Six Steps for Successful Networking on H2H
Get the most out of networking
Un-attributed Monster.com content
Most job seekers already know the importance of networking. Whether from formal professional
networking groups or casual friend-of-a-friend connections, 60 percent will find a job through
networking. Other savvy professionals use their networks for finding answers, advice or leads.
Whatever you're trying to do, there are some simple steps you can take to get the most out of
Networking.
Be Yourself
It's perhaps the most trite piece of advice we could give, yet it bears repeating. Some
people try so hard to reinvent themselves on the Web that they wind up alienating potential
contacts by overselling. Be honest and direct in your emails and profile. Don't worry about trying
to impress every contact at first glance. And be concise - get your point across quickly.
Create a Complete Profile
Help us make the right connections by filling your profile out completely. Information that
may not seem important to you could be essential to someone else: perhaps someone's looking for a
marketing pro who happens to be big on gardening. In addition, facts such as your school or
previous employer can make it easier to build a strong connection with other members. By providing
more details, you help us target our introductions more carefully, as well as becoming more
valuable to the rest of the community.
Respect the Network
Networking isn't about simply getting what you want. It's a community, and the more you treat
it that way, the better it will treat you. When someone is introduced to you, respond promptly -
even if you're not the right contact. Make connections, don't just grab for answers or leads then
scram. Helmets to Hardhats is here to help you connect with peers, but once you do, it's a two way
street. Expect to answer questions and provide tips to others and you'll be well on your way to
becoming an expert networker.
Keep It Up
Networking isn't a one-time event. The best networkers are those who continually use and
expand their network, keeping themselves fresh on the minds of the contacts they've made. Not every
communication has to be earth-shattering: simple questions or bits of professional advice benefit
both parties by strengthening their relationship. But making a check in at Networking a regular
part of your routine will improve your results.
Think Peer-to-Peer
Instead of individuals dealing with companies, Helmets to Hardhats Networking connects
individuals to other individuals. While finding a new career is a major reason many members are
using this service, the traditional approach is too lopsided: here, you have something to give as
well as receive. Use your first contact with someone to explore how you can both help each other.
In your writing, be less formal and more informative. Focus on creating value through information
and connecting with other people, and you'll find that you'll get more referrals to contacts who
can help with your career search.
Use the Feedback System
In traditional networking, reputations are built slowly through direct experience and word of
mouth. Here, you have many more potential contacts - but no face-to-face contact with them. The
rating system helps you judge whether another member is responsive and valuable. Points are awarded
based on some basic activities plus the feedback you provide after connecting with someone, so
feedback from others shapes your reputation. By giving feedback to the contacts you make, whether
good, bad, or indifferent, you help make Helmets to Hardhats Networking more valuable for
everyone.
