Networking plays an instrumental role in propelling your career forward, whether your goal is to grow within your current company, to jump outside of your comfort zone or to take the leap into a new industry, company or position.
However, networking is not a natural skill for the majority of job seekers out there—especially for those that consider themselves introverts.
Let’s face it: networking can be exhausting and uncomfortable. So why do experts recommend it so highly?
In today’s hiring market, where everything is digitized and impersonal, networking is still the primary way to connect. Not convinced? Right Management, a staffing company, conducted a survey on how people landed their latest jobs. The results showed that 41 percent of people landed their position through networking—higher than through any other medium.
Despite the overwhelming statistics, networking can still seem like the equivalent of a visit to the dentist for some people. Continue reading for tips to overcome your networking anxiety and become a pro at creating a network that connects you to the career you’ve always dreamed of.
Overcome Your Networking Fears
- Find Relevant Groups
Perhaps you’re not ready to head straight to the local networking group for your industry, so start small instead! Meetup.com is a free resource to find both industry specific events and other niche events that allow you to explore your hobbies and meet new people. Start with groups that highlight your non-work related passions and practice your networking skills with like-minded people by discussing things less intimidating than your next career move. - Practice the 3-Foot Rule
Begin gearing up for big networking events by engaging in conversation with everyone within 3 feet of you. Whether in the line at Starbucks, at a sporting event, or checking out at the grocery store, comment on the weather or the score of the game last night. Once you see how open and welcoming people can be, it is sure to boost your networking confidence. - Act the Part
When all else fails, fake it until you make it. While it may seem minute, faking confidence is a sure-fire way to achieve it. Put on a big smile, throw your shoulders back and act confident in situations that may ordinarily make you retreat. Confidence is a journey, but by making small steps you’ll ease yourself into feeling confident in a larger networking setting.
Identify Connections
Before you attend your first networking function, take an inventory of what connections you already have. Who have you interacted with and exchanged correspondence with over the course of your life that could benefit you today? Connections can be both personal and professional, your daughter’s friend’s mother or supervisor at a previous job. A connection can just as easily be a digital acquaintance from Linkedin or someone you reach out to from your university’s alumni database. Look into your personal and professional mental rolodex and identify those people in your life whom you would validate as an authentic connection for your network.
Expand Your Network
Now that you’ve solidified your current network, it’s time to focus on your goals and take the networking steps to get there. If you are in Human Resources or wish to be, then find the local chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management and attend their next meeting. If you are passionate about software development or design and want to hone your skill, find a local code camp and take a class on CSS or the current HTML. If fear of face-to-face networking is still present, look for people in your industry on LinkedIn and add them to your network, they can be professionals in a similar role you’d like to be in—take them to coffee, look at their Linkedin profile to see what groups they are involved in, and make the meaningful connection. Once you establish those connections digitally, join them at networking events in your area.
Create Meaningful Connections
It may seem frightening to strike up a dialogue with a stranger and then transform it into a meaningful encounter and then into useful connection, but keep in mind that people are especially outgoing and open to talking about their passions. Remember, great networking is about making a connection, so learn about them and take a sincere interest in what they do and who they are. Here are some helpful questions to ask to professionally connect with your conversation partner at a networking event:
- How did you get involved with this group?
- How long have you been involved with this group?
- What is your professional background and experience?
- How much contact and what kinds of interactions do you have with individuals or groups outside the office or organization?
- What do you see as the major issues and trends in the field today?
During a career change or job transition, the most impactful step of your job search is to reach out to your identified network and ask for help. While it may seem scary, the benefits of relying on your network are undeniable. Some relationships will provide personal support and encouragement while others will produce tangible professional materials and suggestions. By getting past the hurdle of networking, not only will you will give yourself a significant leg up to find that next step in your career, you’ll build a network that’s helping you get there.