Why is networking important??
There are several reasons why networking is important:??
- Many jobs are never advertised. In order to gain access to these, you can either talk to the people already in your network or reach out to the company you are interested in working for even though they don`t have any positions advertised at the moment.??
- There’s always some risk involved in hiring a new employee. That risk is often reduced when the candidate has been recommended or is already known to the employer.
- If you know someone who works at the company you want to work for, you will have access to more information that can help tailor your CV, application and interview preparation. This gives you an advantage over other applicants who do not have that insight, and allows you to adapt your communication throughout the recruitment process.?
- When others know what you want for your career, they can provide you with information if they hear of something or introduce you to contacts in their own network. This way, you can also expand your own network.
Your network might be bigger than you think!
You may think you haven't done much networking before, but think about all the people you know – these people are already a part of your network. Examples include fellow students, former colleagues, friends, family, people you meet through hobbies and even your neighbors. Your network is probably larger than you think!
Remember, if you feel like you’re missing certain types of contacts –such as those outside academia – you can actively reach out to them via email or by calling employers you'd like to work for in the future.
How can you use your network??
Think of your network as an extension of your knowledge. You can use it to gain more information about:
- job opportunities outside academia
- what it takes to land the position you want
- tips on other people or companies you should talk to
- advice and inspiration for your job search.??
Many people find networking challenging because they feel they have to impress others or brag about themselves. But it doesn’t have to be that way. To make it easier, you could:
- focus on your interests and passions rather than listing all your achievements
- try to find shared interests to talk about, which will make the conversation more pleasant for both of you.
Most people enjoy talking about themselves, so it can be helpful to start the conversation focusing on the other person and their interests. Prepare a few questions you’d like to ask, such as “What made you choose this job?” or “How did you get to where you are today?” Hopefully, they will begin asking you questions in return, creating a balanced dialogue.
Try using the “pay-it-forward strategy” by asking yourself what you can do for the other person. This often leaves a positive impression and may benefit you later.??
How can you take your networking further?
If you want to work more systematically with networking, here are a few suggestions for how to proceed.
- Get an overview of your current network by mapping out who you already know. Try to identify areas where you want to grow your network. For example, if all your contacts are within academia, how can you expand your network to include people in industry??
- Create a plan for how you will maintain your current contacts or expand your network. Remember, you also have access to your contacts’ networks. You can make new contacts by initiating conversations with interesting companies or individuals through LinkedIn or job ads.??
- Write down the questions you want answered. Try to find the right people who can give you the information you're looking for.??
- After talking to someone, ask if they have suggestions for others you should speak with.??