Networking can feel a bit daunting at times, but it’s one of the best ways to uncover hidden job opportunities and grow your career. In this article, our resident careers expert Sue Mason shares ten simple yet powerful tips to help you network like a pro. Whether you’re chatting with friends, attending industry events, or diving into online communities, these tips will help you build valuable connections and maybe even land your next big role. 

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We all know that networking is the process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. Have you used networking for jobs? Advertising jobs takes up a lot of time and money for employers, so many jobs are filled by networking. It is also a great way to find out about a particular career and whether you might like it. You can network with anyone. You could start by talking to people you already know about their jobs and who they know. Once you start, you will be surprised at how quickly the list of people you know will grow.

A good way to network for jobs is to:

  1. Make a list of who you already know, including family, friends, and acquaintances, with which positions they hold, and whom they know.
  2. Think about the right people to network with who will be mutually beneficial and can offer advice, mentoring, information, knowledge of vacancies or support for speculative applications.
  3. Research companies of interest and find out exactly what your contact's role is.
  4. Before approaching them, have a clear idea of whom you want to talk to, why you are interested in the organisation, and what you can offer them.
  5. Keep a record of contacts, listing everyone you have spoken to, their contact details, position, and something memorable about them.
  6. Chat to professionals on web forums or join groups on social media, such as LinkedIn, being aware that your posts will be publicly available.
  7. Attend networking events in your industry and local area. Join in with the events, actively listening, talking, and asking questions. If you are nervous, go along with a confident friend or colleague to get you started.
  8. Consider both your short and long-term career plans when meeting people and focus on creating long-term relationships with contacts, keeping confidences and promises, and communicating regularly.
  9. Look into networking courses or contact a Careers Consultant if you would like extra help.
  10. Follow up with new contacts by email or on social media after the event, offering help and asking for help only when it is needed, always thanking someone who has helped and keeping them updated on your progress.

When asking your network for help, ask them in person, if possible, but if not, send an email or message. Start with a friendly greeting, then explain clearly what it is you are asking for, giving them a brief context, and any specific information they may need. The easier you make it for them to help you, the more likely they are to do it. Say if it is time-critical and always offer to help them in return.

If you do approach someone for a speculative job and it doesn’t work, don’t worry, everyone gets knocked back at some stage. They may be pushed for time or not hiring at the moment. Thank them for their time and ask if they can recommend anyone else who might be able to help. Think about how you can learn from the experience and improve your approach for future opportunities.

Don’t worry that you need to be a very outgoing person, you can continue to be yourself, but make sure you are enthusiastic and interested in any career you are finding out about. You never know when a contact could come in handy. You may find someone you know on your next interview panel, or they may have heard of your good reputation in the industry. 

Careers help for alumni - including new CV tool

If you would like some help with networking, or any other careers-focused advice, the Business School Postgraduate Careers Team is here to help! You can contact us on: businesspcs@nottingham.ac.uk.

And we're delighted to have partnered with CareerSet to give you access to a brilliant new careers tool, free of charge. Tailor your CV and cover letter for each job and optimise your LinkedIn profile with CareerSet.

Don't forget the university's Careers & Employability Service is available at all stages of your career too.