5 Tips on how to network and get that job

Building relationships is crucial to your professional growth. And this is where effective networking comes in. This technique not only helps you land a job, but it also helps you take your existing career to the next level.

In this blog post, we’ll answer the following questions:

• How do I network myself for a job?

• What are the networking tips for a job?

What are 5 networking tips for getting a job?

Networking helps you benefit from your personal and business connections instead of depending entirely on your resume to land a job. Recruiters and hiring managers prefer hiring candidates that come through a referral, which is why networking is crucial. 

Here are five tips on how to network for a job:

1. Establish a clear objective

The first thing is to establish the reason you’re networking. Do you want to connect with people to help you land a job, or do you need more leads for your growing business? Are you looking to excel in your existing field of expertise or planning to switch your career?

Once you’ve established your objective, it’ll become easier to create a plan of action. Your elevator pitch should then reflect your field of interest and reason for connecting with others. 

2. Determine what works best for you

Not all networking happens on LinkedIn. There are several events in the real world that provide an ideal opportunity for networking, such as conferences, trade shows, exhibitions, and corporate events. 

Figure out what works best for you. Would you prefer meeting people in online meetings or in person? Do you want to dress your best and head out to a networking event, or would you rather put on something comfortable, stay indoors, and have a Zoom chat? 

3. Seek career advice

When you’re networking with someone, it’s always a give-and-take relationship. You want something from the other individual, and you’re willing to provide something else in exchange. However, in order to capture someone’s attention and make them feel valued, you need to put them in a position of power; this is where career advice comes in.

When you’re creating a personalized message for someone, mention career advice. Just let them know that you’d like to connect for some career advice.This way, the other individual will feel valued that you’re turning to them for advice, and they’ll more likely respond to your request. 

4. Talk about career journeys

You’re learning how to network for a job, but remember, it’s all about relationship building. And when you’re trying to build a professional relationship with someone, you need to view their entire career journey—including their highs and lows—and what they can share with you.

For this reason, it’s important to talk to people about their career progression. How did they start? What were some of their greatest triumphs and setbacks? What lessons did they learn along the way? Getting the answers to these questions will help you learn from their mistakes and take a more calculated approach toward your career. 

5. Stay connected

The final aspect of networking is to stay connected with the individual. You don’t just want to exchange information with them and then forget about it. You’d want to stay in touch and keep learning from them. 

Stay connected with people. Add them to your LinkedIn. Send them some follow-up emails and messages after having a conversation with them. These small acts of gratitude go a long way in building a solid impression.

Are you looking for some expert career advice on networking, resume writing, or other matters? Start with our career coaching service!

Key takeaways

1. Proper networking goes a long way in helping you land a job.

2. Networking is all about building lasting professional relationships with people.

3. Without a proper networking plan of action, your efforts might be in vain.