Top Tips on Networking to Find a New Job

Learning how to network is not only a great way to meet new people, but it also helps you find new job roles and get recommended for work. Strong networkers have great connections and are first in line for new opportunities that crop up.

Here at CVHelp, we provide CV writing resources to help you in all areas of searching for and securing a job. In this article, we share why networking is vital to your career success and what you can do to improve your networking abilities as your career progresses.

Whether you’re waiting for your morning coffee, participating in a sports league or attending a professional conference, networking is about developing, building and cultivating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the individuals you meet.

To be a great networker, you don’t necessarily need to join professional organisations and attend every networking event that comes your way. You can do it in your everyday life.

Investing in professional and personal relationships can pay off when it comes to progressing your career. Networking is crucial because it allows you to build and improve your skill set, stay on top of industry trends, keep a pulse on the job market, meet potential mentors and get access to resources to help you get ahead in your career.

Networking can provide access to fresh opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. A solid professional relationship may motivate someone to send your CV to the hiring manager’s desk by hand. This can help you stand out from everyone else and even land your ideal job.

Here are three reasons why you should make the most of networking opportunities for career development:

1. Bespoke career advice:

Speaking to individuals in your field or comparable professions, regardless of where you are in your career, will provide you with first-hand experiences of what the working environment is truly like, what mistakes to avoid and how to best grow. Meet people who can share advice with you and keep building relationships with them over a series of follow-up conversations.

2. Support from industry professionals:

Social networking in business is vital for the excellent advice you can get from other professionals and the exchange of information and support you may get from others in the sector when you need it. If you already have connections with a variety of other individuals who operate in the same field as you and you run into a certain difficulty, have an idea that you need a second opinion on or want to discuss a certain trend or development, you can get help from the people you’ve met through networking.

3. Confidence building:

Many people consider networking to be one of the most challenging aspects of their professional lives. It might be difficult to get yourself motivated to go out and meet a lot of new people, especially if you’re new to the game. Knowing what to say isn’t easy for everyone. The more networking you do, the more relaxed you’ll get. Being able to strike up a conversation with a stranger, talk about your abilities and get them interested in your job all boost your self-confidence.

4. Helping you get a job:

Whether directly or indirectly, networking can help you find work. Perhaps someone you meet is hiring and they’re impressed with what you have to say and invite you to an interview. Or perhaps you’ll add your new connections on LinkedIn and see one of them posting a new job opportunity they’ve seen.

Some people thrive at huge gatherings, while others prefer to network using social media applications, like LinkedIn. You might find virtual networking events easier as a way into the world of networking. However, you can’t expect to create a solid professional network by simply attending a networking event. You also need to make a good impression. Here are some networking tips to help you focus your efforts:

• Be proactive: Maintaining fruitful connections and partnerships requires cultivating your network all year. You shouldn’t only talk to people in your network when you’re looking for a job and need help. Stay in touch with people regularly, whether by commenting on their posts, sharing information by dropping them a message or meeting for a coffee. That way, the connection is more genuine and they’re more likely to help you out when you need it. 

• Give and take: Understand what you have to offer as a contact. Networking should be mutually beneficial in an ideal world, so let your contacts know how you might assist them and ask them what they need help with. Friends are more likely to reciprocate the favour if they feel like it’s an equal relationship instead of a one-way mentorship helping you along your career path.

• Find common ground: Remember that everyone at a business networking event is also a person. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about people’s interests outside of work. Connecting over a shared interest can give you valuable information about other people and can help you form a stronger friendship, which is a benefit not just for business.

These pointers can assist you in making an effective networking effort. Remember that the goal of networking is to create relationships and networks. New clients, possible partners, business and career prospects and seasoned mentors all start with a strong network. It’s never too early, or late, to invest.

It’s important to have a stellar CV on hand when networking so you can seize any opportunities that arise in your job search. Don’t forget to check out our other blogs, such as How to Write a CV or Skills for CV, to elevate your career and potentially land your dream job.