Don't Forget "Low-Tech" Networking

All the buzz these days seems to be about job search and professional networking through sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter, to the point there is a danger of neglecting the traditional "low-tech" methods of building and maintaining a network. Like most good things in life, online social networking has its merits, but it is not the be-all and end-all, and it does have limitations that could keep you from making that vital connection that leads to a job.

Take for example this scenario outlined in a recent Ask the Headhunter newsletter: There is a company that you would really, really like to work for. But the company is in a different field from your current employer, and you have no prior work history directly related to this field. This means that you seemingly have no easy path to networking within that company. Add to this the fact that the person you have identified as your desired contact within the company has limited or no online footprint through which you might make contact and strike up a conversation.

What do do next? As Nick Corcodilos puts it, "Get thee to the library." As I have mentioned in previous articles, reference librarians can be incredibly helpful, and can assist you in accessing a treasure trove of information difficult to duplicate elsewhere. Your reference librarian can help you find information on virtually anyone or anything in the business world. Once you've found that article written by or about your contact, or an interview in which they've expressed their expert opinion, call and tell them that their name turned up as you were researching "x" and that you'd like to tap their insights. People absolutely love it when you flatter them as an expert from whom you would like to learn.

If you cannot find an article or reference that will take you directly to the person you want to contact, you can identify one or more peripheral contacts within or associated with the targeted company. Once you've struck up a dialogue, inquire whether they know your target or know anyone who knows him or her. Bingo! You have a reason to call your target: "So and so mentioned that you were an expert on this subject, and suggested that I call you..."

The icing on the cake is that this resource is FREE. (Actually, you pay for it with your taxes, whether you use it or not. So why not take advantage?)

By Laurie Smith

Comments

[Randi Bussin]

This is a great article and I totally agree on reference librarians. They offer a wealth of knowledge and are often overlooked by job seekers. Try public libraries and also your undergraduate or graduate school libraries.
Randi Bussin

[Melissa]

Excellent point! Another benefit to "low-tech" networking is that it gets you out of the house. You never know who you might meet just by leaving the computer once in a while.

[Erin]

Wonderful tip! I think many of us often forget about the traditional methods of networking because of the internet and social networking sites. Although those sites can help get you in touch with the right people traditional networking can be a much more effective route. Meeting people face to face or picking up the phone can open doors you never knew were there. Thanks for reminding us that the internet is not the ONLY method nor should it be.

[Susan Morris]

Years back, we used an expression, low tech, high touch. I wonder if this is another application of the concept? Career networking is a lifelong skill required by everyone since there is no such thing as lifetime employment. Career networking is the ability to marshal all resources to advance your career, meaning using social media as well as in-person networking. All of my clients who have lost jobs and found new ones in this economy are now strong proponents of keeping their networks alive and well by continuing to attend networking events. Remind you: these are folks who have found jobs and now see the value of keeping their networks intact.