How is career development and networking interrelated? Directly. You may use a number of sources for gathering information about your potential or desired career paths; however, passive gathering of information is not very effective. Different people may help you to facilitate the process of moving towards your goals. Nevertheless, those people cannot be merely acquaintances. They are the ones who are included in your network of contacts.

Networking has become an overused cliché which evokes certain prejudiced opinion about the whole thing. But it still remains a very important tool for job-seekers. The reason why so many people don’t fell good about it may lie in the fact that it is not an easy job and one has to have an inborn flare for this or develop skills in networking.

People you know may always contribute to the success of your career. They may give references when you apply for a new job; they may advice you where are vacant positions or what job is more perspective and profitable; they may offer help for your opening own business or changing the career path. They may just help find answers to some questions you have or provide necessary information. There are many more examples how networking may work for you and your career development. Remember, however, that networking is not a one-way process. It means you should be as helpful as the people you establish relations with.

So what is networking and how does it work?

Networking is not merely establishing contacts but a process of building relationships which may and should in future be advantageous for both sides. Contacts are usually done immediately, relationships, however, are made only over time. The relationship establishes itself when after the initial introduction a follow-up proceeds. It is usually based on mutual trust, respect, credibility, interests and needs. It is very important that both “participants” of the relationship feel confident about it and profit from it.

The tips for quick and good network building:

• Ask questions and be an attentive listener (when you talk, you don’t learn anything).
• Identify your speaker’s interests.
• When you have a chance, offer a solution or a piece of advise (connection, for instance).
• Stay in touch.
• Keep track (names, addresses, some personal info) of all the old and new contacts you have.