What Is Networking?

Building Networks is one of the most effective ways you can support your long term career. Unfortunately, the term 'networking' can make some Military Spouses feel uncomfortable or hesitant because they associate it with taking advantage of others, using people or being self-serving. It is important for your long term career that you change this perception of networking. Networking is a two-way street...a mutually beneficial connection in which both people learn about each other and the ways in which they may be able to help each other now and in the future.  It is most effective when you are genuinely interested in getting to know the other person, when you view it as a long term relationship with them and when you think about what you may be able to offer them in return. 

Why Should I Network?

As a Career Minded Military Spouse, it is vital to network because:

• Employers prefer to hire through internal or external referrals. Many employers trust a good employee's recommendation over an unknown candidate on paper. They can avoid the time and effort expended by staff in advertising a position, reviewing applications, and interviewing if a quality candidate is referred directly to them. 

• 80 percent of available jobs are not advertised. The only way you can learn about and target these positions is through your network.

• Job postings receive many applications. Some of the vacant positions posted online are only posted because it is mandatory for that organization to announce all vacancies. This is particularly common with Government Departments which may have identified a likely candidate before the position was posted. Those positions which are genuinely vacant can receive hundreds or perhaps thousands of applications. Networking or 'Name Recognition' separates you from the pool of other applicants.

Who Do I Network With?

Everybody! Networking is something you do every day - get to know new people. As a Military Spouse you may already have a large network of people you have met through your transient military lifestyle. You are also well accomplished at making new connections and networks - you do it every time you move. Every person you speak with - the parent at your child's soccer match, the other Military Spouses and Service Members in your location, your former co-worker, your neighbor, the fellow dog owner at the dog park, the person next to you in line at a store. These are all people who may be able to help you with your career. It does not matter that they do not work in your field or live in your location - they may be able to refer you to somebody they know. Consider the following areas of your life and reconnect with those people you have lost touch with:

• Personal Network. Your Friends and Family.

• Military Family Network. The Service Members and Military Spouses from each location you have lived.

• Employment Network. The Colleagues and Clients from your current and past employment.

• Educational Network. The people you met through High School, College and other Training Activities and Courses you have conducted.

• Community Networks. The people you meet as part of your daily life. 

Once you have identified the people who form part of your current network, use the Articles listed below to explore how you can strengthen and expand that network of connections and then utilize it in support of your career:

• 5 Steps to Building and Maintaining an Effective Network

• Personal and Online Career Networking Strategies for Military Spouses

• The 7 Habits of Great Military Spouse Networkers