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#1
08-12-2010, 06:41 AM
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Networking Tips for Techies
You've gotten the same advice again and again: If you're out of work, you've got to network.
Techies, like everyone else, often land jobs through colleagues, friends and other acquaintances. But how do you cultivate connections if you believe what you know -- rather than whom you know -- should determine whether you're hired? For starters, you have to acknowledge just how essential connections can be to a job search. Consider the job histories of people around you as well as your own, and recognize how often technology professionals find jobs through people they know. Connections are especially important during economic doldrums, when employers are flooded with resumes and you need to stand out from the pack. Decide to become a pro at networking, just like you're a pro at Unix or C++. "Networking is about building relationships, and it takes time to do it," says Patti Wilson, owner of The Career Company, a career management firm in Silicon Valley. "You've got to try all avenues. You network through industries, you network socially and you network with colleagues. It's never-ending." Get started by following these hands-on tips: Team Up Form a study group or success team, a group of four to eight people working together on a weekly basis to motivate each other, build contacts, generate job leads and think through career decisions. You can build a team with former work colleagues, school classmates and acquaintances from special-interest groups (SIGs) or by contacting a local career center. Success teams, an idea derived from Barbara Sher's book Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want, can help members establish goals for networking, such as identifying five new contacts over the course of a week. "It's been really good for moral support," says Wendy Desmonde of Menlo Park, California, of her participation in success teams. You shouldn't spend all of your professional networking efforts in front of a screen, but email lists can be one way to jump-start the process. Wilson facilitated an email list called the WednesdayJobGroup for networking and support. It has since expanded into the WednesdayNetwork blog, which she describes as "an online billboard for the group's talent." Desmonde, for instance, has used the WednesdayJobGroup list, along with another run by her local synagogue, to make contacts. "It's a way of meeting other people with common interests, where there's a way to exchange job leads and career information," she says. David Claiborne of San Francisco, former manager of client services for email marketing at now-shuttered Netcentives, recommends sending an email to everyone you know. "Friends, relatives, aunts and uncles -- tell them your situation." For Claiborne, one of those emails led to a connection with a COO at a startup; the company doesn't have a current opening, but the contact may help to generate other leads. Non-Techie Groups Think beyond your area of expertise. Churches, alumni groups, sports-related clubs and other groups organized around interests, like mountain biking and macrame, can generate contacts for your job search. Such groups have a distinct advantage: They're not dominated by other techies looking for work. To be successful, realize that you shouldn't focus too intently on generating immediate leads for job openings. Remember, networking is about building relationships. "One of the things I personally find kind of fun about networking is the scavenger hunt aspect of it," says Desmonde, who worked in software QA. "You don't know where it's going to lead, but meantime you're making contact with other people." Informational Interviews An informational interview with a company manager, or even a peer, has several goals: gathering information about the firm, garnering advice and developing a relationship. Don't be shy about requesting a short amount of someone's time. Many people, says Paul Greenblatt, a career counselor at the Career Action Center in Cupertino, California, see a 20-minute informational interview as "a really inexpensive way to give back" to their field by helping someone else. If you're nervous about the process, try it with a friend or former colleague first. "It's really hard to get started," Greenblatt acknowledges. "Start your show off-Broadway." Remember, this person is doing you a favor. Don't go into the interview with direct questions like, "Do you have a job for me?" You're not interviewing for a specific job. "You're gathering information, and at the same time, you're building a relationship," Greenblatt says. 
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#2
03-03-2023, 06:25 AM
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Thank you for the interesting information. You can check here for more new information, I can provide you with some networking tips for techies that might help you to build professional relationships and advance your career:
Attend Industry Events: Networking events and industry conferences are a great way to meet other professionals in your field. Attend these events to learn about the latest industry trends and technologies, and to meet new people who can provide you with valuable insights and connections. Join Professional Groups: Joining professional groups and organizations can help you stay up-to-date with industry news and developments, and can provide you with opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. Look for groups that align with your interests and expertise, and participate in their events and discussions. Utilize Social Media: Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are powerful tools for networking. Use these platforms to connect with other professionals in your field, share your own insights and experiences, and stay informed about industry news and trends. Attend Meetups: Meetups are informal gatherings of people who share a common interest or hobby. Attend local tech meetups to meet other professionals in your area and to learn about new technologies and projects. Volunteer for Community Projects: Volunteering for community projects and events can help you build your professional network while also giving back to your community. Look for opportunities to get involved in local tech-related projects or hackathons. Ask for Introductions: If you know someone who is well-connected in your industry, don't be afraid to ask for an introduction. This can be a great way to meet new people and expand your network. Be Authentic: Finally, be yourself when networking. Don't try to be someone you're not or pretend to have more experience or expertise than you do. Instead, be authentic and honest, and focus on building genuine relationships with others in your field. Check here for more, CCNA Course in Pune.
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