Networking a Career
Why build a network? It’s simple - building networks and relationships are key to any successful career.
They are even more useful when finding any one of the 80% of jobs that are not posted externally. Interestingly, companies attribute 40% of hiring to internal referrals[i]. A survey by LinkedIn in 2016 found that 85% of all jobs are filled by networking[ii]. In the United States, professionals in the staffing industry found LinkedIn and referrals to be almost equitable effective lead sourcing channels during recruitment[iii].
Building a network inside and outside of your workplace are equally important. While one should not forget to network outside of an existing workplace, networking among peers is also beneficial – particularly when looking to switch roles or get promoted within an organization. Organizations are looking at ways to increasing employee relations, to boost morale, productivity, and engagement. Building internal relationships can be in the form of organizing (and attending) mixers, participating in volunteer social events and attending other events as a team.
During a job hunt however, external networking is a savior. The question most asked however, is how do you start building out a network?
Style
Introverts and extroverts are two different personality types that will massively impact networking abilities and styles. Identifying a networking style that allows you to be confident and comfortable is vital. This could mean choosing between either attending networking events or messaging people directly on social media, both the same desired outcome.
Rules
Be open, be curious and be appreciative. Never ask for an interview right off the bat. All networking meetings should be treated as exploratory, where you learn more about the team and company, and then determine if there might be a fit. Most importantly, do not be late. Great first impressions are crucial.
Research
While networking, the onus of doing the necessary research falls upon you. You need to know as much about the company, the market, and their successes (or failures) as possible. Being informed elevates the conversation to becoming increasingly meaningful. Further, it reflects the time and effort that was put into the meeting and how serious you are about building a relationship and furthering your cause.
Story
Prepare a story. There needs to be a reason behind why a person has been contacted, the interest in a team or company and most importantly, how it ties into a career plan.
Ask
Every networking meet should end with an ask. The asks vary according to the setting of the meeting but could range from additional introductions, a referral or even feedback on a resume and other application material. Networkers need to have at least one ask ready to deploy. This also helps in keeping a conversation flowing and does not end the interaction at one and done.
Follow up
It is crucial to follow up with people while networking. Not only does this help with recall, but it also helps when there is some sort of an exchange, or barter, completed during the interaction. This makes the interaction meaningful to both parties and provides high recall when leveraging networks.
Sources:
[i] How Many Jobs are Found Through Networking Really?, Pay Scale by Gina Belli – April 2017
https://www.payscale.com/career-news/2017/04/many-jobs-found-networking
[ii] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-survey-reveals-85-all-jobs-filled-via-networking-lou-adler/
[iii] Online Recruiting and Social Media, Statista Report, November 2019