Whether you are just starting your job search or have been searching for several months, we are sharing the networking tips we often tell our candidates to help them open the doors to new opportunities.
7 Networking tips for a more successful job search
Remember, our networking tips are only successful if you implement them. Take your time, but work through each job networking tip to benefit your job search.
1. Understand that successful networking is about strategy
Networking strategies can be a powerful tool in landing the job you want, and this comes from successfully using the connections you have built in a mutually beneficial way.
You can develop new skills, learn about industry trends, and gain advice on advancing your career through your network. Your network could also help you find potential job opportunities through referrals or introductions.
But how do you design a strategy that works for you? You start by establishing your networks.
● Personal networks include family, friends, and acquaintances who may know of job openings or have connections that can help you get hired.
● Professional networks, such as industry associations or alumni groups, can provide opportunities for job seekers to connect with other professionals in their field and learn about job openings.
● Online networks can extend both of these options with extra resources.
What's most important about your networking connections? Relevance. How relevant your network is and remains over time will determine its usefulness in your job search. That doesn't mean you discard older connections, but instead, you maintain relationships to help you see who sits where and how they can be helpful. It also means being open to giving back and being there to help someone else when they need it.
If you have an existing network, it's time to maintain those connections and monitor who has moved to which position.
If you are starting from scratch, you will want to develop relationships with key people who could help you.
2. Map your connections to see who can help and where
Start by building a simple list of existing and potential connections. These should include personal or professional people you already know and people you consider beneficial to know.
Invite your personal and professional connections to connect online. Grouping your connections in one place makes communication more accessible and easy to track. We often suggest LinkedIn for that.
Remember that a more personal connection often cements relationships, so consider setting up meetings over lunch or coffee. Keep track of important topics or findings. These can help you develop the relationship further, being of help the next time you meet.
When you reach out to new connections, ensure you are professional and respectful. Don't start with an ask; instead, engage in their discussions in a helpful way. Showing yourself in this light is usually responded to in a much more favourable way.
3. Continuously build your network
Developing your network over time will help you build strong connections while reaching a maximum sphere of potential help.
Remember to seek connections relevant to your present journey and future goals. Online networking is a great place to do this.
4. Remember that professional networking success is a two-way street
Every professional relationship will have a point where your connections need advice or assistance. Being able to offer it is a good thing. So to is introducing people who can help each other where you cannot.
For example, imagine a connection who needs help with IT at work. If you have a trustworthy connection with IT skills, why not introduce the pair? They are both likely to remember your help and be willing to help you in return.
5. Start showing up consistently and be ready to follow up
Your connections are busy people. To ensure that you are top-of-mind, show up consistently at in-person events or by posting online content and being generally available.
Also, remember to follow up after conversations or meetings. Showing you care indicates how valuable you are in a person's network.
6. Find confidence through in-person networking events
The one area most candidates will tell us that they need help with is in-person events. They feel they need to be more confident. While it is perfectly natural to feel this way, attending in-person events can have a hugely positive impact on your job search strategy.
Start with events that have an itinerary, like conferences. These can feel less scary and provide helpful talking points when you network with fellow attendees.
Then, consider local networking events. These are usually much more casual and easier to engage in a friendly and positive way.
Over time, your confidence will grow, and you'll find yourself attending events and making connections regularly.
7. Remember that networking isn't about asking for a job!
When we are hungry for our next job, we must remember that directly asking for a job isn't always considered polite. Some of your connections may find this off-putting.
Think about how you can network, showing you are open to a new opportunity but in a way that encourages conversation and doesn't stop it.
Also, remember who is open to being asked about work directly. More established connections may be happy to have that conversation.
Ready to put these job networking tips into practice? Please do so, and remember to slow down and enjoy the process of building these critical relationships.