Tips on Networking Into a Better Job Position

Updated June 18, 20222.2k

Networking is a crucial component of connecting with people and moving up in the industry. How can you start your networking and get the most out of it?

Networking

Professional networking is one of the most important tools that you can use to discover new job opportunities in your career path. People typically don’t discover new opportunities by keeping their head down and doing their jobs quietly. Rather, people usually discover new connections, allowing them to build relationships and discover potential partnerships, which then helps take them to the next level. Here’s what you need to know about business networking.

Different Methods of Networking

When you’re trying to discover networking opportunities, the first thing you need to learn is that there are many paths to effective networking. Here are a few paths to professional development.

Social media networking

Social media networking is typically the easiest form of networking. In this form of networking, you’ll use social media, such as your LinkedIn profile, to connect with other people in your field. This process helps you build networking contacts online, which can be a great starting point for building into networking offline. It allows you to meet people and discover what networking efforts work for you, and it may also help introverts feel more comfortable talking to people they don’t know.
Networking events and formal opportunities

Another option is to use networking events and programs to create social networking options for you. Events can be effective because they’re a helpful starting point for an exchange of information. Some experiences also function as networking events even though they’re technically intended for something else. An MBA program, for example, is often as much a networking experience as it is an educational one.
Informal networking through professional association

The last option is informal networking. Essentially, this is just networking that happens naturally as you create your professional portfolio. If you’ve looked into getting a mentorship, for example, your mentors will become part of your network, even if you didn’t do it as part of a job search. One of the best networking tips is to always be prepared for networking in unlikely places.

Tips on Starting the Networking Process

Know your ultimate goal

First of all, you should know what you want your ultimate goal to be. Entrepreneurs may be looking to eventually get in touch with an angel investor who may want to invest in their product. Some people may be looking to get general career advice, learn new resume skills, and move up in the ranking of their current company. Others might be hoping to get referrals for when they apply to a different company. Regardless of what your goal is, it’s crucial that you have a goal and know it before you start networking.
Don’t talk with an ulterior motive

If you’re only ever talking with people to give out business cards and get them to share information about the company, they’re going to notice that’s what you’re doing. You will immediately come off as very fake if the only reason you ever talk to people is so that you can network. You want to prioritize building relationships, not just moving forward in your career. Remember that high-quality relationships with your co-workers can also benefit your work life, even if they never provide a referral or help you get a better job in your company.
Reach out to anyone you can talk to

There’s no such thing as someone who’s “not important enough” to network with. Remember, if you only prioritize what the other person can do for you, you’re going to end up disappointed and people are going to think that you’re shallow. You never know what kinds of connections someone has, and your best bet is just to network with as many people as possible. No matter who they are or “how important” they seem, making friends with them helps you create a wider network.

FAQ: Networking

When should I start networking?

If you wait until you feel like you have a “wide enough” circle of friends to network, you’re never going to start. Remember, networking is really just talking to people and forming connections. There’s never a bad time to start making friends. You should start networking as soon as you know your goals. Putting yourself out there a little bit will help you start your career journey. It’s also a good idea to have a resume prepared through the ResumeNerd resume builder so that you understand your eventual goal.

Who are the best people to network with?

Anyone who will follow up with you is a great networking start. Remember, networking is just creating relationships, and it’s important that you don’t constantly push toward networking over building genuine friendships. However, especially at the beginning, you should start your network with anyone who seems interested. Your friends are the best place to start networking.

Which platform should I start using for my networking journey?

Using online networks is typically easier for beginner networkers. If you’re not experienced at talking to people and building connections, the extra layer between you and the other individual can be very beneficial. From there, you can move on to more “formal” networking, such as approaching individuals who you don’t already have a connection with.

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About The Author

Cindi Cervone Carlson

Cindi Cervone Carlson is a Senior Vice President for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Cindi is responsible for developing, delivering, and implementing a dynamic, world-class organization dedicated to delivering outplacement consulting, training, support, and executive coaching. Cindi started her career at Challenger as a client who had lost her job. Over the past nine years, she has risen from an entry-level, part-time professional to Senior Vice President.