Perfect your Networking Skills

When I think of networking, I think of my boyfriend who has never

 had a traditional interview because he’s just that good at networking.

 He knows all the right people who connect him to hiring managers 

or are the hiring manager themselves. I’m a little different than my 

boyfriend because I’m not as extroverted as he is and networking 

doesn’t come as easily to me. However, I’m working to develop 

my networking skills each day and am going to share some tips

 I’ve learned along the way.

1. Create authentic relationships

   Build genuine bonds with others. Networking can be as easy as creating connections with bosses and professors. Looking back at each job I’ve had, I’ve been lucky enough to create positive, and lasting relationships with my bosses. I’ve been able to use previous bosses as references and I consider some mentors. By creating real bonds with them, they want to help me and see me succeed. You can also create connections with professors. There is a lot they can teach you and may have opportunities to offer you.  

2. Stay in touch 

   It’s important to establish relationships but it is even more important to sustain those relationships. You may have had a great connection with a boss when you worked for them five years ago. However, if you haven’t talked to them in five years but want to ask them to be a reference, it may not be the best for your first interaction with them to be asking them for something.

   

3. Help each other

   You don’t want the relationship to be one sided. There’s a lot each of you can offer each other. If they are willing to help you, determine what you can do to help them in return.

4. Follow up  

   If you’re at a networking event and do create a connection with another professional, be sure to follow up afterwards. It’s easy to make plans in the moment then forget about it after. After you speak with them, make a note in your phone or on the back of their business card about the plan you made. Follow up with them within the next couple days and show them you are committed to building the relationship.

5. Take advantage of LinkedIn 

   LinkedIn is a really easy and great way to build connections. I once connected with an alumni from my university that had graduated before I started school there. She happened to be in the same organization I was before she graduated and she also was in a career field I was interested in pursuing after I graduated. I messaged her mentioning our similarities and she immediately responded and was eager to discuss her career with me. We chatted about her job, how she got there, and she offered me some advice for post graduation. It was a great opportunity for me and I was appreciative of her willingness to speak with me. 

6. Practice makes perfect 

   I used to be a nervous wreck when I had to speak in front of large audiences, but the more I did it, the more comfortable I became. I’m finding the same to be true with networking. Take advantage of networking opportunities to practice your skills. Eventually the nerves will go away and you will start to feel more comfortable.