The Importance of Career Networking

The Importance of Career NetworkingThe Importance of Career NetworkingThe importance of career networking shouldnt be discounted when you are in the midst of a job search. Career networking should become a part of your daily work and career-related endeavors. Your career network should be in place for when you need it, both for job searching and for moving along the career ladder. Since you never know when you might need it, it makes sense to have an active career network, even if you dont need it today. The Purpose of Career Networking Career networking, or professional networking, involves using personal, professional, academic or familial contacts to assist with a job search, achieve career goals, or learn mora about your field, or anotherbei field youd like to work in. Networking can be a good way to hear about job opportunitiesor get an in at the company youd like to work in. Why Spend Time on Career Networking Networking can help you get hired and help you grow your car eer. LinkedIn reports 70% of people in 2016 were hired at a company where they had a connection.80% of professionals consider professional networking to be important to career success.35% of surveyed professional say that a casual conversation on LinkedIn Messaging has led to a new opportunity.61% of professionals agree that regular online interaction with their professional network can lead to the way into possible job opportunities. Who You Can Network With Past or present co-workers, colleagues, managers, supervisors or employeesPast or present clients and customersBusiness associatesAlumni of your undergraduate or graduate alma materAcquaintances you know from your personal lifeAcquaintances you know through your spouse or your familyPeople from your church, gym, yoga studio, or community organizationPast or present teachers or professorsAnyone you meet and have a productive, professional conversation about your career path Top 7 Networking Tips Include the right peopleY our career network should include anyone who can assist you with a job search or career move. It can include past and present co-workers, bosses, friends with similar interests, colleagues from business associations, alumni from your university, or acquaintances you have met via online networking services. Your network can also include family, neighbors, and anyone who might have a connection that will help.Know what your career network can do for youOver 80% of job seekers say that their network has helped with their job search. Networking contacts can help with more than job leads. They can provide referrals to or insider information about companies you might be interested in working for. They can provide information on career fields you might want to explore or what the job market is like on the other side of the country. Your network can give you advice on where to look for jobs or review your resume. The possibilities are endless. Keep in stich - work your networkDont just cont act those who can help when you have just been laid-off from your job or decide you want to look for a new position. Keep in touch with your network regularly - even if its just a brief email to say hello and to ask how they are doing. People are more willing to help when they know who you are.Give to get - what can you do for your career network?Networking shouldnt be a one-way street. If you come across an interesting article or a relevant job listing, share it with your network. The point of having a career network is to have resources who can help, butyou should reciprocate whenever you can. Keep track of your networkKeep track of your personal career network somewhere. Whether its electronically or on paper, make sure you know who is who, where they work, and how to get in touch.Network onlineOnline job searching networking does work. Sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and a variety of other online networking websites can help you get in touch with other networkers at specific comp anies, with college affiliations or in a certain geographic area. In addition, if youre a college graduate, your institute may have an alumni career network you can access. When networking with people you dont know, make sure that you know what you want. Are you looking for company information? Do you want to know about job opportunities? Be specific in what you ask for. Attend networking eventsNetworking in person works, too. If you belong to a professional association, attend a meeting or a mixer. Youll find that many of the participants have the same goals you do and will be glad to exchange business cards. If your college alma mater holds alumni networking events (many schools hold them at locations across the country) be sure to attend. There are many different types of networking events you can attend. Career Networking Examples Here are some examples of how career networking can help Susan noticed a help-wanted ad for a job at a local veterinary clinic. She called a frien d who happened to use that vet. Her friend called the vet and recommended Susan. Susan got an interview and got the job. The vet was glad to hire someone who came highly recommended by a good client.John was interested in pursuing a career in medicine. He mentioned his interest to a family friend who happened to be a doctor. The doctor arranged for John to spend a day shadowing him at the hospital and provided an excellent recommendation for medical school. Angela was interested in changing careers and moving from public relations to publishing. Even though she graduated more than a few years ago, she tapped her college career network and came up with a contact at a top New York publishing firm. In addition to being sent new job postings, her resume was hand-delivered to Human Resources when she found a position she wanted to apply for.In casual conversation at the orthodontists office, Jeannie, the assistant, just happened to mention to a patients mom that she was interested in hor ses and in a part-time job working with them. The mom had horses and a bunch of contacts. Jeannie had a part-time job working on a local horse farm by the end of the week