Networking and Its Importance In Job Seeking
By Simon Erlich
This article discusses what networking is and why it is important
For many of us, the idea of networking provokes feelings of pressure, anxiety, and discomfort. However, that doesn’t stop career professionals, business big-wigs, and just about anyone with an opinion on how to get a job from using it. So, there is obviously some merit to recommending networking despite its emotionally associated stress. If you are interested in alleviating these feelings of unease when networking or simply hoping to improve your approach, then consider booking an interview advising session with a career advisor after reading the beneficial information below.
What Is Networking?
Let me start by saying I detest the word networking, or at least what it has come to mean. Today, the word networking paints a picture of people thrown into a rigid social setting, wearing formal attire, and trying to engage in contrived conversations. In these situations, the apparent goal seems to be the shameless self-promotion of only one aspect of who you are, your “professional side.” No wonder it can feel unnatural and uncomfortable. However, I offer a re-frame. At its core, networking is nothing more than relationship building, and I believe that is a better word to describe it. Yes, at the end of the day you are trying to promote yourself, but that does not, and should not, mean your focus should be on forcing your business card on 100 people and only discussing what you want in your career.
When we think about networking instead as relationship building, we shift the focus of the conversation away from solely one’s career goals and open it up to the possibility of connecting over anything. In other words, you can be who you really are rather than only presenting a fragmented microcosm of yourself which is the “professional you.” Let me clarify, it is important to talk about your career goals in these conversations, and in many contexts this is exactly what is expected… at some point in the conversation. You do not have to start every conversation by asking “what do you do” and then becoming disappointed when that person does work unrelated to your interests. Part of the point here is to avoid trying to engage in solely transactional conversations where other people are seen as only helpful or relevant to you if there direct line of work dictates they can help you get to where you want to go in your career.
Why Is Networking Important?
Now that we understand what networking is, let us discuss why it is crucial. As I mention in my article on Successful Job Searching Strategies, the majority of jobs – perhaps as high as 80% – are not found on publicly available job searching websites. Instead, they are found through – you guessed it – relationships and contacts! This informative but straightforward fact should revolutionize the way you conduct job searching and shift your focus to an approach that puts a much higher emphasis on building your professional network.
When you have an extensive network of people you are confident will champion your cause, then you have a much higher likelihood of seemingly serendipitous career opportunities arising. If you have built solid relationships with people in your network and they are informed about your career goals – whether an immediate job search or future career direction – they are more likely to connect you with people and opportunities they come across in their day-to-day encounters. As I discuss in my job searching strategies article, you are far more likely to land a job with a personal referral than by throwing your application [needle] into the stack [of hay] of resumes and cover letters.
A Few Tips To Get You Started
Now that you understand why networking is essential, it is important to refine your approach and understand how to do it effectively in a way that best suits you and your personality. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to doing this, given the immense complexity of human personalities. To learn how to network effectively, consider booking an interview advising session with a career advisor – you will be amazed by how much you can learn in one session! Here are a few tips for those who prefer to try it alone:
1. Every interaction you have in life – whether at a networking event or on the street – has the possibility of forwarding your career, and perhaps in a direction you have not even considered. Talking to people outside of your specific field can give you perspective, so do not shy away. You also never know who is in the network of the person you are talking to!
2. Be prepared. Yes, networking is about relationship building. However, people really are at networking events to talk about careers. As such, you need to be prepared to talk about yours. Can you tell your career story in 30-60 seconds?
3. It is a two-way street. Do not go to a networking event only prepared to talk about yourself. Yes, you need to be assertive to ensure your story is heard, but it is equally important to be a good listener. Of course, this is symbolic of a good relationship.
Conclusion
Hopefully, by reading this article you have become more clear about what networking is, and you feel more confident heading into your next opportunity. However, to develop your personal approach to networking and learn about proven strategies, book an interview advising session and have one of our counsellors ensure you are confident and well prepared for your future interactions. It is a small investment in yourself that will last a lifetime!