Getting Started

Getting Started

Networking...

Whether you are looking for a graduate job, work experience or simply trying to meet people in your field of interest, networking is central part of the process. So what is networking?

Put most simply, networking is actively building connections and appreciating how these connections can enhance your own skills. Networking is both the means toward – and the experience of – connecting with a range of people whose perspectives, experience and knowledge you can draw on. Most of us network without even realising we are doing it!

Why networking is necessary

Imagine this: you arrive at a party on your own. Walking into the room, you notice 20-30 people, most of whom you don’t know. You spot the faces of a couple of people you remember meeting once in a local café. Who are you likely to approach first at the party? You bet – it is the people you already have a connection with. Networking is about making connections that will serve you in a similar way because they will encourage a potential employer or colleague to think of you ahead of others.

While many jobs are advertised in newspapers or websites or via recruitment agencies, many are not. This may seem like a bad thing when you are the one looking for a job. But the good news is it means that there is a hidden job market that you can tap into if you know that it’s there – and the best way of tapping in to it is by making the most of your connections and creating and building others as much as you can.

Identifying & creating networks

Your very own natural network is formed through your group of friends, relatives, neighbours, current and past co-workers, church and community groups, volunteer buddies and acquaintances that you meet in your day-to-day life. This natural network is always intersected with other similar networks, because each member of your network has their own network, and so on. These intersecting circles mean you already have a very large network which is constantly expanding and forever changing.

Networking in practice

Let’s consider an example. Ashton lives in the city but dreams of working in an environmental job in a regional community. What should his first step be? Before searching for an advertised job Ashton needs to check whether his perceptions about his dream job match the job types available. His first step, then, should be to identify people with first-hand experience and knowledge, who can give him advice on:

• Environmental roles in regional areas
• Qualifications required
• Career structure and progression
• Where regional jobs are advertised
• What employers are looking seeking.

Successful networking

The following qualities are core factors in successful networking:

• Being proactive
• Demonstrating an interest in others and a willingness to learn
• Communicating effectively.

Of these three key factors, good communication is probably the most important. Each and every time you express yourself on paper and verbally, you are communicating something about yourself. Your communication skills will influence how and to what degree a contact will be prepared to assist you. Successful networkers show an interest in everyone they talk to, ask relevant questions, and, above all, listen and follow up on advice they have received.

Basic Guidelines on making the most of your networks:

• Use all available resources – including the web, telephone directory, industry guides – to find out about potential employers and leaders in the field.
• Find out about professional and industry associations in your field.
• Tell everyone you meet about your goals and interests.
• By all means SMS, email or write to those within your extended network – but be sure to check for grammar and spelling errors. Little mistakes may seem insignificant, but they create a bad impression.
• When using the telephone to make contact with your unknown networks, be sure to research the contact first, prepare what you are going to say, and speak clearly and confidently.
• If a person you call is unable to help you in your query, ask for another referral to extend your network.
• Always follow up contacts.
• Get involved and develop positive relationships. Don’t overlook the power of short-term, casual and volunteer activities in the community.
• Stay alert to what is happening in your field by catching up with peers regularly.
• Include employment agencies in your networking activities.
• Thank everyone who has helped you with an email or a letter that includes your contact details.
• Keep a networking log that will record who, when and where you made contact with someone.