Job networking
Introduction
- Networking is not about asking people for a job; however, a lot of jobs are obtained in this way.
- Networking is about asking people for information and advice; it’s also about asking people what you can do for them.
- A lot of people already use networking skills without realising it.
- Always follow up any information given to you by a networking contact.
- Building up a network of contacts takes time; ideally, it shouldn’t just stop once you have achieved your goal.
What is networking?
Networking is not as daunting as asking strangers for a job or dishing out business cards at functions. In fact, many people already regularly use networking skills without realising it.
Networking is about building up a list of people who may be able to provide information and advice to help you make a decision, for example, about a particular career. Through their knowledge, they may be able to tell you what type of training you need, what it is like to work for a particular organisation and what opportunities are available.
They may even be able to organise work experience for you, so you can find out first-hand what it’s like to work in that industry. Or, they may even know of a suitable vacancy; a lot of jobs don’t get advertised and are filled through networking.
Every time you make a new contact, you tap into that person’s network of contacts, enabling you to build up a large list of people who may be able to help.
Who to network with?
Before you decide who to network with, you need to know what your ultimate goal is, whether it’s advice on how to write a CV or a complete change of career, for example.
The best and easiest way is to start off by listing the people you know, such as:
- your friends and family
- people you’ve met through clubs and organisations
- neighbours and people in the local community
- people from your old school, college or university
- colleagues or former colleagues.
From your list, think of any of these people who may be able to provide you with the help or information you need. Try to think on a wider basis. For example, maybe a friend of a friend is an expert in the area of information you are looking for.
There are also many other people who may be able to offer you work-related help and advice, such as:
- professional bodies relating to an industry you might be interested in
- recruitment agencies
- people you meet at courses, events, or social occasions
- people within organisations you are interested in.
Once you have built up a list of contacts, you will never know how useful they might be until you get in touch with them.
Keep a record of each contact’s details, how they might be able to help you, the outcome of any conversations you’ve had with them, and any follow ups.
How to network
There are many ways to network, so consider the best approach for each contact you have. The more you know somebody, the more informal your approach can be, for example, a chat over lunch.
If you want to arrange a meeting with a contact you’ve never met before, meeting them face to face is an easier way of striking a rapport than by phone or email. Make sure you are well prepared and clear about what kind of advice or information you are looking for from them, without being too pushy. Also, consider whether there is anything you could offer back to them, for example, volunteering your services to obtain experience.
If the prospect of approaching people you don’t know seems scary, it’s worth remembering that many people are willing to help, and for some people it could be part of their job to provide such information.
Networking might also take place without you realising it. For example, you might meet somebody at a party who knows about a vacancy or can provide you with industry information.
If you are going to a networking event, make sure you know why you’re going. That way, as soon as you start speaking to someone, you can be focused on what you want to get out of the conversation.
Remember also that networking will only be effective if you follow up any information that a contact gives you.
Try not to get frustrated, though, if the first person you talk to doesn’t offer you a job. Networking should be seen as a life-long strategy, so be patient!