Networking is very important for young professionals. Knowing someone at a company can help you get an interview or a job. Having a connection to someone inside the company, who can recommend you or give your resume to hiring managers, can give you an edge over other applicants.
Building professional relationships in your field can really open doors and make job hunting a lot easier. Using your network smartly can help you find hidden job opportunities and get some great insights into company culture and what they expect.
Knowing Someone Gives You a Higher Chance Statistically to land an interview and/or job
Have you ever heard the saying “It pays to know someone”. It’s true.
The percentage of candidates who get an interview for a job can vary significantly depending on whether they have a connection within the company or not.
Got a Friend at the Company?
When you have a connection within the company, often referred to as an “employee referral,” your chances of getting an interview increase substantially.
Research and surveys indicate if you are referred by someone within the company you are more likely to get an interview compared to those who apply through traditional channels.
- Employee Referral Programs: Many companies have formal employee referral programs, which incentivize current employees to refer potential candidates. These programs can lead to referred candidates being interviewed at a rate significantly higher than those who apply directly.
- Percentage Increase: Studies have shown that referred candidates have a 2.6 to 6.6 times higher chance of being hired compared to non-referred candidates . Translating this to the interview stage, referred candidates might be 40-50% more likely to get an interview.
You Don’t Know Anyone at the Company
When you apply without any internal connections, you will be faced more competition and typically lower chances of securing an interview.
- Traditional Application: These candidates go through the standard application process, which involves resume screening by automated systems and recruiters.
- Lower Interview Rate: Without a referral, the interview rate can be considerably lower, often ranging between 2% to 10% depending on the company’s hiring practices and the volume of applications received.
As you can see, studies have shown that having a connection within a company can drastically improve your chances of landing an interview, often increasing your chances significantly, compared to those who apply without any internal connections.
- With a Referral: Approximately 30-50% of referred candidates get an interview.
- Without a Referral: Approximately 2-10% of non-referred candidates get an interview.
Networking is a crucial part of professional development and job searching
You might be thinking, how do I network or know what to say once I get to a networking event? Here are several effective ways to build and expand your professional network:
Pointers for networking conversations
When networking for the first time, it’s essential to strike a balance between being personable and professional.
Below are several topics and tips to help guide your conversations. By focusing on these topics and following these tips, you can have meaningful and productive networking conversations that lay the foundation for strong professional relationships.
- Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in what the other person is saying. Active listening helps build a stronger connection.
- Be Authentic: Be yourself and engage sincerely. Authenticity fosters trust and lasting relationships.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage the other person to share more by asking open-ended questions.
- Follow Up: After the conversation, follow up with a thank-you note or email to keep the connection alive.
1. Introductions and Backgrounds
- Personal Introduction: Start with a brief introduction of yourself, including your name, current role, and company.
- Their Background: Ask about their background, current position, and company. Example: “Can you tell me a bit about what you do at [Company]?”
2. Shared Interests and Experiences
- Common Ground: Find commonalities such as mutual acquaintances, similar career paths, or shared interests. Example: “I noticed we both attended [University]. What was your experience like there?”
- Industry Trends: Discuss current trends or recent news in your industry. Example: “What do you think about the recent changes in [Industry]?”
3. Professional Goals and Challenges
- Career Aspirations: Ask about their career goals and future aspirations. Example: “What are you hoping to achieve in the next few years?”
- Current Challenges: Inquire about challenges they are facing in their role or industry. Example: “What are some of the biggest challenges you’re dealing with at work right now?”
4. Advice and Insights
- Seeking Advice: Ask for their advice on a particular topic relevant to your career. Example: “I’m considering a move into [Field/Role]. Do you have any advice on making that transition?”
- Industry Insights: Request their insights on industry developments or best practices. Example: “What trends do you see shaping the future of our industry?”
5. Company Culture and Opportunities
- Company Culture: Ask about the culture at their workplace. Example: “What’s the work environment like at [Company]?”
- Opportunities: Inquire about any potential opportunities or openings at their company. Example: “Is [Company] currently hiring or looking for new talent?”
6. Networking and Connections
- Mutual Contacts: Discuss any mutual contacts or connections. Example: “I saw on LinkedIn that you know [Person]. How do you know them?”
- Further Networking: Ask if they can introduce you to others in their network. Example: “Is there anyone else you think I should connect with?”
7. Industry Events and Conferences
- Upcoming Events: Talk about upcoming industry events, conferences, or seminars. Example: “Are you attending the [Event/Conference] next month?”
- Past Events: Discuss past events and what you both gained from them. Example: “Did you go to the [Previous Event]? What did you think?”
8. Projects and Accomplishments
- Recent Projects: Ask about recent projects they have worked on and share your own experiences. Example: “What projects have you been working on recently?”
- Accomplishments: Celebrate their achievements and share your own. Example: “Congratulations on your recent promotion! How has the transition been?”
9. Professional Development
- Learning and Growth: Discuss professional development activities such as courses, certifications, or workshops. Example: “Have you taken any courses recently that you found valuable?”
- Skills and Tools: Talk about skills or tools that are essential in your field. Example: “What tools or software do you find indispensable in your daily work?”
10. Personal Interests
- Hobbies and Interests: Lightly touch on personal interests or hobbies to build rapport. Example: “What do you enjoy doing outside of work?”
- Work-Life Balance: Discuss work-life balance and how they manage it. Example: “How do you manage to balance work with your personal life?”
Ways to Meet Others and to Build Your Network
1. Attend Industry Events and Conferences
- Conferences and Seminars: Participate in industry-specific events, conferences, and seminars to meet professionals in your field.
- Workshops and Panels: Engage in workshops and panel discussions to learn from experts and make connections.
2. Join Professional Associations
- Industry Groups: Become a member of professional associations related to your field. These organizations often host networking events and offer resources for career development.
- Online Forums: Participate in online communities and forums associated with these groups.
3. Utilize Social Media
- LinkedIn: Optimize your LinkedIn profile and actively connect with colleagues, classmates, and industry professionals. Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your career interests.
- Twitter and Instagram: Follow industry leaders, participate in discussions, and share relevant content to engage with a broader audience.
4. Participate in Networking Events
- Meetups: Attend local networking events and meetups to connect with professionals in your area.
- Career Fairs: Go to job fairs and career expos to meet recruiters and hiring managers from various companies.
5. Engage in Community Activities
- Volunteering: Volunteer for causes related to your industry or interests. This not only helps you give back but also connects you with like-minded professionals.
- Local Organizations: Join local business groups, chambers of commerce, or community service clubs.
6. Leverage Alumni Networks
- University Alumni Associations: Get involved with your university’s alumni association. Attend alumni events and use the association’s directory to find contacts in your industry.
- Mentorship Programs: Participate in alumni mentorship programs to connect with experienced professionals.
7. Reach Out to Former Colleagues and Classmates
- Reconnect: Reconnect with former colleagues and classmates. These individuals can be valuable contacts and may know of job opportunities.
- Informal Meetups: Schedule coffee or lunch meetings to catch up and discuss professional interests.
8. Use Professional Networking Apps
- Networking Platforms: Use apps like Shapr, Bumble Bizz, or Meetup to find and connect with professionals in your area.
- Online Communities: Join professional online communities like Slack groups, Reddit forums, or industry-specific discussion boards.
9. Attend Company-Sponsored Events
- Open Houses: Attend company open houses or networking events hosted by potential employers.
- Product Launches and Webinars: Participate in product launches, webinars, and other events hosted by companies of interest.
10. Request Informational Interviews
- Reach Out: Contact professionals in your industry and request informational interviews to learn more about their career path and company.
- Be Prepared: Come prepared with questions and be respectful of their time.
11. Develop a Personal Brand
- Content Creation: Write blogs, create videos, or host podcasts about your industry. Sharing your expertise can attract the attention of other professionals.
- Public Speaking: Offer to speak at industry events or webinars to showcase your knowledge and connect with the audience.
12. Follow Up and Stay in Touch
- Regular Communication: Follow up after meeting someone new. Send a thank-you note or an email to keep the connection alive.
- Periodic Check-Ins: Stay in touch with your network by periodically checking in and sharing relevant information or updates.
By actively engaging in these networking activities, you can build a robust professional network that will support your career growth and job search efforts.
