Get Networking Expertise in 7 Steps

Nervous about networking? MALK Organics operations and marketing manager Abby discusses her job-winning strategies. Finding a new job is difficult. In our tech-driven society, applying for jobs online in your pyjamas is tempting. A successful job hunt requires networking to improve your professional relationships and find chances.

Some people are good at networking, but few. Most of us learn them via practice. The analysis reveals that internal referrals are the main source of employment, so those personal ties may pay off.

Networking is an essential skill that can help in many areas of life, including career advancement, meeting new people, and even finding ways to give back to the community. Here are seven steps to help you build your networking expertise and make the most of the connections you create.

1. Set goals.
Consider what you want from future partnerships. Do you plan to contact a prospective employer? Meet a new mentor for career advice or business knowledge? Meet new industry people? Maybe all of these? Focussing on your networking goals can help you organise enquiries, prepare your elevator pitch, and determine contact requests.

2. Talk to friends
Friends can help you network. Start with individuals you know if you’re an introvert, new to networking, or having difficulties focussing. Visit them for coffee or lunch and discuss their careers. Even if you’ve known each other for a while, discussing their job experiences will disclose new insights. Ask for a referral to a professional or ideal company, then grow from there.

3. Meet new individuals at events.
Stop using the computer and shake hands. Online networking is powerful, but nothing beats in-person engagement. Diverse networking events with job seekers, industry reps, recruiters, and employers seeking talent are most beneficial if you want to find work. Search social media for local industry- or career-focused groups and meetings to meet peers or learn more about a new subject. You may build new connections at networking events and then deepen those ties with meaningful one-on-one talks.

Pro tip: Quality above quantity. Networking is not about meeting everyone. Not a numbers game. Find individuals who will change your life and motivate you.

4. Ask clarification
The stress of the job search might make you focus too much on yourself and neglect others. Ask honest enquiries about your ambitions and listen carefully when networking at an event or over coffee. Clarify your thoughts and listen with empathy and curiosity, not self-interest. Learn a lot and wow with your attention. We should all practise active listening, and networking gatherings are perfect for it.

5. Create a network matrix
Find people who work for or know people at the companies you’re interested in. Build a “Who + Where” matrix to link who you know with where they work and use their names as references when applying for jobs at those businesses (with permission). A contact who knows the recruiting manager’s personality is valuable. If your acquaintance works for a firm that pays referrals, you’ll have reason to celebrate.

One approach to organise your network matrix is below. This example shows a tech-focused person with more contacts from tech businesses. As this example indicates, you may organise your network connections by relationship and how well you know them (in this case, by tier) to determine how they might help.

6. Help your neighbourhood.
Donate to a worthy cause and meet non-industry individuals. It feels wonderful to help people, and if you’re unemployed, you shouldn’t stay home alone. Choose an organisation that shares your ideals and volunteer a few hours a month. Meeting others who share your interests and beliefs through volunteering can expand your social circle. Volunteering for a professional group might also help you network. Mentors and new acquaintances with employment prospects may appear.

7. Follow up and remember essentials.
Email your contacts after an event, thank everyone you spoke with, and do any promised duties. Despite not committing, keep in touch and build new relationships. Always bring a printed résumé and business cards, if you have them. Offer to pay for coffee or lunch and write a thank you note after the conversation with network contacts.

Networking’s main benefit is job seeker exposure, but it’s only the start. Building relationships with competent and trustworthy individuals can help you achieve your goals. You’ll also encounter those that need your help. You’ll develop a professional circle based on goodwill and paying it forward. Adding networking to your online job search approach can greatly boost your chances of success.