In creating and maintaining the library returners blog it has been possible to develop professional knowledge and make wonderful, valuable connections with colleagues working all over the world. Getting acquainted with this month’s guest blogger has been no exception. I am so very pleased to introduce Ellen Mehling as the writer of the February blog post.

As Ellen has such a wealth of job search advisory and career development experience, plus a background in library and information studies education, she is qualified to write on a range of relevant subjects. Ellen chose networking as the focus for library returners during these uncertain times.

Networking in the New Normal

Networking is nothing new. People have always been connecting and assisting others that they know, and in a work situation it makes sense: with regard to filling jobs, from an employer’s point of view it is less risky to hire someone who has a known and trusted third party vouching for them.

Some of the ways people network has changed over the years, though, and because of the pandemic, in-person networking is not really an option right now and will remain out of the question for the near future at least. There are some things you still can, and should, do to build and nurture professional connections.

 

First, remember that networking is a long-term endeavour 

While it can certainly help you to get a job, networking is really about establishing and maintaining professional relationships over time – don’t expect to connect with someone and then get hired in a week or two just because of that new connection. Networking is not about numbers, either; the quality of your connections will benefit you more than just being connected to a high number of people. Having these quality connections – people who know you and your work well and are willing to go out of their way to assist you – requires trust, and trust takes time.

 

Reconnecting

A good place to start is reconnecting with people you’ve lost touch with, especially former co-workers. Linkedin makes this easy, as people want to be found there. Linkedin is a tool, though, it is not the only way of connecting, and you still want to communicate with care and respect, When sending a connection request, or re-connecting with someone you haven’t been in touch with, make it short and sweet and personal. Mention something they wrote or posted recently, or ask about a project they were involved with in the past and how it’s going.

If you’re feeling a bit out-of-practice in professional interactions and small talk after these many months of COVID, so are many others, so that won’t be held against you. It’s weird and awkward for lots of us, even after months of Zoom meetings. The pandemic itself can be a reason to check in and re-establish contact – just check in though, say hello and ask how the other person is doing, maybe share something of interest, but don’t make a request. When it’s been a while and you email or message someone and immediately ask for something you’ll be seen as rude and even desperate. That is not likely to be met with a favourable response.  

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back or if you don’t hear back quickly. You don’t know what someone may be dealing with at the moment, pandemic-related or not.

 

Informational interviews

Informational interviews can still be done virtually, but as was the case before the pandemic, they must be done respectfully.

• Be specific about what information you are seeking and be prepared in the interview with questions. Ask for no more than 20 or 30 minutes and keep an eye on the clock to ensure your interview doesn’t go over time.
• Don’t “bait and switch”: an informational interview is not a stealth job interview or a free consulting session. Stick to the agreed-upon topic(s) of discussion.
• Follow up with a “thank you” afterwards. Never underestimate the power of a sincere expression of gratitude – it matters! If you skip this, the interviewee may regard you as selfish and opportunistic and be much less likely to assist you in the future. In addition to a private “thank you”, you may want to thank and tag/mention them on social media too.

 

Professional organizations and groups

Join professional organizations; look for opportunities to participate and serve virtually. See what organizations your Linkedin connections are members of, and consider whether you may want to join too (same goes for Linkedin groups; LIS Career Options and INALJ are two that may be of interest), or ask a trusted colleague for suggestions. Becoming active in such organizations and groups is a great way to meet and get to know new people in the field, who will be seeing you “in action”: engaged in professional tasks and conversations. You’ll be building your reputation and enriching your resume too. Once pandemic restrictions on in-person meetings are over, follow up and continue professional service in face-to-face settings when possible.

 

Offer your services

Remember that a thriving networking relationship provides mutual benefit for both people, over time. Your networking actions now are like seeds you are planting, knowing the desired results will come later. Focus more on serving and giving to your network, rather than anything you might receive from it. The good news about this approach? You are more likely to get a positive response, both in the short and long term, and offering help puts you in a position of strength, while focusing only on what you need and want puts you in a mindset and position of weakness. Be clear in your own mind regarding what you have to offer and focus on that when interacting with others.

Good luck!

 

About Guest Blogger

Ellen Mehling has been advising librarians and aspiring librarians and other info pros on job search and career matters for 15 years. She currently works for Brooklyn Public Library’s Business & Career Center in NYC and among many other things, writes the Work Life blog.