If you want to get ahead in your career, you’re probably going to have to network. While it’s possible to advance your career without knowing a wide variety of people, in most industries, it’s a lot more difficult. It takes people to introduce and recommend you to employers and point you towards jobs they find online to which you might be suited. It’s that friend at the company who puts in a good word that becomes the deciding factor between you and the other, equally qualified, candidate.
Networking means getting out and meeting people or meeting them online. It means making friends and maintaining relationships. You want people to like you because when they do, this opens a lot more doors.
But networking isn’t intuitive to a lot of people, and many don’t even know where to start. They think the idea of meeting people to advance one’s career is off-putting or dishonest. It doesn’t have to be that way. Think of networking more as building and maintaining relationships that span both your professional and personal lives and enrich you in all of these.
Not sure where to start? Take a look at these networking dos and don’ts.
Do go to things you’re invited to
At this current point in history, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this whole networking thing looks a little different than it did pre-pandemic. You might not be comfortable attending in-person events (though many people are starting to do this), but you can attend online events and participate in anything you’re comfortable with. It’s been said that a big part of success is just showing up, and there is a lot of truth to this.
Don’t stay isolated
You can’t meet people if you don’t show up, and people can’t help you if they don’t know you. It really is that simple.
Do connect with people online
Social media is right at your fingertips and is an amazingly effective networking tool. Ask people you know and you’re sure to find many with friends and colleagues they have never met in person who have helped them professionally and who they have also helped. You actually don’t need to leave the house to make connections anymore. Connect with people in your industry on LinkedIn and people you find interesting on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, or on any other platform you use.
Don’t limit yourself to people in your industry
It’s also important not to limit yourself to connecting with only people in your industry or who do the same job you do. If you do that, you may find yourself interacting with people who are all after the same thing you are and with whom you’ll find yourself in competition. People in roles across all industries know about roles outside of their own area and may be more likely to share them. A software developer may have friends or colleagues looking for people to fill all kinds of jobs, not just software jobs. We all know people who work for companies who may want to hire people. Don’t limit yourself.
Do interact
Once you connect with people, you have to interact with them. If we’re talking about online connections, comment on their posts and share them. Send messages if you see something they might be interested in (sparingly. Don’t overdo it, or you’ll come across as annoying). Compliment someone if they post something they wrote. Laugh at their jokes. Like things. Be generous with all of these things. All anyone wants is to be liked and noticed. If you give them what they want, they will return the favour.
Don’t ask for a job
When you’re first getting to know someone, don’t ask them for a job or help finding one. It’s a turn-off to people to be asked for a job right away as it makes them feel (possibly rightly) that that’s the only reason you want to know them. And why would they recommend or hire you when they hardly even know you? Give it time. It’s OK to casually mention your job search or desire for career advancement but don’t dwell on it. Find other things to talk about and show an interest in who they are as a person.
Do stay connected
If we’re talking about people you meet in real life, you have to stay connected and interact with them also. When you meet someone, get their contact information and connect on LinkedIn or other social media. Say hello and how much you enjoyed meeting them. Then maintain that connection by continuing communication.
Don’t only reach out to people when you want something
It’s important not to only connect with someone when you want something. Nobody likes that. You know how it feels when you haven’t heard from someone in five years and then they message you to ask for a favour? Don’t be that person. Stay connected and reach out to say hello from time to time and also, as mentioned above, interact with their social media posts.
Do ask people about themselves
People like to be asked about themselves – and not just about what they do for a living. Ask about their job but also about their family and hobbies and interests. Find a subject that makes them light up and suddenly start talking and talking. Most of us have at least one of those topics, don’t we? The thing we’re passionately interested in. Find that topic that gets someone talking and they will never forget what a great conversationalist you are.
Don't talk a lot about yourself
It's always more interesting to ask others about themselves than it is to talk about oneself. Avoid talking about yourself. When we're trying to make a good impression we can start talking too much and boasting, and forget to listen and ask questions.
Do be helpful
If someone asks for advice or help and you can offer it, do so. Even better if it gives you an opportunity to showcase your professional skills. For example, if someone says they’re having trouble with their website and you know something about this, offer to take a look at it for free. Being helpful to people in this manner can lead them to recommend you for jobs once they know what you’re capable of.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there
Easier said than done, we know. Sometimes people are shy or socially awkward, and it can be difficult to get out of that comfort zone and meet people, but if you can overcome your fears or reservations, the payoff can be huge. The more people who know and like you, the broader your horizons will be, both professionally and personally. Take baby steps if you have to. And remember that a lot of people have the same insecurities as you. We’re all looking for similar things, and if you are kind, open, and generous with your time and expertise, good things will follow.
