Check Out Your Networking IQ 

1. Do you have a system in place to track your networking contacts, i.e., a rolodex, card file, or computer spread sheet? Y N


2. On a weekly basis, do you contact at least on person in your network who is outside your daily work/school environment? Y N


3. Have you contacted each person in your extended network at least once this year? Y N


4. In the last six months, have you reviewed your network and decided what types of contacts you need to cultivate? Y N


5. Is there an individual in your current network whose advice you could get regarding the requirements of a job that interests you? Y N


6. Have you researched any new career possibilities for yourself during the past three months? Y N


7. Within the past three months, have you discussed at length a different career possibility with a person who holds a job you may want later in your work life? Y N


8. Among your personal acquaintances, is there anyone whose job interests you as a possibility for your future? Y N


9. Have you called someone you do not know within the past three months to discuss his or her career? Y N


10. In the last six months, have you sent a note congratulating an alumni in your field for his/her accomplishments? Y N


11. In the last three months, have you sent a thank-you note to a professional who helped you? Y N


12. In the last six months, have you written to a researcher or an author whose work interests, stimulated or amused you? Y N


13. In the past nine months have you sent a copy of an article to a peer or mentor? Y N


14. Do you have monthly lunch appointments with people who could be key to a future job? Y N


15. Do you participate in professional organizations? Y N


16. Within the last year have you participated in community, education, or religious organizations? Y N


17. Are you an active member of any groups outside your field? Y N


18. Do you keep up with periodicals and new thoughts in your field? Y N


19. If you were put in charge of a meeting on a topic in your field, would you know who in your network you could contact to pull the meeting together? Y N


20. Do you make a point of meeting new people when you attend conferences? Y N


21. When you meet people who talk about their professions, do you know what to ask to find out if it is a field that would interest you? Y N


22. In the last month have you contacted a new acquaintance to stay in touch? Y N


23. Do you discuss others’ career goals with them and help them whenever you can? Y N


Add number of Yes and No responses. Yes =  ___  No = ____

Interpretation

17 - 24 Yes:
You understand the importance of networking. You have a good chance of reaching your career goals.

10 - 17 Yes:
Your score points to being a good networker. A little more follow through will increase your opportunities for future career success.

0 - 10 Yes:
 It’s time for you to focus on building and sustaining a network