Networking Methods: No One Size Fits All

Although networking can be beneficial for individuals who find ways in which to utilize the strength of relationships, while working toward career success, the ways in which each individual utilizes networking and/or the ways networking is found to be most valuable, often varies.

In a study using Dartmouth College seniors, the use of peer networks and social networks in the search to obtain their first job was explored (Marmaros & Sacerdote, 2002). Through the use of self reports and employment outcomes researchers were able to gather the unique effects that gender, ethnicity and intended job field have on networking. The results reflected the following:

• Men are more than two times as likely as women to use fraternity contacts
• Nonwhite students are less likely to utilize both fraternity and relative contacts
• Law and medical students are more likely to rely on relative members as contacts rather than fraternities or professor contacts
• Finance Students rely heavily on fraternity and professor contacts within their networks

**Below you will find a chart which illustrates the type of network used by Dartmouth College seniors and each method's respective average salary outcome.

It is important that each individual identifies the methods and types of networking that are best suited for their own needs. After all, every person is equipped with a unique set of skills/tools, which can either work to their advantage or disadvantage when looking to obtain a job, dependent upon the proper use of networking methods. As if to attest to the need of unique methods, Joe Sweeney, author of Networking is Not a Contact Sport, devotes  two chapters to providing networking advice specifically tailored for women and minorities (2010). The tips and experience provided in these sections take into account not only general networking rules, but other unique elements and obstacles that the aforementioned groups may face. Furthermore, books such as Networking for People Who Hate Networking, Confessions of an Introvert, and Some Assembly Acquired all target specific groups of individuals such as introverts and women, as the authors give tailored networking advice and tips. 


Overall, survey results and experience gathered from various individuals make it clear that in order to network successfully you have to go beyond the basics. You must take into account all elements of networking including, but not limited to: ethnicity, gender, intended job field, and personality type. By doing so your networking attempts will more likely be successful in both the short term and long term. In other words, avoid using networking methods which are ill suited for you. Instead you should commit to practicing methods which best help you meet your individual goals and align with your skill-set. 


Source: Marmaros, D., & Sacerdote, B. (2002). Peer and Social Networks in Job Search. European Economic Review 46, 870-879. doi: 10.1016/S0014-2921(01)00221-5