How to Use Emotional Intelligence to Network

How to Use Emotional Intelligence to NetworkHow to Use Emotional Intelligence to NetworkIn your job search arsenal, you should have a really great resume, a creative (and customizable) cover letter, and an awesome interview suit.But what about networking know-how? Even if you feel meh about it, networking is a great way to establish new contacts, rekindle older ones, and potentially open doors to new possibilities- and a job.Assuming, that is, that youre likable.According to the Fast Company story, Do These 5 Emotionally Intelligent Things Within 5 Minutes of Meeting Someone, it turns out that showing up to networking events isnt enough- you have to be likable, too. This ability to create deeper connections (even within minutes of meeting someone) is called emotional intelligence, and its something that anyone can benefit from. After all, a likable connection might be more likely to help you in your job search than someone whoisnt.Build a strong network connection using emotional int elligence in these waysDont curb your enthusiasm.When meeting a new person, dont just shake their hand in a detached manner and mumble a hello. The emotionally intelligent will open themselves up to new connections with a more enthusiastic greeting, including a warm handshake and eye contact. They will also open themselves up to meeting new people- literally. Straighten out your posture by opening up your chest and standing more broadly its more welcoming than someone who is hunched, or fails to look a person in the eye.Be complimentary.Within the first few minutes of meeting someone, if you feel that you can compliment the person, you should. It shouldnt be forced or fake, but be open to finding genuine and honest ways to make the person feel good.Ask questions.Being a good listener is a cornerstone of being emotionally intelligent. And while you might think that meeting an important new connection would warrant you talking about yourself in the hopes of solidifying help down the r oad, it actually works the opposite way. Take a few minutes to simply listen to the other person- and really remember what theyre saying. No fidgeting with your phone or looking for the nearest exit. Listening to what someone has to say can be more meaningful to someone than if you try to interject every few seconds with your own opinions.Dig deeper.As you hold conversation with someone, dont just ask yes or no questions. Instead, ask questions that require longer answers, especially on a topic that your potential connection finds interesting. This canlead to people liking you more if theyfeel that you are taking a genuine interest in them and their likes. In turn,your networking efforts can be more fruitful.Make the connection.To truly establish a connection with someone, youre going to have to look for common ground. It might be something as simple as liking the same football team, having the same alma mater, or even having the same number of kids. But try hard to find a way to fo ster a deeper connection with the person. Look to see what the person finds interesting (physical cues such as becoming more expressive or smiling more as he speaks are good ones to watch out for), and then see which ones match your own interests.Know their name. Theres no point in taking the time to establish a connection, only to forget the persons name right before parting ways. One way to remember the persons name is to repeat it immediately upon your introduction, and then learn to sprinkle it naturally into your conversation. And when youre about to leave, you can say something like, It was great to meet you, John. Lets be in touch soon. Just saying someone elses name can make you more likable, which in turn, ups your chances of solidifying the connection.Dont forget the details.Lets say that your new connection talks about his new baby girl, or the fact that hes just recently moved to the burbs. When you follow up with the person, be sure to touch on those topics, which can a utomatically make you much more likable than if you just reached out asking for career advice.Being emotionally intelligent isnt just something that can help you be a better job seeker, but an overall better person, too. So the next time you hit a networking event, connect to your emotional intelligence, which will help you connect better to others as well.