Need a Job? Forget About Building a Network Now
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It’s job hunting season - but if you are looking for a job, the last thing you should be doing is building a network. Counterintuitive, perhaps, but here are three reasons why:
It’s Too Late
Building a network is a lot like planning your retirement; it takes a lot of little inputs over a long period of time. Both are built so you can cash in when you need it the most - at retirement, or in this case, when you need a job (or some other huge favor).
But if you need a job now and you haven’t been building your network, you are screwed. You may as well try opening your 401k at 50 - the math just doesn’t add up. And just like you won’t get by for 20 years on $100,000, you won’t land a great gig on a network held together by shoestrings.
So stop trying to build your network in hopes you will get a job from it. It’s too late. Instead, work on your charm and get a job that way. Then work on building your network in case your charm runs out and you need a job again.
The Law of Diminishing Returns Doesn’t Lie
Here’s what it takes to build a network: Emails. Lunch dates. Networking events. Social gatherings.
All of these take time. In fact, each thing on this list takes the same amount of time the first time you do it and the twentieth time you do it. So when you build a network, you are giving the same amount of time to each network connection. After a certain number of people, though, you start building very weak ties that aren’t going to help you in the end - when you need a job.
This is the law of diminishing returns. Same amount of input for each person, less results as you spread yourself too thin.
So consider first, how many people you can actually fit in your network. A strong connection is worth much more than ten weak ties - put your time where it matters, preferably before you need a job. Then when you need a job, use the strong connections you’ve built to get one, instead of wasting your energy on creating more weak ties.
You Already Know the Right People Anyway
Here’s the thing about getting a job: no matter how much you need a job to pay the bills, you should still try to get the best match that you can for your personality. Not only will you perform better, but you will also stay longer, which means less job hunting. Finding a job that matches your personality comes down to finding the types of people you should be working with.
It turns out you already have plenty of good network connections to find a group of people you will work well with. Like your ex-boyfriend you still talk to sometimes. Because really, good dating skills = good working skills, and people are drawn to others like them. So if you know someone you thought was a good date, he probably works with other people you will like too. Or if you have a friend you meet up with for lunch regularly, she might be able to score you an interview with her manager pal in another department.
In the end, your friends will get you a job, not your “network,” because your friends will connect you with people they like, who are probably like them. And you like your friends, right?
How would you use your network to get a job? Leave your thoughts in the comments section!
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Monica O'Brien is the founder of Twenty Set, a website about personal and professional growth and development for the Millennial generation. She has been a blogger since 1998 when blogging was still in its “Dear Diary” form and in May 2007 began blogging for personal branding and profit.
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I remember back to my first couple of years in college and everyone telling me the only way I will get a job is by networking and knowing the right people. Well, maybe for a few people it helps but it is not the case for everyone. I got shot down from several companies where I knew someone, even with the great references from my networks. You need to pick a company that you are interested in and where you will be happy, not by whom you know. You have to get your own job with your own skills!
My business school has a required careers course and the statistic they quote is that 70% of “upper level” positions are sourced through networking or at least helped along by it.
I think you’re right - if you’re behind in the times, it’s near impossible to start now and get the results you’re looking for. Networking, in my opinion, is an ongoing effort so start early and network often for best results.
Rinse and repeat as necessary.
Networking isn’t always about getting the job now. It’s planting the seed for that “small world huh?” moment where you know someone who knows someone and you form that triangle network. Just like in the blogosphere, eventually, everyone knows everyone.
This is a very good post. You often read about how networking is crucial for finding a job and yet very rarely do people point out that a network doesn’t just appear in the throes of a job search. Well done!
Hi, thanks for the comments. I’m glad a few people agree, because most people at Brazen Careerist disagreed.
Daniel, I think network is important at all times. But I think if you need a job now, it’s probably not the most important thing to build a network.
Hi, as much as I agree with your post I disagree as well. I agree that networking is like planting a seed but that does not mean that you have to wait till it grows. Its best to ask someone for help when you make your first impression because (cliche’) “First impression is the last one” and if you believe that person can help, just ask for it. The worst answer you could get is a “No”.
The analogy of networking to a 401K is rock solid! It takes times!!!
Zohaib, I think the reason you gave (”First impression is the last one”) is the best evidence for not asking for help right away. If you’re trying to make a good impression on someone asking for help right away might come across as you’re using them just to get what you want. I agree the worst answer you could get is “No” but I also think you can do some damage in that the person will not want to further develop a relationship with you.
Mike, thanks! I’m glad the analogy made sense.
Monica - I see my blog already “pinged” your blog with my reply post! Thanks again for starting the conversation about networking and timing. I look forward to future opportunities to “converse” on career related issues!
Miriam Salpeter
Keppie Careers
Monica,
You make a great point that more young people should pay attention to… anybody in the sort of position which would attract recent-graduates seeking to build their network can see right through false sincerity and those genuinely interested in making a close, personal connection… namely, the latter (and much more successful group) had made the connection long before May of their graduating year.
As a recent high-school graduate, I can attest to the power of constantly attempting to build a network, however, but through an attitude of “What can I do for you?” Ferrazzi and Boothman both focus on this in their books, but it works. And if you are in a pinch and really need an post-graduate work or a summer job, that is truly the best (and most effective) method of approaching the newer members of one’s ‘network.’
Miriam, thanks for the ping, and the comment. I do understand your point now about weak ties. I also agree with you that networking is a good thing to do all the time… I am speaking more to the audience who thinks they can rely on their weak connections and get a job in a pinch because they know someone who knows a CEO, or they went to school at the same places as an executive at a Big 4 firm. I think in most cases, a network must still be in place to get a job, and people who get interviews from meeting someone during their job hunt are probably charismatic and talented individuals.
Glenn, I’m impressed that you have learned that lesson during high school. It’s probably the golden rule of networking - figure out how you can help others, build up your brownie points, and save your own needs for a rainy day when you actually need something. It’s so much easier to ask when you already know the answer will be “yes.”
You’ve got a point here; it’s usually deep, established connections that yield the best results. These people actually know your interests and talents, and will be much more likely to connect you with opportunities you’ll qualify for and excel at. A new connection may get your foot in the door somewhere, but the chances of it being the right fit for you are slim.
Hey Monica
hope all is well. I have a question for you.
I was recently told by the human resource department of the university I graduated from that “if a person wishes to work in the school’s admissions department they must (by federal law) have an applicable degree. (any general business degree)
I tried to research this new law but found nothing. What do you think? Ever hear of this law before? Thanks for helping!
- Miguel
May 21st, 2008 at 11:33 pm
[…] Brazen Careerist blogger Monica O’Brian posted a blog titled, “Need a Job? Forget About Building a Network Now.” I am a big proponent of networking all of the time and agree that it takes consistent […]
May 23rd, 2008 at 9:56 am
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