Networking guru Kamil Olufowobi shares strategies and tactics to network your way to finding a job!

It was back in 1986 that the late Gwen Guthrie's hit single, "Ain't Nothin' Goin' on but the Rent" popularized the phrase "You got to have a J O B if you wanna be with me!" Fast forward to 2009, you'll find that both men and women are ever more conscious about having a partner or significant other who has a J O B! Do you have a J O B?! Or do you already have one and are looking for another?

Your ability to find a job is directly related to how informed your network is about your education and expertise. Caution; if you didn't start networking long before you started looking for a job, you are in for a rocky road.

Networking is a long-term process; without an established network, you will have to reach out to four or five times as many people to even begin to get some leads, so patience.

Here are a few important things to think through when networking for a job:

- What are my skills and strengths? (Education and work experience included)

- What industry(s) is my focus? Where are my skills needed? (Identify your desired industry/field/company)

- Where, geographically, do I want to work? (Would I be willing to relocate?)

- What position level am I qualified for? (Entry level, mid-level or top level) Caution; to ensure you don't abuse your network, don't shoot for positions that you know you are under or over qualified for!

- How much do I have to earn to meet my responsibilities? (Be realistic, don’t just accept any offer in desperation; think it through.)

Once you have carefully answered these questions, then you can begin to formulate your networking strategy.

Formulating your Networking Strategy

First, using the above questions, formulate a cover letter and resume. Be sure to get someone else to review it! Your ability to compose an effective cover letter and resume will be one of the most powerful and revealing aspects of your communications skills.

The job may not require any writing or presentation skills, but you will be judged by your ability to communicate effectively. You are a brand, so sell yourself. But please don't over sell! Abstractions such as "Ambition mixed with a striving for excellence is my strongest asset or MBA in view!" OKAY, sure, but can you do financial reporting, use Microsoft Excel or oversee a staff of twenty people?

Create your own networking card, think of yourself as a sales person in the business of marketing yourself to get a job. On the card list your name, address, email, mobile number, college, degree and your most marketable skills, keep it short and simple. Although the networking card is no replacement for a well prepared resume, it is convenient and fast. It demonstrates thoughtfulness, uniqueness and professionalism. You will be surprised how responsive people can be when they are approached in a professional manner.

Second, make a list of everyone you know or that knows someone in your desired industry/field/company, start making contact to inquiry about job opportunities, career fairs and professional events. Ask your peers and colleagues. Read newspapers and join online forums dedicated to your field of interest. Basically, get out there! It is a job to find a job! Take it seriously.

For people that you haven't spoken to in a while, be sensible enough not to ask them on first contact that you are desperate for work. Instead, reach out to them on a personal level before you ask. Use any recent information you have about them to start the conversation. For example, "Uncle so & so, how is the baby? I trust you and Aunty are enjoying the joys of parenthood. Congrats again!" Or, on the first of the month, call or SMS to wish them Happy New Month, ending it with "If our paths cross, it will be joyful and fruitful AMEN.” Then follow up appropriately - try not to be too obvious!

Take Charge!

Finally, with any luck you will secure an interview. Be yourself, dress for success and ask questions! Send a thank you note to the interviewer; avoid using "hoping to hear from you soon." Instead, propose a specific next step by offering a next move such as: I'm free for a follow up interview M-TH 9am – 3pm. I'll call your office on Tuesday to find out if you would like to see me during these times." Take charge! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Remember, your ability to find a job, is directly related to how informed your network is about you at all times, both before and after your job search! Far too many people neglect informing their network once they have accomplished the mission of finding a job. There is no such thing as job security anymore, so you cannot afford to pull the plug on your network. Keep your network plugged in, stay in touch!

A networking case study comes from Ada, a member of the NiPro network and a NYSC corps member who is seeking a job. She is uncertain whether she will be retained at her company once her service year is over.

Here is the real life conversation between myself and Ada that inspired this topic.

Ada: Kamil, I'm scheduled to leave my place of primary assignment by mid-September and I'm yet to receive an offer of employment. What should I do?

Kamil: I trust you must have been a person of value in your time there? Go ahead, have the courage, to ask your supervisors about your future with the company or any company he/she might have contacts.

Ada: I have a feeling they will not be retaining anyone because it is cheaper for them to just bring in a new batch.

Kamil: In that case, if there are no prospects now doesn't mean there wouldn't be in the future. Again, plan to stay in touch! Ask for a recommendation. And, I suggest you get out there and start networking!

As the Co-founder and CEO of Nigerian Professionals (NiPRO) Global Network, Kamil Olufowobi is fast becoming known as one of Nigeria’s youngest global networking gurus. He is living proof that networking for success works when networking becomes a way of life, in elevating yourself and the people around you. NiPRO today is the #1 global network of Nigerian professionals with over ½ million professionals worldwide and a projected 1 million+ subscribers to the network by 2015. With a mission focused on the professional and personal development of Nigerian professionals, Kamil, via NiPRO aims to elevate professionalism in Nigeria to world class standards. In his role as ED, he works to inform, inspire, empower and celebrate young professionals, executives and entrepreneurs towards the advancement of Nigeria. ko@niproevents.com