Networking: The career skill you can't afford to ignore

N stands for... Networking.

Once you get to the stage where you know what career path you'd like to follow, networking is a key part of your job search strategy.

You're probably aware of this, but what actions are you actually taking? 

Rethink what networking really means

This is the attitude that I believe you need to have if you are to be a successful networker - imagine if jobs were never advertised and recruitment agencies never existed, what would you do to try and find work? OK, you might be thinking that some recruitment agencies may as well not exist, but that's not the point!

Networking is far more interesting than simply looking at vacancies. It means you are being proactive by connecting with people, and you never know where conversations may lead. So what can you do and how can you do it in a non-cringy way? After all, not everyone finds it easy to approach people they don't know.

Networking is just a conversation

Firstly, use your current network of friends, family and colleagues. Is there anyone you know who works in the industry that you are interested in? Arrange an informal chat with them to discuss your thoughts.

You could even go on social media and ask your friends if they know anyone who can help you find the right contact. With all your 500 or so friends, someone somewhere will know someone who can help!

This approach is much easier than approaching people you don't know and starting the conversation with, 'you don't know me but...'

Expand your network

Failing these approaches, find out where your ideal contact might hang out. It could be at exhibitions, networking events or conferences. It could be online on social media. If they are using these sites, you should be too.

Once you make contact with them, your aim is not to ask them if there are any vacancies at their place of work. It's about research. Find out more about they're day to day role, current issues within the industry and the kind of recruit they might be looking for in the future. If someone loves their job, they'll be happy to talk about it.

So networking is a vital stage in your quest to find work you love. If done effectively, you never know where it may lead.

Your networking challenge

1. Make your list

Write down the names of four people you'd genuinely like to have a conversation with.

2. Take action

Decide how you'll approach them and make contact within the next seven days.

Networking is one of the most valuable things you can do when looking for work you genuinely enjoy.

You never know where one conversation might lead