Too nervous to network? Don’t come across as stressed or awkward – follow these tips below to network successfully:

1. Be yourself:
Networking often makes people feel uncomfortable. However, when done properly, it can be engaging, social and fun. What’s more, it’s like most things in life: the more you do of it, the better you get. Here are some pointers to help you expand your current network, increase your circle of contacts and – very possibly – get you the job you want.

2. Give to receive:
Networking isn’t a one-way street: if you’re meeting people because you think they’ll automatically give you something you want, you might be disappointed. Instead, networking is about listening first and asking later. So be curious, friendly and interested: show that you care about what they do and who they are. Don’t gush with compliments but be mature, confident, and polite.

3. It not just about contacts:
One of the most frequent mistakes people make is thinking that professional success is “all about contacts”. It isn’t. Contacts help, definitely, but knowing the “right” person won’t be your passport to a great job if you lack the talent, experience and intelligence. So be brutally honest with yourself. Knowing people in the business you want to work in will help you – but only if you have the aptitude and drive to work in that field.

To read full article, click the link below:

http://www.oilandgasrepublic.com/2014/11/how-to-get-job-through-networking.html