favorable profile and reputation as well as keeps your work options open in the future. If they are ever looking for someone to hire, they will go to your first because you maintained that relationship.
Great post!
I strongly agree with you that networking shouldn’t end when you get a job. When networking it’s important to focus on building a genuine relationship rather than focusing on what the other person brings to the table for us. If you approach networking from a selfish approach or see it as numbers game, it’s likely that you find yourself with many useless connections.
ReplyDeleteAn effective way to keep in touch while adding value is to provide valuable introductions within your network. For example, if you have a friend who is a marketing manager looking to grow their team, introduce him to friends of yours in the industry who may be a suitable candidate in the future. Not everyone will have the opportunity to reciprocate however adding value to the lives of others will mean that others will be there to support you in your time of need (such as a job search).
Hey,
ReplyDeleteI agree that networking goes beyond just getting a job, it's a lot about making relations that can help us professionally and personally. Networking can help build your reputation through who you know and helps us identify our future needs. A lot of it is about building strong relations and constantly nurturing them.
Staying in touch with employers and other employees you have worked with, are a great way to continue your relation development. I usually wish them a happy birthday through LinkedIn to stay in touch with them. Also, if you had a poor experience or bad relation with an old boss, reaching out can really help your reputation with them.
Hey Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me a lot about Gershon's Chapter three from her book "Down and Out in the New Economy" where she talks about networking being a burden to some and that networking should never stop, but she does not talk about continuing to network with people who you have already worked with. You bring up a really good point here.
I think your idea of contacting your network on holidays is a great way to keep in touch and I do think that networking goes beyond landing a position at a company. I have heard professors say they have refused to give a student a reference because they hadn't talked to them since Day 1 of their class three years ago. I think it is important to be in contact with these connections, even if it is just for the purpose of keeping in touch.