1. What is networking?

Networking means meeting people to exchange information about professions, organizations in your field, current issues, and general interests.

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2. How does networking help me when I am job searching?

Many jobs are not publicly advertised – instead, they are in the "hidden job market."   This kind of job information is spread through the employer’s network of co-workers, business associates, friends and acquaintances.  An employer may tell people about current vacancies, upcoming vacancies, or other possibilities for growth.

If you want to access to this "hidden" information, you must develop and expand your network.  When you increase the number of people you talk to, you increase your opportunities for many different areas in your career. Networking allows you to...

1. Increase the chances of hearing about job opportunities

2. Obtain valuable information about your profession (e.g. Canadian workplace culture, current issues and trends)

3. Obtain valuable advice about job search strategies for your profession (e.g. who is hiring, what skills are important, how to demontrate your skills)

4. Show people that you take initiative, are assertive, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills (all of which employers like to see)

5. Practice your English language skills in a more professional environment

6. Increase your self-confidence for job searching

Networking is one of the best strategies for finding work and maintaining your job and is used by many Canadians.

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3. Can I ask people for a job while I network?

Networking is not about asking people to give you a job.  In fact, this is considered to be bad manners.  If you ask for a job, the person will probably become uncomfortable or try to end the conversation. 

Instead of asking for a job, ask for advice and suggestions.  Please click here for more information on what you should talk about.

Remember, networking is a two-way street to make business connections and friends. It is your time to get to know people and exchange information about professions and interests.  It can benefit both people and you may end up offering advice or assistance to them too.  The more you do it, the more you will know how to obtain and give valuable information.  This happens much easier than most people think!

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4. Where can I find people for my network?

It starts with one person. Begin with someone you already know.  If this person does not work in your profession, they may be able to refer you to another person to speak with.  Sometimes you might have to go through several people before you meet an individual who can help, but this is how Canadians network, too.

• Talk to your friends, neighbours, classmates, teachers, your children's teachers, parents of your children's friends, people that you see regularly, etc.

• Join a community group, business organization, or professional associations in your field.

• Attend events, seminars, or conferences organized by professional associations in your field.

• Volunteer for an organization in your profession or for a program that you are interested in (charity, sports, education, culture, hobbies). Volunteering can also give you Canadian work experience.  You can find volunteer opportunities at the library, in newspapers, and with volunteer organizations such as Volunteer Ottawa and Charity Village.

• Register for a course or class where you get a chance to know more people.

• Subscribe to publications related to your discipline (e.g. newsletters, magazines)

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5. What can I talk about when I network?

Step 1. Prepare!

Before you actually speak with people, make sure you can talk about your career in English well.  This will make your networking much easier.  Although this is not a job interview, you should prepare answers to possible questions about you and your profession. 

• What job are you looking for?
• What kind of company or organization are you looking for?
• What skills do you have?
• What are your strengths?
• What is your work experience?
• What were your responsibilities in your previous jobs?  (Describe your jobs using verbs, not just job titles.  Verbs help people to know your accomplishments and strengths very quickly.)

More preparation tips:

Print business cards. Even if you are not working, you can still make business cards with your contact information to hand out.  It is an excellent way to promote yourself in a professional style.  It also looks better at the end of a conversation to exchange cards with a person than for you to take time finding a pen and piece of paper to write your information.

Make sure your resume is ready.  Sometimes the person may be interested in seeing your resume.  You will want to give or e-mail it to the person as soon as possible. 

Step 2. Talk to people!  

Most conversations begin with small talk.  Try to find out their profession.  Then make a choice:

A) If the person works in your profession or a similar profession, click here.

B) If the person's profession is different from yours, or if you do not really know their profession, click here.

A) If the person works in your profession or a similar profession, briefly describe your situation.  Tell them

• you are new to Canada and your goal is to find employment as a/an ____ (state your profession)

• your work experience using 4 -5 sentences

• your interest in putting those skills to work for an employer

Then continue your converstation by finding more out about that person.  It is important to show interest in their situation first before asking for help.  This is an excellent way to find out good information while making them see you as an equal.  Try asking about these topics:

• the type of work they do (main responsibilities)

• how they got into the field

• the workplace culture of the organization they work for

• challenges that they have to deal with

• current trends or issues in the profession/field

When the time feels right, ask them for advice and suggestions:

"I’d like to know how well my experiences and skills match with this profession in Canada.  Maybe you could give me some suggestions and point out certain areas I could work on.  Do you think we could discuss this for a few minutes?  I would appreciate your feedback."

"Would you be able to give me some suggestions and advice on my resume?  I’d like to make sure it is written properly and is suitable for Canadian employers."

"Could you refer me to other individuals who could give me insight into the profession in Canada?"

Now go to "Secure the Connection."

B) If the person's profession is different from yours, or if you do not really know their profession, they may still be helpful. Briefly describe your situation.  Tell them

• you are new to Canada and your goal is to find employment as a/an ____ (state your profession)

• your work experience using 4 -5 sentences

• your interest in putting those skills to work for an employer

Then ask them to recommend someone else you could talk to:

“If you know of anyone in my profession who could give me some insight into the profession in Canada, please let me know.  I’m looking for advice on skills I should focus on, comments on my resume, current issues in the profession, workplace culture, etc.”

"Do you know anyone I should talk to that will provide me more information on my profession in Canada?"

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6. How do I end the conversation?

Thank them for the time they spent with you.  Ask if you could contact when you have more questions and exchange business cards (or contact information).  Send an e-mail when you get home to continue the connection.  If the person gave you some suggestions or advice, show your appreciation:

“Dear (person's full name),

We met yesterday at (place, event, etc.).  It was a real pleasure speaking with you and finding about (list one or two topics from your conversation here).  You’ve given me some useful things to think about for my job search.  Thanks for your help!

If I can be of any assistance to you, please let me know.  Keep in touch!”

If you did not get a chance to ask for advice and suggestions during your conversation, you can ask the person in the e-mail.

Whatever your situation, make sure you follow up on the conversation within a week so that the person does not forget who you are.

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7. How do I maintain contact?

Keep in touch with people and keep exchanging information as best as you can. 

Request a meeting if you have more questions.  They may be busy and may prefer to communicat on the phone or through e-mail.  But if you can schedule a meeting, dress appropriately and bring a few copies of your resume ready just in case.

Remember, networking is not just for finding a job.  It is a two-way street for buildling connections and relationships, which can create opportunities for you and others.

For more tips on how to maintain contact, click here.

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8. What is an informational interview?

An informational interview is a specific form of networking.  More people are using informational interviews to get information and advice from professionals in the field.  Please click here for an explanation on informational interviews.

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9. References and Links:

ONIP -- How to Look for, Land, and Keep a Job in the Canadian Workplace

http://www.onip.ca/article/129/#job2

Global Talent

http://www.globaltalent.ca/includes/pdf/step4.pdf

Build Your Network  (from Immigrant Employment Resource Guide)

http://www.lookingahead.bc.ca/immigrant/index.cfm?id=36

Networking, Developing Leads, and Making Contacts (Career Development eManual)

http://www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca/step4_1_5.asp

Return to STEP Useful Facts page

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