Networking

Networking

What is networking?

Networking is an important part of your job search. Put simply, networking means talking to people and developing relationships with them. It can take the form of an informal chat with a neighbour, to a more formal meeting with a person in an organization that you’re interested in. Networking allows you to develop new contacts and grow your personal network.

Benefits

  • The majority of positions are not filled through posted advertisements, but are typically filled through word of mouth and people known to hiring managers through their network of contacts. Networking increases the number of people who are aware of your job search and increases your chances of hearing about these unadvertised positions.
  • Networking helps you gain valuable information about an industry and/or specific occupation.

How to start

  • Most people don’t relish the idea of going to events or approaching strangers in hopes of finding a job. Start with the people you know:
  • Speak to friends, family, professors and co-workers and those you have meet through involvement in the community
  • Attend career events on campus, including employer information sessions, career fairs and panels
  • Sign up for student memberships of professional association and attend their events
  • Find contacts in your preferred industry or business sector and make an appointment to meet with them - also see Information Interviews

Be prepared, able to articulate the skills you have, know what you want and do your research before meeting with a new contact or attending a networking event.

Effective networking tips

Networking is a process of developing and nurturing relationships with others. Don’t simply cold call everyone you know and ask them if they know of any job openings. Instead:

  • Seek advice and information from people you meet.
  • Find ways to stay in touch with your contacts. It takes time to build relationships and earn trust. Keep those who are interested posted on the progress of your job search.
  • Think of ways you can help the other person. Networking is a two-way street.
  • Gradually expand your network of people who can help you by asking those you meet for introductions to people you don’t know.

How we can help

  • Networking Events - Networking Breakfasts, Career Fairs and Panels
  • Effective Networking Workshops and Work It! Job Search Sessions
  • Networking Binder - with contact information for professionals who have offered to provide an information interview for you!

For more information

  • Employer Info Sessions Tipsheet
  • The Networking Survival Guide, by Diane Darling
  • Networking, by Meg Heenahan
  • Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty, by Harvey Mackay

(All of the above are available in the Career Centre Resource Library DV 3094)

Here’s an example of how networking works:

Let’s say you are really interested in becoming a Financial Analyst and are looking for opportunities to gain experience through summer work.  You have been volunteering as an Assistant Coach for your sister’s hockey team. The Coach works at one of Toronto’s large financial firms. He knows you well and he has likely noticed some of your skills, such as your ability to organize the practices as well as your communication style in dealing with the different personalities of the players.

What if you were to tell him about your plans for summer work and ask him if he would mind meeting you for an information interview to answer some questions about how to get started in a financial career? Chances are he would be pleased to tell you what he has learned! He may also have information about summer jobs in his company. Perhaps he can refer you to the hiring manager in his department!

Even if there aren’t any opportunities available within his organization, odds are he will be able to refer you to other colleagues who may be willing to meet you.

By networking with your Coach, you have just:

  • Advertised your skills and availability
  • Learned more about your chosen field and how to prepare for it
  • Extended your network to another person who may be in a position to hire you

Resources:

* NEW *
Social Media Tipsheet (PDF)

Employer Info Sessions Tipsheet (PDF)

Networking Business Cards (PDF)

Networking at Events Tipsheet (PDF)

Wondering what to wear to an interview, info session or networking event? Check out our new resource:
Dress for Success