How to Use Networking to Find a Job

20

Are you looking for a job? As we all know, the pandemic has changed our world in so many ways, including where we work (home vs office) and how we search for jobs. Although many people still love the option of remote working, it can make it harder to connect with people. In this article we will discuss how to effectively network for jobs.

Job Networking

In a nutshell, job networking involves meeting new people who are in the same profession or industry, and have similar interests to you. Networking gives you an opportunity to bounce ideas off another person and learn from them.

Benefits of Job Networking

Here are some ways in which job networking will benefit you:

  1. Develop business connections
  2. Find inspiration
  3. Be visible
  4. Access job opportunities
  5. Build self-confidence
  6. Learn different approaches
  7. Get answers to your questions
  8. Build lasting relationships
  9. Benefit from positive health effects
  10. Follow your dreams

Develop business connections

Connecting with others in the same profession or industry will give you opportunities to share ideas, share solutions to problems, and show off your expertise. Through job networking, you may even make lifelong friends.

Find inspiration

We all need a little inspiration sometimes, and you can find this through job networking.

Through sharing goals, challenges, experiences, and other ideas you will gain a new perspective. You’ll also be able to give advice to others and, because of this, it’s likely people will see you as reliable and knowledgeable.

Be visible

Standing out from the crowd isn’t a case of just showing up for every event. Instead, it’s about showing others you can be reliable and trustworthy. You want to become a familiar face and someone who others recognize. This will help you when you’re looking for new job opportunities.

Access job opportunities

Networking will give you a ‘foot in the door’ and ensure that you find out about any job openings that you may not find out about otherwise or that might not even be advertised yet.  People who know you will likely refer you for any relevant new positions. This also gives you an opportunity to grow personally, or to advance your career.

Build self-confidence

Job networking develops your social skills, boosts your confidence, and helps you to become more comfortable talking to new people. Developing people skills will ultimately help strengthen your professional and personal relationships.

Learn different approaches

Networking provides an opportunity to think outside the box. Someone in your network of people may offer a different solution to a problem that you haven’t thought about. Asking those in your network for advice and opinions will help build trust, as well as help develop long-term relationships.

Get answers to your questions

There are no stupid questions. Networking gives you an opportunity to ask industry related questions which could boost your knowledge on business trends, industry tips, or new technology. Asking questions shows you are engaged, and could give you an advantage over your competition.

Build lasting relationships

As you network, you’ll meet people with like-minded goals and ideas. This gives you a chance to get to know people in your industry, build lasting friendships, and you can mutually support each other on a personal and professional level.

Benefit from positive health effects

Building positive relationships through networking helps your mental and physical health. The opportunity to give advice or help others succeed will give you an emotional boost. Also, good communication and teamwork will help your networking options.

Follow your dreams

Networking is a way to land internships, apprenticeships, and to meet people who are hiring for your dream job. It will ensure you to hear about new job opportunities and it will help your network refer you to hiring managers. It’s important to clearly communicate to your network what you’re looking for and what you can bring to a new position.

How to Network for Jobs

The pandemic has changed job networking, and it’s now important to embrace virtual networking as well as in-person. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your job search.

  1. Decide what networking style is best for you
  2. Know the “rules” of professional networking
  3. Effectively use social media to network
  4. Practice networking in your workplace
  5. Offer to help
  6. Be consistent
  7. Always follow-up

Decide what networking style is best for you

We are all different and networking styles are not one size fits all. Introverts connect differently than extroverts. The best way to network is to be confident and comfortable when you’re reaching out to new people.

Know the “rules” of professional networking

Rule #1: Never openly ask for an interview.

The best approach is to learn more about the company, ask questions, get a sense about the employees and work atmosphere. This will help you decide whether or not the company is the right fit for you.

Rule #2: Never ask for a job.

As you make connections with new people and previous connections, let them know about the type of job and role you’re looking for. Generally, they’ll be more than happy to let you know about potential job opportunities.

Effectively use social media to network

Social media isn’t just scrolling through a feed looking at pictures, recipes, ads, and other entertaining content. Social media is an essential place to network; it’s all about connecting with people.

LinkedIn is the best place to network. You can search by various factors including company or job title, and then reach out to professionals at those companies to connect with them.

Practice networking in your workplace

Networking in your current workplace can help you learn and grow in your current job role, as well as prepare you for your next job.

Offer to help out

Volunteering is another great way to meet new people, and to bond through common interests, tasks, and goals. Just a reminder that networking is a two way street, so be thankful when someone helps you and find ways to help others in return.

Be consistent

Networking is all about showing others you can be consistent. Be willing to get out of your comfort zone, connect with others, and learn something new daily.

Always follow up

Be sure to always follow up after meeting someone new. Send a personalized message through LinkedIn asking the person to stay in touch. Comment on posts occasionally, and share valuable career information. Sometimes, simply touching base to see how someone is doing is all you need to do.

Job networking is an essential component of finding the right job. Even before you’re looking for a job, be bold and build connections so that when that perfect job comes along, you’ll already have a network of people ready to put in a good word for you.


Katie MeyersKatie Meyers is an SEO Specialist at SEO Design Chicago. Before joining the SEO Design Chicago team, she interned for them, as well as interned as a Content Writer at HZD Creates. Katie is from Washington State and has an AA and a Social Media Marketing Certificate.

Discussion20 Comments

  1. Not everyone can use communication networks effectively. If used too much, it can have serious consequences Sonic exe. But if you know how to use it, it becomes an unexpected advantage.

  2. You’ll be the first to know about openings, and your contacts can recommend you to prospective employers. Everyone in your professional network should be driving directions aware of your current employment situation and career goals.

  3. I am happy to be here and this wonderful blog. I have found here lots of important information for my knowledge I need. Thanks for sharing this amazing post.

    Kindly Visit our Website:- HP Support Assistant

  4. Thank you for sharing such useful tips! I have been struggling to navigate the job market and make connections that could potentially lead to employment opportunities. Your article has inspired me to be more intentional and proactive in my networking efforts, and to approach networking as a way to build authentic relationships with people in my desired field, rather than just a means to an end. I will definitely be putting these strategies into practice!

  5. Networking is not only about making connections, but also about maintaining and nurturing those relationships over time. I’ve personally found that attending industry events and joining professional associations have been great ways to expand my network and learn from others in my field. Thank you for sharing these helpful tips!

  6. Great article! I completely agree that networking is a crucial tool for finding job opportunities. In fact, many of the best job opportunities come from people you know, rather than job listings or online applications. The tips you provided for building and maintaining a strong professional network are spot on. Thank you for sharing these valuable insights!

  7. If you really want to find the job of your dreams and value your time, then Paragon Alpha will help you with this. It is the best specialist hedge fund recruiting and advisory firm.

  8. This article discusses the value of networking for job searchers and offers advice on how to best take advantage of one’s network to further one’s career. The information presented here is useful for anyone looking to expand their professional sphere of influence through networking. The essay highlights the value of networking and the good effects it may have on one’s professional life. Those looking for advice on how to maximize their job search potential through strategic networking will find this book invaluable.

  9. I was also looking for a job for myself so I found a way to find a job comfortably from this site. Thats why I like this site and this Bape Pink Hoodie site and clothes because there are many good clothes available here.

  10. I was also looking for a job for myself so I found a way to find a job comfortably from this site. Thats why I like this site and this Bape Pink Hoodie site and clothes because there are many good clothes available here

  11. A very interesting topic that I have been looking at, I think this is one of the most important information for me. And I’m glad to read your post. Thanks for sharing!

  12. Great article. I read this blog all the time and I’m impressed. I think this information is very important, especially the last part. I have been trying to find this information for a long time. Thank you and good luck

Leave A Reply