Guide to Networking
Networking is forming and cultivating meaningful relationships with people who can help you access new and current information, discover new opportunities, and connect with others. Networking is one of the most strategies for achieving your career goals because people in your network can support you as you explore career options, search for work, and grow in your career. Beyond career development, your network can also provide important social and emotional support along the way.
Your Network
Think about the kinds of support your network can offer. While your need for support may be intensified when you are searching for work or considering a career transition, your network can be instrumental to your success at all stages of your career.
Creating and maintaining an inventory of relationships can be useful. To begin, think about who you call when you need:
- Advice: People who have successfully done what you are working towards and can offer guidance.
- Support: Good listeners who care about you and can provide moral or emotional support.
- Information: People whocan introduce you to others or provide a reference.
- Connections: People who might open a door for you by providing a reference or an introduction to someone you should meet.
- Instruction: People willing to help you gain additional knowledge or who can tutor you on skills you require.
- Sponsorship: Advocates who are willing to champion your ideas, find your goals, or vouch for you.
Remember, you arepart of others' networks too. You can add value by sharing your knowledge, offering support, and making introductions. Be sure to thank your contacts when they help you and keep them informed about the developments in your career. Good networking is built on mutual support. Be respectful, listen to what others need, and find thoughtful ways to give back.
Networking as a work search strategy
Networking is proven to be a highly effective work search strategy. In our Employment Survey of 2010 ß÷ßäÉçÇø Graduates, three of the top five job search strategies that lead to an interview or offer of employment directly involved networking (i.e., talked to people I know well and let them know I was looking for work, contacted organizations or people I had previously worked or volunteered with, and talked to acquaintances and let them know I was looking for work).
In our Employment Survey of 2016 ß÷ßäÉçÇø Graduates, two of the top five job search strategies that lead to an interview or an offer of employment involved networking (i.e. talked to people I know well and let them know I was looking for work, contacted organizations or people I had previously worked or volunteered with, etc.)
The other two top methods involved applying to job postings found on employers' websites or other websites, but networking is likely involved in these cases as well. The internet makes it very easy for employers to post opportunities and receive applications. Many organizations have formal recruitment processes, but the real question becomes: how do you stand out?
Networking allows you to make an impression on people who make the hiring decisions, or those who are closely connected to people making hiring decisions. When your application comes through the formal channels, networking means your name may be recognized. Employers often appreciate prior knowledge of applicants since it can reduce the workload of shortlisting applicants.
Networking can also give you additional knowledge about organizational culture, challenges the organization is faced with, initiatives in the planning stages, and other information that will help you strategically . Networking can also give you tips about opportunities that may be coming. This is all information that can increase your competitive edge. Some employers may choose not to post available jobs, preferring instead to interview people who are recommended by current employees, or other professional contacts.
Your network includes all the people you interact with, either frequently or occasionally. They do not need to be working in the fields you are interested in. Each of your contacts has their own network, which may include connections relevant to your career goals. Start making a list of:
- Immediate and extended family
- Friends and acquaintances
- Previous employers and colleagues (from paid and unpaid work)
- Teachers, instructors, advisors at educational institutions you have attended
- Past customers or clients
- Community contacts
- Association/committee contacts
- Social club/church/athletic team/support group contacts
- Previous and current mentors
It is also useful to find ways to expand your network since it will help you gain access to new information and connections that may not be accessible by those close to you. Consider some of the following strategies:
- Attend networking and recruitment events like career fairs, employer information sessions, and mixers.
- Attend education events like the Speaker Series and those put on by your faculty or department.
- Do a job shadow.
- Find a mentor.
- Conduct some career information interviews.
- Engage in a work experience program, or consider working part-time or during the summer.
- Engage in undergraduate research.
- Go abroad to work or study.
- Follow social media for organizations as a whole, and those working in organizations you are interested in.
- Get involved in a professional association and attend professional development events.
- Join a student group.