Job Search Strategies: Networking
Professional Networking Relationships are a Path to Career Success
When young professionals hear about networking, they often envision awkward happy hours, expensive groups that are strictly structured and a lot of work, and golf outings. While these are all common networking activities, they aren’t the only opportunities available.
Learning how to network is a crucial career skill, and the relationships you build through networking can open more doors than you ever imagined. Networking isn’t always a formal or organized event. Sometimes, it’s a simple email introduction by a mutual contact. Other times, it’s wandering into professional topics with social acquaintances. You’d be surprised how many people find a new job from someone in their weekend softball league! The takeaway here is that you never know how you’ll meet the person who introduces you to a new opportunity, so it’s a good idea to always have networking somewhere in your mind.
How Do I Start Networking as a Young Professional?
When you’re looking for your first networking resources, start with what you know. If you’re part of a Greek organization, tap into that network, or peruse the alumni association directory from your college. Don’t limit yourself by connecting with people only in your career field. Look at alumni all over your geographical region to start leveraging connections.
If you have a professional certification, sign up for newsletters with the local chapter of national associations. These groups often offer events to provide networking and continuing education credits.
Keep an eye on your local Chamber of Commerce events page. Many events are open to the public, so you can attend and start meeting a variety of professionals. Search Networking Groups near me on Google to find other groups in your area. These groups have visitor days, events, and member directories that will help you determine if you’d like to meet anyone. Other great search terms are Young Professional Networking Groups or Young Professional events near me; these are opportunities where you can connect with others in your own age bracket.
How Does Networking Help Me Get a Job?
Once you meet someone through networking, building a relationship is the next step. While it’s not impossible to get a job offer shortly after meeting just the right person, it’s certainly rare. The benefits of networking are long-term, and it’s important to remember that most opportunities arise out of the investment you make. When you get to know someone in your career field, ask if you can set up an informational interview to learn more about what they do.
A more casual networking offshoot is called the one-to-one. This is where you get together with someone, often right before or after a regularly scheduled event, and learn a little bit more about each other. This is not a sales pitch; it’s about making a genuine connection. When attending networking events, move out of your comfort zone and commit to meeting a few people you don’t know yet. After events, send follow up emails to people you’d like to get to know better. Remind them of where you met, mention something you enjoyed about the conversation, and extend an invitation to connect on LinkedIn or schedule a one-to-one.
As you build your network and start connecting people you know to each other, you’ll build a respectable reputation, which will generate a variety of opportunities. If you like the idea of networking, but you still can’t imagine where to start, contact me for a career coaching strategy session. We’ll work together on a manageable plan that will have you getting to know potential colleagues in no time.