Here is a comprehensive list of things that you should not do with regards to your networking efforts. We hope that by including all of the things not to do, that it will help you avoid making mistakes when you’re networking in your job search. All of the below have been or are being done during networking so do not repeat them too!
- Don’t be selfish
- Don’t act desperate
- Don’t just take from your group
- Don’t be unprepared
- Don’t be fake
- Don’t be rude or aggressive
- Don’t just network with just anyone
- Never discuss personal issues
- Don’t gossip
- Don’t just network via phone, emails & online
- Don’t just ask for help straight away
- Don’t expect results overnight
- Don’t limit your network
- Don’t be afraid to interact with others
- Never ignore anyone in your network
- Don’t badmouth past employers or co-workers
- Don’t stalk or harass individuals
- Don’t wait too long before you follow up
- Don’t joke as everyone has different sense of humour & you could offend
- Don’t use offensive/foul language
- Don’t get personal in any differences
- Don’t try to be a ‘know it all’
- Never saying thank you to others
- Never try to monopolise conversations
- Don’t dress down at network events
- Don’t interrupt others
- Don’t pressure individuals
- Never look bored or uninterested
- Make others wait for you
- Forget your networking tools
- Don’t fake interests to have things in common