Your career network should be in place for when you need it, both for job searching and for moving up the career ladder. Since you never know when you might need it, it makes sense to have an active career network.
The Purpose of Career Networking
Career networking involves using personal, professional, academic, or family contacts to assist with a job search, achieve career goals, learn more about your field, or another field you’d like to work in. Networking can be a good way to hear about job opportunities or get in at a company you’d like to work with.
Why Spend Time on Career Networking
A 2017 survey found that networking is, in a practical sense, an important aspect of strengthening your career:
Nearly 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 the way into possible job opportunities.
Who To 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 lifePeople 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
Networking Tips
Career Networking Examples
Here are some examples of how career networking can help:
Myra noticed a help-wanted ad for a job at a local veterinary clinic. She called a friend 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.Xavi 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.Swati was interested in changing careers and moving from public relations to publishing. Even though she graduated 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 orthodontist’s office, Gemma, the assistant, just happened to mention to a patient’s mom that she was interested in horses and in a part-time job working with them. The mom had horses and a network of contacts. Gemma had a part-time job working on a local horse farm by the end of the week.
