How to Network When Youre Not Looking for a Job

How to Network When Youre Not Looking for a JobHow to Network When Youre Not Looking for a Job Once youre on the job market, its usually too late to build a network. Of course, you should still make every effort, but networking from a position of need makes it harder to make real connections.If youre already unemployed and looking, anyone you meet will see what they can do for you, but they wont know why knowing you benefits them. Thats understandable, since at that point your only goal in building a network would be to help yourself.In reality, its best to make networking part of what you do at all times. When you have a job, its OK to network with an eye on the next one. In fact, its easier to set up your next position when the people you will be connecting with hear about your long-term interest rather than an immediate need.Even if you have a steady, stable job you like, its important to have an eye on tomorrow. That does not mean youre angling to leave, or are ev en particularly open to a new position - it just means youre banking relationship capital for a future day.This could be a somewhat passive activity where you simply make an effort to attend industry events and meet more people. The best bet, however, is to use the fact that you dont need anything from potential connections to build some new relationships.One great way to do that is to seek out people at companies where you might want to work or in jobs you may want to hold. Introduce yourself, explain your situation and ask for an informational interview or even to have a cup of coffee.This tactic also works well if youre considering a potential geography switch. When planning a visit or vacation to an area you may someday want to live in, make a few appointments with potential employers. Let them know your future plans and any connections you may have to the area (family, property ownership, etc.). That way, if a job comes up, you wont be treated as an out-of-town applicant.N etworking can take on a lot of forms. You may consider volunteering or working with industry groups on projects that are outside the realm of normal business. Even something like joining a softball kollektiv increases the number of people you know.Its also a good idea to raise your profile outside your own company. That could mean speaking at industry events, contributing to trade journals or participating in after-work events .The hardest part of networking on a long-term basis is keeping up connections. That person who had coffee with you two years ago probably wont think of you when a job comes open if that was your only contact.Keeping in touch has gotten easier in the social media era. Make connections on all the leading platforms as appropriate, and interact with your network. Make a point of having a personal interaction a few times a year - anything from getting together to sending a holiday card.Put the effort in to keep your connections from going cold. If you do tha t then your network will be there either when you need a job, and may even surprise you by putting an opportunity on your plate when you did not expect it.