Do...

• Use your contacts. The easiest way to network is to ask someone you already know for the name of someone else. Then when you call, say, "So-and-so suggested I call you."
• Ask that person for referrals to others who might give you advice. This helps to develop your network.
• Learn to cold call. If you lack a contact, make a cold call realizing you will get some rejections. If you network with alumni, start with, "I'm from X university and I understand you graduated from there."
• Ask for three things—information, advice and referrals.
• Use a low-key approach and 70% to 80% of those you contact are likely to help.
• Develop electronic networking skills. Visit chat groups or message boards that pertain to your career area. Take special interest in those run by professional associations. But remember, you often cannot be sure if you are e-mailing an expert or an 8-year-old.
• Perfect telephone skills. On the phone don't take more than 10 to 15 minutes. Then follow with a thank-you letter and a copy of your resume. Say, "I'm in the process of doing a job search. If you know anyone who might be interested in my skills, feel free to pass my resume on. I'll keep you posted."
• Show that you are likeable in your letter. Demonstrate that you are a nice, polite person and that you sincerely appreciate the person's assistance.

Don't...

• Don't wait for someone to call you. Initiate networking.
• Avoid sounding like a telemarketer; this is the #1 mistake of cold callers.
• Don't let rejections stop you. Instead, expect them and move on.
• Don't ask for a job—it frightens people.
• Avoid talking about yourself too much. The key is to ask the right questions. If you are in environmental engineering, you might ask what environment engineers do at that company. Or ask about the typical career progression of an engineer at that company over five years.
• Never abuse the process. Some professionals are less eager to network because they have been exploited when people say they want advice and then ask for a job. If you sincerely ask for information, advice and referrals, the conversation is usually rewarding.
• Don't insist on talking in person. Ten to 20 years ago, most networking conversations took place face to face. Now they are often by telephone or over e-mail.
• Don't stop networking when you get a job. The job you have today may disappear overnight.