How to network

Most jobs aren't advertised, so talking to people and networking can really help your career. But how do you network? We explain all.

"Ha ha ha, I have no idea who you are, or what you're talking about."

Who should I be talking to?

A good contact is someone who can help you move forward in a career you’re interested in. Networking is about forming relationships with people who can benefit your working life.

Why make contacts?

Only around 40% of jobs are advertised – most are filled by word of mouth or through people’s contacts. “Traditionally, networking has been used in arts and media-type organisations. However, now it’s used across the board in all sectors,” says Catherine Reynolds, a careers advisor at the University of Sussex. “In times when employment is difficult, employers recruit people they already know.”

If the idea of talking to someone just to ‘get something’ from them sounds a bit sneaky, try to look at networking as a two-way process. You offer your skills and abilities in return for support and information.

How do you find contacts?

Anyone you meet in work situations like a job interview, careers event, or on work experience could become a contact.

Youth coach Susie Page suggests starting with friends and family. “Start small – ask one person if they have any ideas of who you can talk to or where you could look.”

Identify existing networks – look online for industry conferences, events and forums, join business networking sites like LinkedIn, or search for relevant groups on social networking sites like Facebook.

Face-to-face networking

When you’ve tracked down someone you’d like to a contact the best way to make a lasting bond is to meet them in person – asking them for coffee (and paying) is the traditional route. Try to do a bit of background digging before you meet:

• What does their company do and which bits of it are you most interested in?
• How did they get to where they are today?
• What are their interests and background?

Have a clear idea of how you want to introduce yourself, what you’d like to find out and why. People are often flattered to be asked about their areas of expertise.

Help, I don’t know what to say!

Networking can be scary, but try to relax and be friendly yet assertive. Let your enthusiasm for a career shine through – most people will be happy to give advice and help.

Ask lots of open-ended questions, beginning with words like what, why, how or when. According to Susie, sharing things about yourself is also important. “Give something personal about yourself of value, or important to the way you work. Once you’ve given them a bit of your story you’ll find you’ve opened up a conversation,” she says.

Even if you’re just starting out, eagerness and dedication are always appreciated. You could offer to help out with a busy project they’re involved in, or suggest a contact that might help their business out.

Ending the conversation

If it’s time to bail or the chat’s wearing thin, try to end on a note that means you can stay in touch with open-ended questions, such as:

• “How can we stay in touch to continue this conversation?”
• “What information could you give me so I can go away and think about this?”
• “What do I need to do to be considered for some work experience?”

Following up on networking

Always thank a contact and stay in touch afterwards to update them on your progress. “It’s showing them that the time that they gave you has paid off in the longer term,” says Catherine. Keep a list everyone you’ve spoken to, their contact details and their job title. That way you won’t be scrabbling around trying to remember who they are in future.

What if a contact isn’t helpful?

Everyone gets knocked back at some stage. The contact you speak to may be pushed for time, tense about their job, or just having a bad day. Thank them for their time, and ask if they could recommend anyone else who could help. Always be polite – you never know who you may bump into in the future.