How to Virtual Network

Networking is often described as one of the most common ways to start off your job search, but what if you’re still in school? When’s the ideal time to start networking?

The correct answer: now. It takes times to build a solid network and it’ll be too late if you wait until you graduate. Once you’re ready to start your job search, you should have your updated resume, cover letter, portfolio and a significant list of connections ready to go.

Even when you have limited opportunities to network now due to enforced social distancing measures, that’s no excuse, as you can still start making connections through virtual means!

In fact, for the introverts out there, it may be even easier to network online. For starters, you don’t have to worry if you’ve bad breath, something stuck in your teeth after lunch or sweaty palms if you reach out for a handshake. But that doesn’t mean you can take virtual networking less seriously or strategically! This guide will highlight the most important points for each step of virtual networking.

How to start

The first step is the easiest step – look through all your social media accounts. Remove any traces of embarrassing posts or photos. It may be good enough to just set certain personal posts to “Private”, but with social media companies frequently changing their privacy policies, don’t be surprised if your settings change without notice overnight.

Once that’s done, look at developing your LinkedIn profile. Refer to other professional profiles and look at how yours can match up to theirs. Look at the language used and copy the relevant keywords. It doesn’t bode well on you to have zero connections, so link up with people you already know offline, such as your friends, lecturers and even family members.

Look for and join relevant groups on LinkedIn, whether the groups are related to your future career or simply your hobbies. Take part in the discussions to increase your knowledge and make connections along the way.

Once you’ve set up your digital presence, you may think it’s time to start adding everyone to your list. Actually, hold your horses. Take some time to understand how you should act and communicate with others, first.

Adopt proper networking etiquettes

It doesn’t matter how hard you try to make connections if you don’t have good manners to begin with. The differences between networking face-to-face or virtually are slim when it comes to etiquette, but you’ll still need to behave well in a professional setting.

One good tip is to always put yourself in the other person’s shoes and re-read your messages before clicking “Send”.

Quick tip! Remind yourself that if you dare not say something in someone’s face, chances are you shouldn’t do it online either!

Connecting with someone

When you’re ready to connect with someone you don’t know, it’s important to craft the right personalised message. The first thing someone will ask themselves when they receive a connection request is “Do I know this person?”

If they don’t, you have 300 characters available to explain your intention and convince them to not only accept your request, but also to reply and engage with you. Always be sincere, transparent and polite when reaching out to others.

Quick tip! Establishing the connection isn’t the end of the story. Be sure to interact with them, be it congratulating them on a milestone or commenting on their posts.

Strengthen your network

Ultimately, it’s not about how many connections you have, but how strong your network is. This means bringing the relationship beyond LinkedIn and preferably to video calls, which are practically today’s version of face-to-face meetings, anyway.

You can also look at having virtual “dates” to make the setting more comfortable and less awkward. For example, order your favourite warm drink and get on a video conference to discuss your career aspirations and get advice on how to prepare for your future job search.

Other questions to keep the sparks alive

• What are your thoughts about the latest news in your industry? • Where do you see this field going in the future? • What is your biggest challenge at work currently? • What training or courses should I take up to help me get into your field? • How can I help you? Networking works better if you don’t look at it as a means to an end. It’s not about just getting a job, but a way to progress in your development throughout your career. You’ll never lose out by having a strong network, so take the time to build meaningful relationships in your professional circle. Your future self will thank you for it!