Why Networking Helps You Land a Job Faster Than You Think

Many people looking for jobs often overlook professional networking as a hiring tool. It’s understandable. Many networking events can be boring, awkward, or overwhelming with meaningless small talks.

Yet by expanding your view on networking and applying a few well-worn techniques, you can easily become a networking master and open the door for your career success. And with an estimated 80 percent of jobs not being posted, then it’s worth it for you to tap into your network.

Benefits of Networking for Job Seekers

Access to a Hidden Job Market

Since many job openings are not publicly advertised, most hiring managers will reach out to their network for applicants —- and if you’re not in their loop, then you could miss out. Just one networking event or a few guided emails can help job seekers access these job opportunities.

In addition, recruiters feel much more comfortable with someone they already know. These real-life connections can really make you stand out as a candidate over an impersonal resume. So, start building connections whenever and wherever you can!

Gaining Industry Insights and Advice

Networking offers access to industry knowledge and trends. If you’re engaging with other professionals in your own field, then they might know about who’s hiring and what websites are the best to look for work (or what websites are not worth your time). This kind of advice from experienced professionals can really hone your job search.

Moreover, meeting with someone in your industry may help them put you in touch with someone they know or keep you in mind for future job hunts that could be fruitful.

Boosting Your Professional Profile

Building relationships and professional connections in your industry is truly valuable. Not only can these connections provide referrals and recommendations, but they might also someday be colleagues, so starting off on the right professional foot can really boost your image in the long run.

In this vein, networking helps with skill-building, career growth, and career development. Learning about your sector’s trends or terminology will make you much more employable. The right person from a network can also tip you off to training programs or necessary requirements for a specific position.

How to Overcome Fear and Anxiety About Networking

We know, it’s not easy to walk into a room full of strangers and start schmoozing. But this common fear can be easily remedied.

1) Start with Online Networking Tools

Online networking platforms, like LinkedIn or Cake, are a great way to get started on networking. Try participating in online forums or webinars as a way to engage with others in a less intimidating setting. Cake is a great way to connect with others and share tips with each other.

3) The 3 P’s: Prepare, Practice and Positivity

You’ll feel much more relaxed when you prepare for a networking experience beforehand. This means go online and research the event, the attendees, and company so you get a sense of the people there.

Also, try crafting and practicing a brief introduction about yourself and practice conversations either solo or with friends or mentors to help build your speaking confidence. Remember, you’re there to make connections with people who might also be nervous themselves. Keeping a positive mindset will keep you relaxed and open to new people and experiences.

💡 Pro tips: Networking is a two-way street; don't just talk about yourself; the key to small talk is to let others open up to you. So next time when you are looking for a job, they can recommend you to their other contacts.

4 Networking Strategies to Apply

Having the right approach or mindset before going to a network event can make everything go more smoothly.

1) Set goals for your networking

It’s important to set clear objectives (e.g., finding job leads, seeking mentors) before reaching out or going to any event. This will help you be more focused when asking questions and will lead you to the right people.

This is where your research and practice can come into play. Maybe you want to gather info about some specific employers, or maybe you want to get in touch with a specific individual. Having these goals and expressing them clearly will make others clearer on your purpose.

2) Find common ground with others

Remember, networking is basically about building relationships. If you ask the same resume-like questions over and over, you may not be getting the full picture of a person. Not everyone is interested in talking about business all the time.

Asking them more open-ended questions about vacations, hobbies, and background can open the door to deeper connections. Active listening can also be deployed here to really pinpoint what the other person is communicating and find some shared interests.

3) Offer opportunities to your network

If there is a job posting at your work, sending it to appropriate people in your network will signal to them that you are thoughtful and regularly engage with your network. These kinds of gestures will keep you in mind, along with other people who may pay back the favor with a job posting for you one day.

4) Network everywhere, not just at events

Actually, you already are connected with a network of people who might be a good resource. Your "new connections" may be a former colleague, a gym buddy, or a neighbor. Reaching out to current contacts to see if they have any connections to others in your field or desired industry is a good strategy.

Also, meeting people outside of work could also lead to unexpected job connections or information. It also gives you some good practice in your conversation skills. So keep some business cards on hand next time you go grocery shopping.

How to Make the Most of Networking Events

How to Prepare for Networking Events

• Research and Prepare - Research the event in detail, including the agenda, key speakers, and the attendees
• Prepare an Elevator Pitch - Put together a concise self-introduction that includes your background and what exactly you are looking for
• Dress Appropriately - Dress in a manner appropriate for the event, which can vary by industry and setting.

What to Do During Networking Events

• Arrive Early - Get there early to acclimate to the environment and make initial connections more easily.
• Engage Actively - Participate in conversations by asking questions and showing genuine interest in others.
• Use Open Body Language - Maintain open and approachable body language like relaxed arms and facing outwards to invite interactions.
• Exchange Contact Info - Have business cards, your website, or LinkedIn details ready to share with new contacts

Following up After Networking Events

• Post-Event Follow-up - It’s good form to follow up with new contacts within a few days, thanking them for their time and expressing interest in staying in touch.
• Reflect and Review - Reflect on the event to assess what went well and what could be improved in future networking events.
• Maintain Connections - Stay in touch with new contacts by engaging with them on social media, attending future events together, or arranging face-to-face meetings.

Key Takeaways

Networking can help you get access to unposted job opportunities, exchange industry knowledge, and improve your professional profile. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your initiative to others and to get lots of advice and tips for your job search.

Referrals have much more cultural currency than a traditional CV or resume. So by building a strong network, you can increase your chances of getting hired by a company that you’d be a good fit for.

Cake not only offers you the best free online resume builder, but we can also help you build your network. Sign up for Cake today!