The importance of professional networking should not be overlooked when you are in the midst of a job search. Since you never know when you might need it, it makes sense to have an active career network. Your professional network should be in place for when you need it, whether it’s for job hunting or moving up the career ladder.
Career networking is using personal, professional, colleague or family contacts to help you find a job, achieve career goals, learn more about your field or another field you would like to work in. Networking can be a good way to learn about job opportunities or to get into a company you would like to work with. According to a study conducted by LinkedIn¹, a majority of professionals consider professional networking to be important to their career success and more than half agree that regular online interaction with their professional network can lead to potential job opportunities.
It is said that up to 85% of jobs are never advertised. Networking helps us discover these hidden opportunities. Here are some tips for successful networking during a job search:
Developing an elevator speech
A public message, also known as an Elevator Speech, is an opportunity to communicate the most important information about yourself to everyone you come in contact with. You want to create a message that highlights your most important skills, accomplishments and assets.
In this first conversation, you will mention your specialties, past experiences, interests and motivations.
1. Include the right people
Your professional network includes anyone who can help you in your job search or career development. This can include current and former colleagues, supervisors, friends with similar interests, colleagues in professional associations, former students from where you graduated. Your network can also include family, neighbors, and anyone else who may have a connection that can help you.
2. Maintain your network
Keep in touch with your network regularly, even if it’s just a quick email to say hello and ask how they are doing. Don’t just contact those who can help you when you’ve just been laid off from your job or decide to look for a new position. People are more willing to help you when they know who you are.
Contacts in your network can help you find more than just job leads. They can provide referrals or inside information on companies you might be interested in. They can give you information about career fields you want to explore or about the job market across the country. Your network can give you tips on where to look for jobs. Trust that your network is working for you when you nurture it.
3. Acknowledge what people do for you
Show your appreciation by sending a thank you message when appropriate. Sending thank you messages creates a favorable impression for the employer and may lead to future opportunities.
Networking should not be a one-way street. If you come across interesting content or a relevant job offer, share it with your network. Offer help to your network when they ask for it, you should reciprocate whenever you can.
No matter how much you know or how good you are at using your network of contacts, don’t hesitate to turn to your coach who can help you develop your skills and maintain them.
¹LinkedIn Study