Networking

 

Networking means talking to people you know in order to connect to them, and through them possibly, to the people they know. It is an effective way to reach individuals who can provide important links, and ultimately, connect you to your next step. More people find work through networking than all other methods combined. Networking is an ongoing, two-way process, which must be sustained throughout your career - not just when searching for a job.

 

Effective Networking

An effective networker seeks information, advice, ideas, names and referrals from existing contacts. To begin building your network, make a list of your personal and professional contacts. Personal contacts could include friends, acquaintances, relatives etc. Professional contacts could include colleagues, former managers and supervisors, OHR Business Advisors, Regional Managers, SURF contacts, practice network contacts, professional association colleagues, course facilitators or people you have met in training.

Networking operates on 3 tiers:

  • Passive staff members - those whom attend working breakfasts, respond to emails, attend talks and meetings;


  • Active staff members - those who actively participate in workshops, volunteer to take on additional causes and actively invest themselves into business networks;


  • Highflying staff members - those who create networks (accounts for approx. only 5% of working population), create think-tanks etc.

Most staff members tend to fall within the first two groups of being either passive or active, obviously the more active a staff member is in their networking efforts - the greater the chance of building a solid network to call upon later in a career transition period.

 

Networking Dos and Don'ts

  • Do not ask for a job. This can make people feel uncomfortable.


  • Ask for information


  • Don't over-network or over-compensate within recruitment application efforts, it becomes tiresome to the receivers. Keep a focused, professional approach at all time.


  • Don't make the mistake of only networking upwards - take a 360 degree approach to networking, rapport comes from all levels within the organization


  • Depending on your familiarity with the individual, it may be appropriate to ask for another contact.


  • Do not 'bother' people you do not know. Being aggressive and insensitive in your networking may cause more damage than not networking at all.


  • Make sure you get name/spelling/gender correct in all correspondence.


  • Don't offer gifts - consider how the person receiving the gift-message will translate this.


  • Remember, networking is reciprocal. If you can do something nice or useful for the individual, do so in the future (e.g., send an article or recommend an event).


  • Be mindful of time. Prepare a short narrative on why you are contacting them:


    • 90-Second Introduction (Set context: How did you get their name/number?)


    • Enquire if this is a good time to call (if not, may you call back later?)


    • Reason for your call (spell out what type of information you are seeking)


    • Ask previously prepared questions


    • Thank the individual for his/her time and assistance.


 

Forms of networking

Internal - e.g. UNDP practice networks, contacts that you meet and work with within the organizational context.

External - e.g. UNDP partners, including NGOs, Ministries, academia, UN Agencies, OSCE, EU, World Bank, etc.

Formal - e.g. Alumni associations, practice-knowledge networks (JPO Alumni Association - JAA).

Informal - e.g. Christmas card lists, emails, independently arranged casual lunches (UN JPOs' Facebook Group).