The Power of Networking
Networking is one of the most valuable skills in your job search. However, it can also be one of the most difficult to master. If you've been on the hunt for a new gig recently, then you know that finding the right opportunity or company can feel like an uphill struggle. But what if I told you there was an easy way to find openings and opportunities perfect for your career? And what if I told you this secret weapon could help turn your job search from tedious to exciting? Well, lucky for us both, there is such a tool: networking!
Make networking a habit.
Identify the places where you spend your time and energy, and then find ways to make them more conducive to networking. If you're unemployed, this might mean joining a local business organization or volunteering at an event that attracts other professionals in your field. If you're looking for work, perhaps it means going out with friends more often so they can introduce their colleagues who might be able to do some good for your career (or vice versa). The point is: find ways of expanding your social circle beyond just family members and close friends--and make sure those new relationships are meaningful enough so that when someone does ask about their mutual acquaintance Joe Smith from Accounting Department X at Company Z Inc., there will be something concrete about him that comes immediately into mind!
Network online and in person.
Online networking is a great way to stay in touch with people you know and make new connections. You can use social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to keep up with the latest news from your industry or field of interest and share information about yourself. If you've recently attended a conference or seminar, post details about it on your profile so other users can learn more about what's happening in your area of expertise.
Online networking can be effective at helping you build relationships with others by providing opportunities for informal discussions around shared interests without having any face-to-face contact first (although this may change once you start meeting up!). However, there are some downsides: if someone doesn't reply straight away, then they might not take much interest; by contrast, I find that if someone says "yes" when asked if they'd like coffee/lunch, then there's likely something genuine going on there!
Volunteer your time, expertise, and knowledge.
Volunteering your time, expertise, and knowledge is another great way to network. Volunteering in a field you're interested in can help you build relationships with others working there. For example, if you are looking for a new job in the nonprofit sector and would like to become more familiar with how nonprofits operate (and possibly gain some valuable experience), volunteering at an organization that has a mission you believe in can be very helpful when it comes time for your interview.
If volunteering isn't something that interests you right now, but you still want to meet new people who might be able to help out with your job search down the road, make sure they have similar interests and goals or intentions for their careers!
Get to know the right people.
Be interested in them and what they say, not just yourself. Listen intently, ask questions, and make eye contact when someone is speaking with you. Make sure they feel comfortable enough around you that they will want to give you advice or referrals later down the road if needed!
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
We see it every day on LinkedIn. Someone posted that they have been out of work for three months, six months, or even longer than a year and are asking for help just now. Don’t wait! Write the post as soon as you know you are in the market for a new job. I think people are misguided by thoughts of embarrassment for losing a job, which overshadows their need to find new employment. Toss that thought in the trashcan and reach out! Nobody is judging you for losing your job. The same people you are asking for help today are the same people who could have helped you 12 months ago.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Don't be afraid to ask for a referral.
Don't be afraid to ask for advice.
Don't be afraid to ask for a job or even an internship (if you're still in school).
When you network well, your connections can be invaluable in your job search.
Networking is a long-term strategy. Building connections with people in your industry takes time and effort, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't feel like you're getting anywhere at first.
It's important to be prepared for networking events by knowing what skills and experience you have to offer and what career goals or interests you want to pursue next. You should also ensure that the information on your resume is up-to-date before heading out into the world--you never know who might see it!
The key to networking well is to keep it simple. You don't have to be a master networker--you just need to focus on building relationships and connecting with people who can help you get ahead in your career. Remember that when you network well, your connections can be invaluable in your job search!
