Networking skills
Networking skills involve the ability to build and maintain professional relationships that can enhance career opportunities and job performance. Recognized as a vital soft skill, networking is essential for individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern job market, particularly during economic uncertainties. Effective networking is built over time, starting with familiar contacts such as friends, family, and colleagues in one's desired field. Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn, as well as participating in virtual networking events and engaging with online communities, can significantly expand one's professional connections.
It’s important for individuals to approach networking sincerely, focusing on forming genuine relationships rather than merely seeking job leads. Personal connections, whether through emails, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings, should be followed up with gratitude or action plans that reflect the discussion. A professional online presence is crucial, as recruiters often use social media profiles to assess candidates. By prioritizing professionalism, preparation, and sincere engagement, individuals can effectively cultivate a robust professional network that can serve them throughout their careers.
Networking skills
Networking involves building long-term relationships with other professionals, especially those who work in the same or a similar career field. Career experts agree that networking is one of the top soft skills for workers. Soft skills are desirable attributes or qualities that can enhance both job performance and career prospects. Like other soft skills, networking is something that people can learn how to do.
Overview
Creating and maintaining a network of professional contacts in the sometimes-unsure economic environment of the twenty-first century is more important than ever. Many people wait for a crisis, such as a job loss, to build a professional network. This is a mistake, as the best networks are built over time. Then, if career catastrophe strikes, individuals already have the pieces in place to make a job change smoothly and confidently.
Many new professionals need help figuring out how to build a network. Experts suggest individuals start with who they know and build from there. That means new professionals should reach out to friends, relatives, and acquaintances working in a desired career field. They can help with job leads or offer career advice from a broader perspective.
Students or recent graduates should include teachers or professors in their network. Their co-workers may also be good candidates if they work in the community. Additionally, they should consider networking with people they come across in a professional capacity. For example, if they are interested in a career in dentistry, they should get to know the staff in their dentist’s office. They might also volunteer at an organization connected to their career field.
When economic conditions become uncertain, reflected in layoffs, a saturated job market, and difficulties for recent graduates to obtain employment, the size of one's network becomes increasingly important. In the twenty-first century, social media sites like LinkedIn remained the most effective means of growing one's network and communicating with influential individuals during a job search. Other social media platforms, such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), may also be beneficial. Virtual networking events organized by those in specific career fields have also grown in popularity. Utilizing online communities through Slack channels, Discord servers, or other methods of virtual communication may also provide valuable networking connections. Apps designed for the sole purpose of career networking, such as Shapr or Bumble Bizz, have additionally emerged. Advancing one's education and skills through online classes and certifications can also grow one's network. Finally, traditional methods, such as volunteering and seeking out mentorships, cannot be discounted.
Use Social Media Wisely
For long-term networking, a social media tool such as LinkedIn is the most convenient way to maintain a large group of contacts. A social media site simplifies staying in touch with other professionals. It makes it easy for job seekers to learn about different organizations and job openings. Likewise, these sites make finding candidates for open positions easy for job recruiters.
Many job recruiters use social media as their primary tool to find job candidates. This means they spend a significant amount of time looking at user profiles. Recruiters review profiles carefully to determine the professionalism of job candidates. They also do this to see how well candidates might fit into a particular kind of corporate culture (such as an organization that is very formal). For this reason, users should always make sure their online presence is professional. Their profiles should
- Be current
- Include correct information about education and work history
- Accurately reflect qualifications and skills
- Be free of grammatical errors, spelling errors, and profanity
- Showcase any personal qualities that may be important to the career field
Additionally, if the user chooses to communicate with others using social media tools, such as by liking posts, commenting on articles, or recommending websites, each communication should be conducted professionally. Users should try to look at communications objectively to make sure nothing they share on social media is inappropriate.
Make Personal Connections
Social media tools make it easy to connect with other professionals. However, when building a professional network, it is still essential to make meaningful personal connections. That means following up on new connections with an email, a note, a phone call, or even a face-to-face meeting. In the technologically focused world of the twenty-first century, physical personal connections are far more challenging than those made over social media.
Be Prepared
The key to making successful personal connections is to be prepared. The individual should write a few sentences accurately reflecting their email or phone conversation goal. These sentences should be brief, sincere, and to the point. For example, an individual hoping for career guidance might say, “I understand you are an experienced project manager. I'm hoping to transition into a project management role. I was wondering if you might share some of your experiences with me. Do you have any advice on how to make a successful change?” On the other hand, a person looking for job leads might say, “I understand that you manage a medical office. I recently finished a medical transcription course and am looking for a job in a medical facility. Do you have any advice on where to start my search?”
Be Sincere
Most professionals are flattered to be approached by those looking for career assistance and are usually eager to offer any help that they can. However, they must sense that the individual is sincere and not feel like they are being used just to find a job.
New networkers should avoid a “What can you do for me?” mentality. Instead, they should develop genuine curiosity about other people. They should try to get to know people by asking about their experiences and ideas, and they should practice active listening and truly hear what is being said. Also, they should bring a list of questions to keep the conversation focused.
Follow Up
Individuals should follow up after every networking meeting, regardless of whether the meeting occurred over social media messaging, email, phone, or in person. A follow-up may be as simple as a thank-you note expressing gratitude to the other person or an email detailing an action plan resulting from the conversation. Follow-up is essential, as taking action shows that the person is serious about learning more and advancing in their chosen career.
Bibliography
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Lesonsky, Rieva. "Build Your Business Through Networking." Small Business Administration, 16 Nov. 2018, www.sba.gov/blog/build-your-business-through-networking. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
Levinson, Meredith. "How to Network for Shy People: 12 Tips for Shy People." CIO, www.cio.com/article/2437488/relationship-building-networking/how-to-network--12-tips-for-shy-people.html. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
"7 Effective Networking Strategies for Business Students." Eller College of Management, 20 Feb. 2024, eller.arizona.edu/news/7-effective-networking-strategies-business-students. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
"10 Tips To Help You Network Like a Pro." Indeed, 18 Aug. 2024, www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/network-like-a-pro. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.
Vest, Andrew. "How To Network The Right Way: Eight Tips." Forbes, www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2014/07/28/how-to-network-the-right-way-eight-tips. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.