Networking

Networking Networking
It is said that 60% of jobs are never advertised, and exist within “the hidden job market” https://www.careers.ox.ac.uk/networking#collapse1540061

What networking means
Networking is using the people you know, and the people they know, to find out about job opportunities. It’s about building relationships through your contacts. This could be through professional networking platforms like LinkedIn.

It can also be through:

  • friends and family
  • work colleagues and others they work with
  • people you know on social media
  • employers you’ve contacted directly
  • recruitment consultants

Why networking is important

Networking can help you:

  • hear about job vacancies
  • let people know you’re looking for work
  • learn more about a career or training scheme and whether you’ll like it
  • find out what it’s like to work for a particular company
  • build a list of contacts
  • get recommended for a job
  • grow your reputation in a company or industry

Building a good network also means you’ll have people you can come back to for support later in your career.

Build relationships

Make sure you connect with the right people. Decide what you want from your network before you start.

For example, you might be looking for:

Be clear about what you want from the people you make connections with. The easier you make it for them, the more likely they are to help you.

Networking works both ways

Show that you also have something to offer. For example, if you see someone asking for advice, offer to help them if you can. It could be as simple as sending them a link to an article online.

Networking can feel intimidating at the start. If you feel nervous or shy, ask the person you’re talking to something about themselves. It takes the pressure off you and shows that you’re interested in them.

Top tip

Always follow up networking with an action. If you’re given a name to contact about a job, do it. If you offer to help someone else, make sure you do. Following up shows people that you’re motivated, confident and keen.

Informal networking

Informal networks are people that you know outside of work. They can include:

  • friends or family
  • members of clubs or teams you’re in
  • people on a course that you’re doing
  • people who volunteer with you
  • the online community you chat to
  • someone you know from school, college or university

You can ask members of your informal network:

  • if they know someone who does the sort of work you’re interested in
  • whether they know anyone who is currently hiring
  • the best ways to look for vacancies in their line of work
  • how they got their job

Top tip

Make a list of 3 people you know who you could ask for recommendations or job advice.

Online networking

Online networking is a good way to meet people, especially if you’re nervous about doing it in person.

You can find a group or community to connect with on social media platforms like:

The people you meet may also be part of larger online communities.

There are also lots of community forums that you can take part in. These places give you opportunities to:

  • build your network
  • develop a reputation for being helpful
  • show you’re good at what you do

LinkedIn is an example of a professional networking site. It lets you create an online profile like a CV to highlight your skills and the things you’ve done. It also allows you to:

  • research companies
  • look for jobs
  • join groups where you can make connections
  • develop relationships

Think before you share

Employers often use social media to find out about employees they want to recruit. Make sure you’re creating a professional image online.

Be careful with the information and images you post on social media. Most social media is public. If you would not be happy letting your boss see it, think twice before putting it online.

Formal networking

You can go to networking events in your local area, like:

  • careers and job fairs
  • industry events, talks and conferences
  • college open days
  • specialist events like ‘women in science’
  • self-employment or business startup workshops

Look out for networking events near you on social media, in your local library or JobCentre Plus. Talk to a career’s adviser for more information.

Top tip

At events, write down one memorable thing about each person you meet. This makes it much easier to remember them later.

Job Search Tips

How to make a connection

Networking to find a job

Find a job through people you know. Networking is a great way to find out about job vacancies coming up, or jobs not advertised.

Networking https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/tools-resources/building-confidence/networking-top-tips

Work in 2030

Networking

Networking Networking
It is said that 60% of jobs are never advertised, and exist within “the hidden job market” https://www.careers.ox.ac.uk/networking#collapse1540061

What networking means
Networking is using the people you know, and the people they know, to find out about job opportunities. It’s about building relationships through your contacts. This could be through professional networking platforms like LinkedIn.

It can also be through:

  • friends and family
  • work colleagues and others they work with
  • people you know on social media
  • employers you’ve contacted directly
  • recruitment consultants

Why networking is important

Networking can help you:

  • hear about job vacancies
  • let people know you’re looking for work
  • learn more about a career or training scheme and whether you’ll like it
  • find out what it’s like to work for a particular company
  • build a list of contacts
  • get recommended for a job
  • grow your reputation in a company or industry

Building a good network also means you’ll have people you can come back to for support later in your career.

Build relationships

Make sure you connect with the right people. Decide what you want from your network before you start.

For example, you might be looking for:

Be clear about what you want from the people you make connections with. The easier you make it for them, the more likely they are to help you.

Networking works both ways

Show that you also have something to offer. For example, if you see someone asking for advice, offer to help them if you can. It could be as simple as sending them a link to an article online.

Networking can feel intimidating at the start. If you feel nervous or shy, ask the person you’re talking to something about themselves. It takes the pressure off you and shows that you’re interested in them.

Top tip

Always follow up networking with an action. If you’re given a name to contact about a job, do it. If you offer to help someone else, make sure you do. Following up shows people that you’re motivated, confident and keen.

Informal networking

Informal networks are people that you know outside of work. They can include:

  • friends or family
  • members of clubs or teams you’re in
  • people on a course that you’re doing
  • people who volunteer with you
  • the online community you chat to
  • someone you know from school, college or university

You can ask members of your informal network:

  • if they know someone who does the sort of work you’re interested in
  • whether they know anyone who is currently hiring
  • the best ways to look for vacancies in their line of work
  • how they got their job

Top tip

Make a list of 3 people you know who you could ask for recommendations or job advice.

Online networking

Online networking is a good way to meet people, especially if you’re nervous about doing it in person.

You can find a group or community to connect with on social media platforms like:

The people you meet may also be part of larger online communities.

There are also lots of community forums that you can take part in. These places give you opportunities to:

  • build your network
  • develop a reputation for being helpful
  • show you’re good at what you do

LinkedIn is an example of a professional networking site. It lets you create an online profile like a CV to highlight your skills and the things you’ve done. It also allows you to:

  • research companies
  • look for jobs
  • join groups where you can make connections
  • develop relationships

Think before you share

Employers often use social media to find out about employees they want to recruit. Make sure you’re creating a professional image online.

Be careful with the information and images you post on social media. Most social media is public. If you would not be happy letting your boss see it, think twice before putting it online.

Formal networking

You can go to networking events in your local area, like:

  • careers and job fairs
  • industry events, talks and conferences
  • college open days
  • specialist events like ‘women in science’
  • self-employment or business startup workshops

Look out for networking events near you on social media, in your local library or JobCentre Plus. Talk to a career’s adviser for more information.

Top tip

At events, write down one memorable thing about each person you meet. This makes it much easier to remember them later.

 

Links to help 

How to Use Social Media to Help Your Career

Building Confidence & Being Assertive

Emotional Intelligence

Who are contacts