A variety of networking techniques – whether face-to-face or via social media sites can play an important part in securing your first job, a new role or developing your career. Here are a few tips from a recent live Q&A that took place online on this very topic.
Over 130 questions and comments about networking formed a recent debate on the Guardian’s careers website. The Q&A remains live on the Guardian website, and there are some interesting questions as well as lots of advice from experts to refer to if you’re looking for some top tips…
Kate Allen took part on the expert Q&A panel and posted advice for job hunters wanting to improve their networking skills, Kate says: “It was a great experience taking part in a real-time online discussion and answering a range of great questions on networking!”
Here is a selection of some of the top networking tips. Check out the full discussion online too for more.
Networking tips:
1. Attending industry events
To make the most of attending industry events, highlight people from the event list you want to meet. Contact each one directly together with the recruiting managers from these organisations using LinkedIn or other sources to get email addresses. Refer to the event you attended and mention anything else that will convey your knowledge of that contact/organisation. Remember to attach an up-to-date CV and covering email. Keep all of this brief and succinct. You then need to follow this up one week later with a ‘phone call asking them if you could meet with them to discuss your job search.
Don’t forget that people like talking about themselves so it is really important to make sure that you are not doing all the talking! People will remember you if you are confident, up-front, positive and sociable. You must be sure to use your active listening skills and try to remember things they have spoken about so you can refer to these facts when you follow up. Try to do some role playing first so all of this comes across as being natural and not too forced!
2. Connecting via social media
Have a good look at LinkedIn and do some extensive research. Compare and contrast what you believe are strong and professional profiles and those that are not so punchy. Build your profile using the best of what you have seen online.
If, for example, you are a recent graduate with limited work experience, there is nothing wrong with a status saying something like – ‘Ambitious Graduate with First Class Degree in International Marketing seeking a challenging opportunity in Marketing/PR in Oxfordshire’.
Be sure to make a note in your profile of all relevant commercial experience and try to get previous employers to endorse you too
3. First steps for job hunting
- Get your CV ready and make sure someone proofs it!
- Set some key priorities: What type of role, location – have two or three fall back options
- Research the profession: What qualifications/experience do I need – How do I get this? Am I being realistic?
- Make a plan to include: Networking, social networking, contact with trade bodies
- Use your contacts including friends and family – Ask them to spread the word!
- Post your CV on Job sites
- Visit Agencies and take on temp work: Update your CV with this work experience
- Maintain flexibility and be proactive
- Stay positive and don’t give up!
- Get a new suit and a hair cut!
Graduates should check out the following sites:
www.prospects.ac.uk
www.milkround.com
www.agr.org.uk
Kate Allen says: “It’s important to remember that whilst we may all have some short term wins through networking, you should be realistic about what it can bring you in the longer term. I have been a member of various networking groups for many years and am still reaping the rewards from events I attended and people I met in the late 1990′s. It’s about relationship building.”
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