how important is networking in the DC job market?

[Anonymous]

How important is networking in the DC job market? For jobs such as project managaer, program analyst, etc. Any suggestions for networking to find a new job. This something I've always struggled with.

[Anonymous]

It's tough to answer your question without knowing what network you would draw on. I've always felt like the artificial networking with people you don't really know but want to take advantage of their connection doesn't ever pay off. It's really transparent, and also, these types of events/groups are usually full of people looking for a job, with few in positions to offer meaningful advice. If you know people in the industry, or through some alumni group or actually have something in common, networking might be helpful. And by networking, I mean calling these people, letting friends know you're looking for a new job, participating in professional development, etc. I've never been able to network to a point where I was offered a job or got any sort of preferential consideration for a job, but I have had people in my network give me great advice for applying and point out openings that I was not aware of.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I don't know if it's specific to DC, but it is a heck of a lot easier finding a job when you are basically invited to apply, then to apply to a job cold or through a website link.

Most people I know (DW, other family members) never actually "applied" for a job - they sent in their resume after you are liked and respected by people in the company or firm that wants you to apply.

[Anonymous]

It's hard when you're not naturally sociable, I sympathize entirely.

Cold networking when you are looking for a job rarely works, but who you know is critical as soon as you get to middle manager and up.

It's when you already have a job and are confident and competent in your post that you must remember to socialize a little in your field and reach out to others. Help people find a way up, talk over lunch about your work ideas, etc.
That way when you need help of any sort, you have a support network already in place.
It gets more complicated if you decide to switch fields or move to a different place where you have no contacts. DH and I have experienced both.

DH is about to get an offer (fingers crossed) because he extensively networked with a group of people he did not previously know in a company - only AFTER being recommended by a top person there. That top person knew DH of old and had a real connection with him. As a result, both of them appear much more credible pursuing an opportunity for DH.

Good luck. It's tough out there.

[Anonymous]

so essentially networking works for more established people but younger employees/career switchers it is pointless?

[Anonymous]

Not OP, but any recommendations for how to develop a meaningful network in DC? We moved here a couple of years ago, very few friends, and professional network is limited to my current company. Would love to find a new opportunity elsewhere, but without connections it has been challenging. I def fall in the mid-level manager category. TIA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:so essentially networking works for more established people but younger employees/career switchers it is pointless?

I found my last 2 jobs through networking very early in my career. The trick was making reasonable connections and reaching out one-on-one. Big networking events are always useless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not OP, but any recommendations for how to develop a meaningful network in DC? We moved here a couple of years ago, very few friends, and professional network is limited to my current company. Would love to find a new opportunity elsewhere, but without connections it has been challenging. I def fall in the mid-level manager category. TIA.

Lets have a beer. I'm in the same boat. We can start the "People Who Need More Friends League".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:so essentially networking works for more established people but younger employees/career switchers it is pointless?

I found my last 2 jobs through networking very early in my career. The trick was making reasonable connections and reaching out one-on-one. Big networking events are always useless.

thanks. I will say that I received one interview in the past through networking but i bombed it and that i feel has soured me through networking because i've always been scared i would reflect poorly on the person who recommended me for the job.

[Anonymous]

In my experience, the best way to network is to join the local association in your field (or desired field), go to their events reguarly and get involved as a volunteer. It's not enough to just attend their events a few times a year---that is what the majority of their members do. If you want to stand out as someone who would be an asset to a company, be an asset to the organization first. No one is going to hire you because they met you for 10 minutes at a networking event. They are going to hire you because they worked on a volunteer project with you and you showed them that you know your stuff.

Join a committee, get on the board, work the registration desk--do what is comfortable for you and what you have time to do. But just going to an event and shaking hands will not get you very far. I was president of my local trade assocation and I've seen so many members say "I've attended events before but haven't been able to make any true connections". But I can tell you as someone who served on the board for 8 years in various volunteer capacities, I feel the opposite way--the people in that organization would be able to assist me with getting a new job in a heartbeat because they know me and they know I do good work. It takes YEARS to develop a good, solid network and that is how you get a job through networking. But you have to take the first step and get involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not OP, but any recommendations for how to develop a meaningful network in DC? We moved here a couple of years ago, very few friends, and professional network is limited to my current company. Would love to find a new opportunity elsewhere, but without connections it has been challenging. I def fall in the mid-level manager category. TIA.

Lets have a beer. I'm in the same boat. We can start the "People Who Need More Friends League".

Love it! I'm in