No matter how well you know how to fix a computer, you might lose a job to a guy who only knows how to CTRL+ALT+DEL. He knows the right people.
Getting that job is not about what you know, but rather who you know. It’s important to make effort to fill that missing link between your resume and a plush office.
Here’s how you do it.
Start early
Start networking in college. There are professional societies in college which act as a bridge between the academic and the industrial world, and give you insight into many opportunities and career. you’ll also meet several people that you might need in the real world.
Other useful contacts include your parents, your friends' parents, and your alumni associations.
Look closer around your house
Before looking far and wide for a contact, scout your neighborhood. Someone you already know might just be that link between you and your dream job. Keep your ears open and be outgoing. Even if you don’t get a contact, you might make a very good friend. It’s a win-win situation.
Make it a point to accompany your dad for some of his gatherings. Friends of fathers often make for useful people to network with. And your dad’s buddy might just have a pretty daughter.
In the professional environment
Always keep your card handy at important meetings and conferences and exchange contact details with anyone you find useful and influential. It’ll help if you jot down some tit-bits of information about this person at the back of the visiting card, so that when you call him a few months later, you have something to talk about and don’t straight away go “Hey bro, I need a job.”
Say it right
Once you make that all-important phone call, make sure to project yourself and your requirements well. Here are a few pointers.
Don’t waste too much time to get to the point, especially if you are calling during office hours. If you are looking for a job, tell them that you are looking towards "exploring a new job opportunity."
Prepare a brief and succinct statement of your requirements and the help you would like.
Give a brief review of your background and qualifications.
Even if this person can't help you, ask for contacts of people who might be useful.
If he says that he will "Look into it", it’s up to you to follow up. Remember that getting you a job is not this person’s priority. It’s yours.
Online Networking
Sites like LinkedIn, Ryze and the Indian version, Brijj, are powerful tools to expand your business network. Be careful about what you mention on your profile. No one wants to know how many dogs you have.They are only interested in is how qualified, experienced and business savvy you are. Don’t hesitate to drop names and show off your achievements and abilities in your profile. It’s de rigueur to glorify your business and professional abilities.
General tips
Exchange business cards whenever you meet someone.
Always carry a positive attitude and look forward to meeting people. You never know when you may come across people who know of a vacancy. A pen in your pocket and a few business cards in your wallet - that should do the trick.
Don’t hesitate to approach people. You have nothing to loose.
Don’t hesitate to help others either. It’ll surprise you how well people remember favours.
Preserve your network’s ‘staying power’ by obtaining their personal cell-phone numbers or at least their personal email id’s, just in case they leave their companies and move on to bigger things.
Stay in touch with everyone in your network through the odd phone-call or a postcard.
Show appreciation for the help you receive, not only to those you help you directly, but also the ones who have contributed indirectly by providing you with contacts.
More than firing off hopeful emails,Networking requires time and effort to get results. Socializing and communication with people is as much a part of your job as the actual job itself.
Source-by-google:http://clifestyleinfo.blogspot.in/2012/05/networking-your-way-to-job.html