How to Network Authentically
When you hear the word “networking”, what feelings come to mind or what perceptions do you hold? If negative thoughts or feelings are an immediate response, you’re not alone. It’s very common to feel nervous or worried about networking! However, these perceptions or worries might be standing in your way when it comes to one of the most essential steps of job searching. Some figures even point to 85% of job opportunities being filled via networking. With this in mind, how do we bust the negative perceptions of networking that we may hold and overcome them? How can we reset our minds to think of networking as an exciting opportunity in relationship building, rather than a worrisome interaction? This blog covers tips for reframing the way that we think about networking in order to fine tune this very necessary job search skill.
First, let’s abandon the thought of what networking has to solely be. We should expand our idea of networking events beyond handing out business cards at industry conferences. Yes, you should absolutely still attend these types of events too, but there are more settings and opportunities in which you can make a lasting impression on a potential employer. Take Intern Week, for example. Between January 24th and 31st you have a multitude of options for employer interactions. Each day, a featured employer will be collaborating with ECS to facilitate workshops and 1-1 resume reviews, mock interviews, LinkedIn/Handshake profile reviews, and elevator pitch practices. Aside from getting valuable employer advice in these settings, you can also strike up an impactful conversation with company representatives, build a networking connection with them, and stand out among job candidates. You can even network with peers who’ve had an internship or co-op at a company you may be interested in at Intern Networking Night. This event is a great opportunity to practice your networking skills in a low-stakes environment surrounded by classmates. Outside of Intern Week, any event (such as volunteering, a guest speaker in class, etc.) can be a networking interaction if you seize the opportunity.
If another one of your worries stems from the networking conversation itself, we’ve got you covered. Instead of sticking to a rigid structure of how you think the conversation should go, or the order in which you ask your questions, let the conversation flow freely. Take a genuine interest in what the other person is saying and make comments, observations, or provide your own insight. You may find that with past networking conversations, you were worrying so much about what question you were going to ask next that you actually missed out on the information the other person was sharing. Still prepare for a networking conversation by crafting a list of things you want to ask them or talk about (to both find the information you need and avoid any drop-offs in conversation) as well as by researching industry trends, company news, or other anecdotes that you can use to impress the other party during the interaction.
Lastly, in recruiting, there is a phrase that refers to “keeping your job candidates warm”. This phrase explains the concept of maintaining a prospective employee’s interest in joining your organization. The same idea should be applied to your networking strategy. With each connection that you make, ensure that you’re maintaining the relationship too. Take time to thank and follow up with them, interact with them on LinkedIn, have check in conversations, and more. The effort that you make to leave a positive impression on someone shouldn’t end when the networking event does. Happy networking!
"The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work." —Robert Kiyosaki
