Networking J4 Networking is a job search process that focuses on proactive interaction with others. Its purpose is to gather information, advice, and referrals that will ultimately lead to interviews and employment. Prospecting involves contacting people to arrange informational interviews with them or to gain referrals to people in their organization or profession, or in similar organizations or professions. Information interviews are meetings with people in a position, field, or organization in which you ask questions and gather helpful facts and advice. The focus of the conversation is on the career and knowledge of the other person.
Studies note that both employers and employees prefer informal and personal methods of job finding.
Employers prefer to hire people who are of known quality, believing that the best candidates are those who are referred by their colleagues, friends and acquaintances, whose judgment they trust. Individuals who use personal contacts to find jobs are reported to be more satisfied with their jobs and tend to have higher incomes. This word of mouth technique is very powerful. It provides employers with a trustworthy pool of applicants, reduces the risk of hiring the wrong candidate and is more time and cost effective than traditional methods. Prospecting for Leads Begin by making a list of potential contacts.