Networking for Success

Networking can be pretty confusing: Where do you start? What do you do? Where do you even go? Here are some ideas for you to explore!

As a graduate jobseeker, you have probably already heard of your fair share of seniors, peers and career advisors chanting: “Network, network, network if you want to succeed!”

Yet, ironically, networking events can be incredibly daunting, turning even the most eloquent of us into awkward stutterers. After all, aside from the need to obtain information from new acquaintances, you are also pressured to juggle building new connections, strengthen old ones and maintain a professional image in front of potential employers. With so much multitasking going on – and with your future at stake, too – it is understandable why you may find yourself getting anxious during such events.

“How do I start a conversation with someone?”, “Can I join that group who started their conversation fifteen minutes ago, or would it be rude?”, “Wow, that is a big shot CEO – should I even approach him for a conversation?” and” Ack, awkward pause – what do I say now?!” are some very common thoughts that can quickly overwhelm you.

That said, the rewards you reap from good networking are definitely worth the effort it takes to overcome all this apprehension! Here are some tips to help you boost your networking skills:

Prepare and practise

Networking is not something that comes naturally to anyone, not even the most extroverted of us. Instead, it is a learnable skill that requires constant practise. Of course, that is not to say that you should start talking to your reflection in the mirror! Most of your contacts can typically be divided into the following categories: • Casual networks: Contacts who you have met at open networking events or mixed industry events. • Knowledge networks: Contacts from professional associations that cater to the improvement and regulation of a specific industry. • Strong contact networks: Contacts from groups established exclusively for building professional relationships. • Online networks: Contacts who you know from social media platforms.

Use these categories as a guideline to help you expand your networks. But remember: You do not necessarily need to collect contacts in all four categories to succeed in your job search. Instead, expand the different categories according to the need of your desired job.

For example, if you are looking for employment as a social media strategist, you might find it more beneficial for you to have more contacts from the knowledge and online networks instead of casual networks. Alternatively, marketing people might find the opposite to be more useful. Flex your interaction and networking muscles with any of these contacts as you will be using the same skills!

The ability to make small talk is also a crucial skill that you will need to have when networking. You can start by practising with friends, people you meet during student club activities, or recruiters at career fairs. Try to keep abreast of current issues as they are good conversation starters. When in doubt, ask the other party questions about themselves. We all love talking about ourselves, after all!

Your university’s careers services centre may also organise workshops or courses on successful networking. These events are almost always free to current students, so why not attend one or two to clock in some hours of guided practice? Start early because you cannot learn how to be a good networker overnight. It takes plenty of trial-and-error to find an approach that works best for you.

Ultimately, it is all about rehearsing to the point that you are confident enough to carry a conversation during any networking session while still being yourself.

Focus on your “VCP”

Although it is true that the purpose of networking is for you to obtain a favour or opportunity from your contacts, the sentiment behind these relationships is very real. You need to develop not just familiarity with your contacts, but also trust before you can request anything from them. In other words, networking is a long-term investment of trust and confidence between individuals. There are three primary components to this: • Visibility: Your contacts need to know who you are. • Credibility: Your contacts need to know your intentions, character and capabilities. • Profitability: Your contacts need to know that they can trust you so much that they are willing to help you.

Recruiters do not expect new graduates to be overachievers, but they want to see your interest in them, their company and your sincerity in applying. Make it a point to show up at multiple company events, approach them and make your interest in the company clear and consistent. If possible, always take the time to catch up with the same individuals who you approached before so that you can develop a rapport with them. Who knows? They might be the one to put in a good word on your behalf when the time is right!

The same basic rules of building relationships still apply: Never lie and avoid “overselling” yourself. Not only it is detrimental to your relationship if they discover your falsehood, but it can also damage your professional reputation as well!

Open with an “elevator pitch”

The average person’s attention span while performing a task lasts no more than 10 to 20 seconds. So remember that you only have a limited time span to highlight your selling points before the other party’s focus turns elsewhere!

Come prepared with a 30-second “elevator pitch” so that when recruiters ask you the ubiquitous “What do you do?” question, you will not be floundering around for an answer. Be sure to include the necessary information – who you are, what you are studying and where your interests lie – and keep it concise. Alternatively, prepare two or three introductory points about yourself if you do not feel like giving a 30-second pitch.

Just choose something that you are excited to talk about, and you will be able to portray yourself as a knowledgeable and capable person!

Talk beyond business

Another way to establish your reputation as a great conversationalist is to connect with others on a level beyond business. Recruiters and company representatives are also people with hobbies and interests, and are often happy to meet others who share the same passion. Bond over common interests, such as food, movies, fashion, or sports teams.

Put your observation skills to use, too. Distinctive cufflinks, keychains and jewellery can evoke interesting topics that will leave an impression! Use this opportunity to also show your keen eye for details.

If you are nervous, speak to other students, interns or the event organisers to test the waters first. Find out what are some good small talk topics that you can use to approach the “big shots”. Although if no one seems interested in your talk about Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, then maybe you should leave that out.

It is also a good idea to stay away from touchy subjects like politics and religion. These are topics reserved for deep discussions over a cup of coffee between close-knit friends, not new acquaintances.

Follow up

This is one of the most important aspects of a networking session, and yet the one most often forgotten! Remember, there is really no point in attending a networking session if you are not going to make the effort to follow up with any new contacts you have made.

If you have promised to do something for someone, such as to give them a call, send an email or connect person A to person B, do it as soon as you can. There cannot be more emphasis placed on this. Keeping your promises in a timely manner helps you build your reputation as a prompt and responsible character. Also, if you helped connect a contact with someone else who can benefit them, they are bound to return the favour in the future too!

Put the business cards you have collected to good use as well, especially ones from recruiters. Write a proper email thanking them for their time and insights, and sign off with a memorable detail from your conversation so that it will leave an impression on them. This way, they will be less likely to forget you if you bump into them again in the future.