Networking is one of the most effective ways to find and land a new job. With the rise of online networking platforms like LinkedIn, networking has become easier and more accessible than ever before. But what exactly is networking and how does it help you get a job?
In essence, networking is about building and leveraging connections to achieve a goal, usually a job search or career advancement. It involves meeting and interacting with people who work in your desired industry or role and who can potentially help you find job opportunities, refer you to hiring managers, or give you insider tips. Though it may sound transactional, networking is much more effective when approached as relationship building.
Below we will explore the many benefits of networking for your job search and career. We will also provide actionable tips on how to network effectively.
Benefits of Networking for Your Job Search
There are many key advantages to incorporating networking into your job search strategy:
Gain Insider Knowledge
Networking gives you an inside look at potential employers and roles. By connecting with professionals in your industry, you can gain valuable insider knowledge about company cultures, requirements for open positions, challenges and opportunities associated with certain roles, and more. This allows you to better assess potential job fits and tailor your application materials accordingly.
Increase Visibility
Networking gets your name and qualifications in front of the right people. Rather than just being a resume in a pile, you become a known candidate. Your network connections can refer you to hiring managers, forward your resume, or recommend you for open roles. This gives you a major visibility boost during the job search process.
Unlock Hidden Job Opportunities
Research shows that over 80% of jobs are never publicly advertised. Networking allows you to uncover many of these unadvertised or “hidden” job opportunities that you would have otherwise missed out on. Your network connections can notify you when there are openings at their companies or pass your name along for potential openings, even if a job is not posted online.
Differentiate Yourself
In addition to finding hidden roles, networking also helps differentiate you from other applicants once you do apply for a job. Hiring managers give serious weight to personal recommendations from current employees. Coming referred gives you a major advantage over other candidates who just applied cold.
Get Your Foot in the Door
Even if a connection can’t refer you directly, they can often help you get your foot in the door. Having a contact at your desired company who can facilitate an introduction or pass your resume directly to hiring managers can help you bypass traditional application channels. This exponentially increases your chances of landing an interview.
Refine Your Skills
Informational interviews and conversations with professionals in your industry provide valuable opportunities to refine your “soft skills” like communication, emotional intelligence, and more. You can also solicit feedback to improve your resume, interviewing abilities, and overall job search approach.
Expand Your Perspective
Networking exposes you to new people and ideas that can profoundly expand your professional perspective. You may learn about career paths or companies you never knew existed. Or a chance connection might lead you toward an entirely new direction that aligns better with your skills, interests, and values.
Tips for Effective Networking
To maximize the benefits of networking for your job search, focus on quality over quantity. It’s not about collecting business cards and handing out resumes. Here are some tips:
Leverage Existing Contacts
Start by reaching out to your existing network from past jobs, schools, volunteer work, clubs, and personal life. Let people know you are looking and ask if they can offer advice or connections. Maintain these relationships even when you are not actively searching.
Expand Your Network
Once you have connected with your existing circle, look for opportunities to expand your network. Attend industry meetups and conferences. Reach out for informational interviews. Connect with former colleagues of colleagues (the “friends of friends” approach).
Craft a Strong Profile
Optimize your online presence, especially your LinkedIn profile. Include relevant keywords and spotlight accomplishments that would appeal to potential employers. This will organically help attract new connections.
Provide Value
Instead of just asking for help, offer value to your connections. Share articles, advice, or other resources that may interest them. Offer to review their resume or do a mock interview. Help connect them to someone in your network who could assist them.
Follow Up
After meeting a new connection, always follow up to keep the relationship going. Send a thank you message, connect on LinkedIn, or set up another time to talk. Maintaining the relationship after that first meeting is key.
Track Interactions
Use a spreadsheet or CRM system to track your networking interactions, including notes that can help with relationship-building. Set reminders to follow up with key contacts.
Where to Network
Some of the best places to meet potential connections and contacts include:
Industry Events and Conferences
Attending relevant industry events allows you to connect directly with professionals in your field. Tap into your network to find out about events.
Alumni Networks
Many colleges and professional/training programs have alumni networks you can leverage. Attend mixers or contact fellow alums who work in your industry.
Professional Associations
Join relevant professional associations and attend their networking events, conferences, trainings, and community service activities.
Volunteering
Volunteering allows you to expand your network while doing good. Non-profit boards are filled with potential connections.
Online Communities
Join industry forums and groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Follow relevant hashtags and engage in discussions.
Coworking Spaces
If you work independently, coworking spaces provide networking with professionals across many industries.
Common Networking Mistakes
While networking can significantly boost your job search, there are some common mistakes that can hinder your efforts:
Only Networking When You Need Something
Networking should not just be transactional. Avoid only reaching out when you need a new job. Maintain relationships during non-job search times too.
Focusing on Quantity Over Quality
Don’t worry about collecting hundreds of business cards or LinkedIn connections. Focus on building genuine relationships, even if it’s with a smaller number of people.
Forgetting to Follow Up
Following up is crucial for maintaining and strengthening new connections. Set reminders if needed. Send a quick check-in, share an article, or connect them to someone else who can help.
Not Listening
Networking is a two-way street. Don’t just talk about your needs or only pitch yourself. Actively listen and find ways to help the other person as well.
Lacking Clear Goals
Your outreach will be less effective if you lack clear goals. Know exactly what kinds of roles, companies, or contacts you want to prioritize during your networking.
Not Tracking Interactions
Use a system to track your networking efforts and touchpoints. Review regularly to identify gaps and ensure consistent follow up.
Example Outreach Messages
It can be challenging to craft that first outreach message when connecting with someone new. Here are some networking email templates you can customize:
Connecting After Meeting In-Person
Subject: It was great to meet you!
Hi [name],
It was great meeting you at [event/conference/meeting] and learning more about your role at [company]. As we discussed, I have over [x] years experience in [your industry] and am currently exploring new career opportunities in [target role/field]. I would love to stay in touch and learn more about your experience at [company name]. Let me know if you would ever like to grab coffee or have a quick phone call. I’m happy to connect you with others in my network who may be helpful as well. Looking forward to keeping in touch!
Best,
[Your name]
Request for Informational Interview
Subject: Request for informational interview
Hi [name],
I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was very impressed by your background and experience in [industry/role]. I am currently looking to transition into a [target role] position after [x] years in [current role]. I would love to learn more about your career path and any insights you may have around positioning myself for [target role] roles. Would you have 20-30 minutes in the next few weeks for a quick phone or coffee informational interview? I’m happy to connect you with others in my network who may be helpful in return. Looking forward to your thoughts!
Best,
[Your name]
Introduction from Mutual Connection
Subject: [Mutual connection name] recommended I connect
Hi [name],
[Mutual connection name] suggested I reach out and connect with you. As [he/she] mentioned, I have over [x] years of experience in [your industry] and am currently exploring [target role] opportunities. I’d love to learn more about your background at [company] and get your insights on the industry. Are you open to connecting over coffee or a quick call in the next few weeks? I’m happy to share more about my background and provide referrals to others in my network who may help you as well.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Best,
[Your name]
Key Takeaways
– Networking expands your connections, increases visibility, and helps uncover “hidden” job opportunities that are never posted online.
– Focus on building mutually beneficial relationships rather than just transactional interactions.
– Leverage existing contacts first, then look for opportunities to strategically expand your network.
– Interact both online and in person at industry events, peer groups, alumni networks and more.
– Avoid common pitfalls like neglecting follow up or lacking clear networking goals.
– Use templates to craft initial outreach messages and request informational interviews.
Conclusion
Though it requires effort, networking can be one of the most effective strategies for landing a new job. By thoughtfully building and leveraging your professional connections, you will unlock career opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. Approach networking as a long-term, relationship-focused endeavor that provides value for both parties. With a strategic approach, networking will become an indispensible pillar of career growth and success.