Job-Search Best Practices: Getting the most out of Networking – Research

Everyone these days seems to have just discovered the power of networking.  Network, network, network is offent the mantra of the job seeker.  While everyone talks about he power of networking – most of the folks that I have spoken to do NOT do simple things that will maximize their networking.  Remember, this person could know of the best-job-ever but if you think that simply setting-up the meeting and ’showing-up’ is going to maximize your networking you are both wrong and wasting a lot of time. 

Ideally, you make some type of ‘connection’ with the person that you are networking – and the more you know about this person and/or their company, the easier it will be to open and maintain a discussion with the person.  So what is the best pratice?  Simple research.  Go to the company’s website and look at recent press-releases – find out what they are thinking/doing in the market.  If the person’s bio is on the website, then see if there are things in their bio’s that you can speak to in a networking discussion.  I know that many sites will tell people to read a companies Annual/Quarterly report and everything else they can find, but that too is wasting time.  Most company employees DO NOT read their annual report and or 10Ks, they know the overall performance of the company + what is said in the press, but if you think you are gaining points by repeating some minuta that you dug-up in one of their financial records you are kidding yourself (of couse this doesn’t apply if you are going for their CFO role…). 

So do a little homework, it will make the discussion much easier, help build a connection, and educate yourself about the company.  Remember, the person you are meeting with is doing you a favor by taking the meeting, DON’T WASTE THEIR TIME (and your opportunities).