Networking
What does networking mean?
It’s simple really. Networking is the exchange of information with others and in turn, creating mutually beneficial relationships with people you meet. It’s a two-way interaction where you find out information about them, and they find out information about you.
Networking can be deliberate or can happen when you least expect it. For example, you might be attending a professional networking event where the purpose is specifically to network and meet other people. You might take the opportunity to deliberately network at a conference or during a placement. Or it can happen organically; while you’re waiting in line for a coffee or meeting a new classmate for example. Informal networking often occurs in everyday life and with family and friends.
Most commonly, networking happens in person. But you can network via email, social media or over the phone. Techniques for these ways of networking differ slight to networking in person. Throughout this module we are referring to in-person networking, unless otherwise specified.
Download the explore your network activity to help you explore your current network.
The benefits of having a network
Successful people are well connected. And it’s likely that having a quality network contributed in some way to their success.
Because networking is a two way interaction, having an established professional network allows you to draw on it as a means of finding out information, and equally people in your network can approach you for information. You never know when someone you are connected with may be able to assist you and vice versa.
Put your network to use by leaning on it to seek information about trends in your future industry, to bounce an idea off, or to uncover a hidden job opportunity.
Uncover Hidden Job Opportunities
Having a strong network by the time you are graduating is a great way to help uncover potential job opportunities.
Particularly in Tasmania, we know that a lot of jobs are never advertised, they are filled by 'word of mouth'. Sometimes you may learn of an opportunity from someone you know directly, or by someone who is three or four contacts away! For this reason, the more people you know, the more opportunities you will be able to access. This definitely includes people who work in the field that you would like to work in but really no one is irrelevant. When you add someone to your network, you are only one contact away from everyone they know.
Being proactive and approaching employers directly can be an effective job seeking strategy. Approaching employers directly via social media or by email can be easier when you have a 'soft' introduction from someone you are connected within your network.
Opportunities for networking
As a student there are so many opportunities to network and create connections!
At career fairs, during your placement, work integrated learning experience or field trip, with guest speakers in lectures, with UTAS staff, at clubs and societies, by becoming a volunteer, and the list could go on and on.
There are different styles and approaches to networking. You might need to try a few different things to find what works for you.
It’s about quality not quantity. Making a quality connection with three people at a function for example will be far more beneficial than the scattershot approach where you run around handing out your business cards to as many people as possible. Being memorable is important and a good conversation is more memorable than a business card.
If attending an organised networking opportunity, like a careers fair, researching what businesses will be there is beneficial. Make a list of the companies attending that you are interested in and do a little research before the event. Find out pieces of information that help you understand more about the company, like who their target clientele is or what major projects they are working on for example. At the event you can then speak with the representative in a knowledgeable way and this demonstrates your motivation and initiative in a positive light and makes an impression.
Something else to consider when attending a networking opportunity, is your approach, the conversation and your exit. Here is more information on these networking steps.
The Approach / Introduction
Eye contact | dress | body language
Making a good first impression is the key to a successful networking attempt.
The first step is make eye contact and introduce yourself; ‘Hi I’m Anita’.
Dress appropriately when networking. If attending a business event, wear business attire. If you’re going to a career expo and want to make a connection with potential employers, an outfit of shorts, t-shirt and thongs is not the best choice.
Body language is important when making a first impression and throughout your conversation. One technique is to mirror the other person to some degree. That is a non-verbal way of saying ‘we have something in common’. Yawning during the conversation is not a great look and continually diverting your eyes to see what else is happening is really off putting.
A bit on handshakes:
Pre COVID-19 introducing yourself and saying hello by shaking hands was common. The 'new normal' is NOT to do this, and any attempt to do so is now considered anti-social. If you feel you want to replace the handshake with an alternative non-verbal greeting, the World Health Organisation have made some suggestions.
The Conversation
Be curious | open questions | listen | elevator pitch | tone
It’s just a conversation. As a student, you want to build your network as well as build knowledge of the industry you'll soon be entering. A great benefit of networking is that you can learn about your future occupation by talking with people who already work within it. You can find out about industry trends, what’s happening where and get a real sense of what it's like to work in that field. This knowledge helps with many career related decisions.
Be curious and ask open questions. Ask them about a project you know the company is involved in. You could find out a little about their career journey and ask about their role and how they got there. You might like to find out about the culture of the company they work at or what they love most about their job.
Listening is as important as talking when networking. Probably more important.
Consider the vibe you are giving off during the conversation. Are you looking motivated, positive and happy? Or unapproachable, negative and boring?
It’s good to be prepared to offer information about yourself too, as networking is a two way interaction. Having a think about what you want to share is a good idea.
This is where an elevator pitch can come in handy.
An elevator pitch is a quick synopsis of your background and experience. It’s called that because it should be brief enough that it would fit into a ride on an elevator, around 30 – 60 seconds. Try and make it interesting enough to spark the listener's interest, and touch on your skills, qualification/s and experience.
This technique is particularly effective if you are attempting to position yourself for a job. The timing is important. You could scatter parts of your pitch throughout the conversation or say it all in one go. It really depends on the situation.
The Close
Exchange details | don’t take up too much time | follow-up
The close is about saying goodbye and moving on. A closing line, like ‘...it’s been lovely meeting you Jim. I’d like to grab your card if you have one?’ can be used to indicate a close to a conversation.
Sometimes it is tempting to keep the conversation going, especially if the conversation has been particularly interesting. Consider how long the conversation has gone on for and try not to over stay your welcome.
If you made a particularly useful contact, find a reason to follow-up with them in a few days time. You could even connect with them via LinkedIn.
Networking Online
It can be a little more challenging to make quality connections with people in the online space, but since the Covid-19 pandemic networking online is becoming more and more popular.
Many of the techniques used when networking in person are the same as when networking online, but there other unique considerations to be aware of, such as:
- Ensure you have your camera on and that you are dressed appropriately (your top half at least!).
- Consider your background- is neat and tidy?
- Active listening and positive body language are even more important when you are on screen.
- Limit distractions and background noise, so turn your phone on to silent and put the dog outside.
- Make sure the lighting is adequate so that your face can be seen clearly.
Reaching out to employers online
Reaching out to an employer or individual via LinkedIn or email is also a part of networking online. Have a look at the LinkedIn module to find out how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile.
You might like to identify some companies that appeal to you and get in touch with them to explore options. This is a direct type of networking. Do a little research on the company beforehand and follow them on LinkedIn. Find out who the key employing staff member/s are (HR department?) and send an email introducing yourself and your interest in the company.
Networking like a pro: Top Tips
1. Quality over quantity
2. It’s not all about networking for a job. Sure, hidden job opportunities might present themselves via your network, but it’s equally important to learn about your industry and occupation.
3. It’s a two way conversation. Let the other person speak. Be a good listener and ask open questions.
4. Be generous. How can you help them too?
5. Don’t take up too much time.
6. Ask for suggestions on how to expand your network.
Learning outcomes:
- Students understand the benefits of networking and how networks can be utilised throughout their career.
- Students are confident in how to approach potential contacts and have conversations – in person or online - to generate opportunity.
- Students can identify people who would be useful and relevant to their professional networks.
Something not quite right? Let us know: Career.Connect@utas.edu.au
Images contained within this module are the property of the UTAS Careers Team and the creative director Sybylla Anderson.
All work has been created by the Student Extension & Employability Careers & Jobs Team. Any questions can be directed to the creators, Careers & Leadership Education Advisors.
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