CREDIT: THEETIQUETTENETWORK
What does your handshake say about you?

With the competitive job market and steep competition from fellow job seekers, I know the feeling of the constant rejection or emails that go unanswered. We all get stuck in the same rut, mindlessly applying to any and every job opening that comes our way. Unfortunately, resumes start looking the same and to even get to the point where your resume is glanced at, your cover letter has to entice hiring managers to give you a chance. Sometimes, getting that “in” requires one increasingly important factor — networking.

Networking may traditionally be defined and linked to the concept of computers, creating a visual of multiple interconnected modems. This same overall idea applies to professional networking. The idea is to meet new people and make connections that will strengthen with time and repeated contact.

Ideally, the people you network with hold the same interests or are involved in an area that you are headed toward. There is never a guarantee that a single connection will land you a job, but it is often the benefits from having a good network that lead to the opportunities you would have otherwise missed. Getting that first foot in the door is ideal.

Having recently attended my first networking event, I can already vouch that the effectiveness of the networking practice really does exist. Be prepared to speak about yourself and be knowledgeable and confident about what you are looking for. It never hurts to have a standard set of questions that you are prepared to ask the professionals you meet. First impressions are important. Go with business cards, but that does not necessarily mean you have to give one out to everyone. Be sure to research the proper etiquette and dress in the right attire — these are the people who may open the next door in your career.

Go out and network! I can tell you that I had heard a lot about the activity, but it is not until you actually get out there that you see it all come together. Sure, your first event may very well serve as a crash course (as mine did), but you will find that with each interaction you become more comfortable. After a while you can find your own rhythm and approaches to professional networking and how you carry yourself. At many networking events, the business professionals are there specifically to speak to you, so take advantage and do not hesitate to approach people!
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.