Networking as a career person is the process of building and maintaining relationships with other professionals who can offer you different perspectives, insights, and opportunities in your field or related fields. Networking can help you develop and improve your skills, stay on top of the latest trends, access the job market, find mentors, partners, and clients, and gain the necessary resources for your career development. Networking can be done both online and offline, through various platforms and events, such as social media, conferences, alumni clubs, sports teams, etc.
Networking is not just about exchanging information or asking for favors, but about establishing, nurturing, and reciprocating long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet. Networking is important for your success, as it can give you a competitive edge throughout every stage of your career.
How to leverage relationships to secure employment opportunities
Using your relationships to find employment opportunities is a skill that can help you grow your career and achieve your goals. Here are some tips on how to do it effectively:
- Create and keep a diverse network of people who can give you different perspectives, insights, and opportunities. You can do this by going to events, joining online groups, contacting former colleagues or classmates, and asking for introductions from your current contacts.
- Be active and helpful in your interactions with your network. Don’t just wait for others to contact you or offer you something. Instead, start conversations, share useful information, offer your help, and show your gratitude.
- Share your values and goals clearly and confidently. Let your network know what you are good at, what you are interested in, and what you are looking for. This way, they can better understand how they can help you or refer you to others who can.
- Show your value While relationships can certainly open doors, it is important to show your skills, expertise, and value to potential employers. Keep working on improving your knowledge, skills, and qualifications to position yourself as a valuable candidate. When a referral is made, your network connections will have more trust in recommending you if you have a strong track record or unique abilities to show.
- Access the hidden job market. A large number of job openings are never advertised and are filled through referrals or recommendations. By using your relationships, you may access these hidden opportunities. Make your intentions known to your network and ask if they know of any open positions or if they can introduce you to relevant contacts within their organizations.
- Use your connections strategically by identifying the most relevant and influential people in your network who can open doors for you or connect you with decision-makers. Ask them for advice, feedback, referrals, or recommendations, and be ready to return the favor.
- Ask for recommendations or referrals If you have a strong relationship with someone who has credibility in your target industry, consider asking them for a recommendation or referral. This could be in the form of providing a reference for a specific position, introducing you to a hiring manager, or recommending you for potential job openings within their own company or network. By following these tips, you can use your relationships to find employment opportunities that match your skills, interests, and aspirations. Remember, relationships are a two-way street, so always be respectful, genuine, and grateful when interacting with your network.