Networking is the most effective way of connecting with new people, and it allows you to present your personal brand. By building relationships with people in your industry or field of interest, you increase your chances of finding employment. Networking, whether at an event or online, can be very enriching and rewarding; you just have to know how to play the game.
Why is networking important?
Searching for job opportunities can be a rather arduous and frustrating task, it takes time to hear back from companies regarding your application. Networking helps you cast a wider net and actually talk to people about your career interests. Not all opportunities are online, networking exposes you to opportunities that you may not find on a job seeking platform or company website. Networking is important because it enables you to exchange information, skills and contacts with new people.
The advantages of networking include the following:
- It helps you develop your interpersonal and communications skills.
- The people you meet will think of you when an opportunity arises, and vouch for you as an ideal candidate.
- It shortens the time and effort required to find a job.
- It is a great way of getting career advice, information and support.
- You get to meet new people from you own and others fields of interest.
Networking is not limited to attending an event; social network platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook are a great way of putting yourself out there and connecting with like-minded professionals.
The dos and don’ts of networking
As a young person seeking employment, there are many way in which you can benefits from networking. If you take the right steps, you will get the most out of the experience.
Below is a table of dos and don’ts that will help you in expanding your professional network.
Networking
| Dos | Donts |
| Prepare talking points. How are you going to sell yourself? What are your career aspirations? Master the art of pitching yourself in 30 seconds. | Only take from the networking experience. Networking is about exchanging ideas and information - share articles, opportunities and contacts. Pay it forward! |
| Follow-up after meeting people. Send an email saying what a pleasure it was meeting them; this will make it even easier for you to be remembered. | Stand alone in a corner, waiting to be approached. Be proactive and approach someone or a group. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, you have something to offer |
| Update your social network profiles regularly. Ensure that your career goals are stated clearly, and that your work experience and qualifications are up to date. | Interact with those who are already in your network. Cast your net far and wide, this will increase your chances of finding job opportunities. |
Just the Job wishes you all the best in your networking endeavours! We are one of the best job portals in South Africa. Visit our site to find the perfect job for you.
The post Networking Your Way to the Perfect Job appeared first on Just the Job Blog.