32 Networking Method 1: Personal and Professional Contacts

There is no better place to start building your professional network than with the people who already know you.

Create a list of network contacts, including family, friends, neighbours, classmates, professors, current and previous coworkers and managers, and people you have met through various extracurricular, social, religious, and business activities. Talk to the people in your network on a regular basis, inform them that you are looking for work, and let them know what kind of work you are looking for.

Here are some ways that you can utilize your existing networks:

• Ask your network contacts for information or referrals to companies, industries, and job leads.
• Request an introduction from your network contacts. Ask if they can call or email people within their networks to introduce you.
• Research your network contacts’ connections and inquire about people who interest you.
• Always inform your contacts of how they have helped you, and thank them often for their efforts.
• Help your network, too. Share any contacts, advice, or job leads that would be of interest to them.