Networking, both social media networking and traditional face to face networking is one of the most effective methods for securing a new job. As so many people are now unemployed or are looking for a new job and so few vacancies out there if you are already known to the employer then you will have a head start over candidates sending in resumes or application forms. This is just the jobs’ that are advertised, many companies will look to save time and money on advertising or recruitment agency costs and will look to their networks. We have all heard the phrase ‘It is not what you know but who you know’ enough times to know that it is true, so instead of complaining about it, just make your network work for you. Networking should not just be about securing your next job, you never know when people in your network may be able to help you in the future with career promotions, business opportunities or advice and support.
How do you start building your network? First of all look at people you already know, school, college or university friends, members of sports teams or other social activities you have belonged to, family members and their friends, past and present work colleagues, supervisors and managers, customers and suppliers you have dealt with, people you may have met at networking events such as business breakfast meetings, trade shows or exhibitions. Remember that these people are not just there to help you with your career, keep in regular contact, offer as much help to them as possible, socialize with them if possible. With so many people on social networking sites these days, for business or for personal use, keeping in contact with people in your network, sometimes even on a daily basis, is straight forward.
Once you have established your network there are many ways to grow it, if you are out of work then events such as job fairs and employer open days can be a good place to make new contacts, local business networking groups are found in most towns and cities often meeting for weekly or monthly breakfasts, trade associations, unions and other groups of people in your profession and social activities such as joining groups can introduce you to a wide range of people you may not meet in other circles. The growth of internet social networking sites has made networking huge, by joining the right groups or by introducing yourself to friends of friends you can meet all kinds of people from all over the world.
When meeting new people, in person or online, always remember first impressions count, make an effort to get to know them, professionally and personally, show an interest and let them know you have something to offer, they will also be looking to build their own networks for similar reasons.
Although building a large and varied network is important, do not network with anyone and everyone, look for people who are interested in you and other people, avoid those who are constantly asking for help and only focused on their needs, look at who else they network with. Look out for these traits and make sure you do not have any of these bad habits.
