Networking and building professional relationships

Networking

Networking is a crucial aspect of successful career, especially for new graduates. It can provide job sustainability and access to new job opportunities in several ways:

Building Relationships

Networking helps individuals build relationships with people who work in their field or industry, including employers, colleagues, and mentors.

Accessing the Hidden Job Market

Many job opportunities are not advertised publicly and are instead filled through word of mouth or referrals. By networking, individuals can gain access to this “hidden job market” and learn about opportunities that may not be widely known.

Developing a Professional Brand

Networking allows individuals to highlight their skills, knowledge, and interests to potential employers, which can help them develop a professional brand within their industry.

Learning About Industry Trends

By networking with others in their field, new graduates can learn about industry trends and developments, which can help them stay up to date with the latest skills and knowledge.

Building a Support System

Networking can provide new graduates with a support system of like-minded individuals who understand the challenges and opportunities of their field.

Informal Networking

This involves using your existing network of friends, family, neighbours, and other acquaintances to help develop employment opportunities. it may involve casual conversations or social media encounters with friends.

In- Person Networking Opportunities

City of Vancouver: Calendar of Events

City of Calgary: Events

Meetups: Meetup - We are what we do

Eventbrite: Discover Great Events 

Creative Mornings:  Vancouver or Calgary

Online Networking

Joining online forums or discussion groups related to your industry can provide opportunities to connect with others and share knowledge and expertise.

LinkedIn

Twitter

Quora

Stack Exchange

Reddit

Facebook

Utilize LinkedIn as a Job Search or Networking Tool

Create a professional LinkedIn Profile. Start by creating a comprehensive and professional profile on LinkedIn. Upload a high-quality profile picture, write a compelling headline, and include a well-written summary that highlights your skills, experiences, and career goals. Add relevant work experience, education, skills, and recommendations to showcase your expertise.

Build Your Network

Connect with professionals in your industry or field of interest to expand your network. Look for alumni from your university, colleagues, mentors, and other relevant connections. Join industry specific groups and participate in discussions to build relationships with like-minded professionals.

Optimize Your Profile for Job Search

Use relevant keywords and industry-specific terms in your profile to optimize your job search. Highlight your achievements and skills that are relevant to the job you’re interested in. Customize your LinkedIn URL to include your name, which can make it easier for recruiters to find you.

Explore Job Opportunities

Utilize LinkedIn’s job search feature to find job openings that match your skills and interests. You can filter job listings by location, industry, and job function to narrow down your search. Follow companies of interest to stay updated on their job postings and company news.

Research Companies and Hiring Managers

Use LinkedIn to research companies you’re interested in and learn about their culture, values, and current employees. Follow and engage with hiring managers or recruiters from those companies to build relationships and increase your chances of being considered for jobs.

Seek Recommendations

Recommendations can add credibility to your profile and make you stand out to potential employers.

Keep Your Profile Updated

Regularly update your LinkedIn Profile with new skills, experiences, and accomplishments.

Networking Strategies

How to Network On LinkedIn

1. 100% Complete = 40x more opportunities
   Building connections starts with people seeing all you have to offer. Members with complete profiles are 40x more likely to receive opportunities through LinkedIn.

2. You are more experienced than you think
   Think broadly about all your experience, including summer jobs, unpaid internships, volunteer work, and student organizations. You never know what might catch someone’s eye. 

3. Use your inbox
   Networking doesn’t mean reaching out cold to strangers. Start building your LinkedIn network by uploading your online address book (from your email account) and connect to people you know and trust.

4. Get Personal
   As you build your connections, customize your requests with a friendly note and, if necessary, a reminder of where you met, who you met through, or what organizations you have in common. 

5. Join the “IN” Crowd
   LinkedIn Groups can help you form new connections. Start with your school groups and reach out to alumni (they love to connect with students). Find volunteer organizations and associations you belong to. 

6. Lend a (virtual) hand
   As you build connections, think about how you can support others. Comment on a classmate’s status update or forward a job listing to a friend — your generosity will be returned!

7. Update your status early and often
   Networking isn’t just about who you know; it’s about who knows you. Stay on your network’s radar by updating your LinkedIn status regularly — what you’re reading, working on, and more.

8. Request Informational Interviews
   As a student, don’t ask professional contacts for a job. Instead, ask for a brief phone conversations to seek their job search advice. Alumni, family friends, and industry leaders are often willing to do so.

9. Do your homework
   Before an informational interview, a formal interview, or a networking event, use LinkedIn’s Advanced Search and Company Pages to learn about the background and interests of the people you’re meeting.

10. Step away from the computer
    Support your online networking with a real human touch. Set up calls, attend live events, and send snail mail notes to people you interact with on LinkedIn.