Importance of Networking and Professional Relationships for Job Seekers

It isn’t easy being a job seeker nowadays. Resumes vanish in online portals, with scarce feedback that is never helpful. Meanwhile, stiff competition can make standing out brutal, as qualifications often feel like moving targets.

However, this situation can be proactively remedied by a simple exercise: building a network of strong professional relationships. Don’t take our word for it. Statistics from Harvard Career Services reveal that over 80% of jobs are filled through networking.

When we say “network building,” don’t think about the outdated notion of networking being solely about “who you know.” As we’ll see throughout the blog, the true power lies in building genuine connections. Think of it as fostering mutually beneficial relationships, where you not only learn and grow with established professionals but also offer value in return.

This blog about the Importance of Networking and Professional Relationships for Job Seekers will attempt to equip you with the tools and strategies to navigate this career bridge. We’ll delve into building lasting relationships, mastering networking strategies, and job search tips regarding LinkedIn. So, prepare to transform your job search and propel yourself towards a fulfilling career.

Why is Professional Networking Important For Job Seekers?

Before discussing building networks, we must answer the following question: Why is professional networking important? And why should you, as a job seeker, engage in it? 

Well, to put it succinctly, there are largely 5 benefits for job seekers who engage in professional networking:

• Hidden Opportunities: Professional Networking enables you to engage in direct applications through referrals. Employers that go unlisted on digital platforms usually go for those already present in their own network.
• Visibility: Once you attend these networking platforms and forums, your continued presence and active engagement puts you in the spotlight.
• Credibility: As you build genuine relationships with industry experts and professionals, you will start becoming a brand in your own self. Their positive recommendations will make you an accredited name in the industry.
• Insight and Advice: Naturally, when you speak to those who walk the talk, they will eventually reveal industry tactics, tricks, and strategies. For a novice job seeker like you, these are extremely significant in landing a job and growing your human capital in the coming years.

Building and Maintaining Professional Relationships

Building professional relationships, often referred to as professional networking, is not just about landing your next job. It’s about cultivating a network of individuals who can support your career development in the long run. We learn best through examples, so let’s take Sarah, a recent marketing graduate. She’s looking for a job but finds it hard to break through. So what does she do? Prioritizes building professional relationships.

Through this activity, Sarah can interact with industry professionals at conferences and online forums and gain valuable insights into different marketing specializations. These connections not only help her refine her career goals but also potentially may lead to informational interviews with marketing directors.

So, how does Sarah build professional relationships? Here are some things that might be on her list:

• Leverage your existing network: Everyone has a network, even if it doesn’t initially seem like it. So, she might reach out to former classmates, professors, or colleagues she’s worked with on projects. These connections are a goldmine for professional networking – even if they might not seem so at first glance.
• Identify your target audience: Sarah might ask herself: Who do I want to connect with? Am I interested in learning more about a specific industry or company? Researching relevant professionals on LinkedIn or attending industry events will help her identify potential connections.
• Become an active participant: Passivity is a thief of joy. So, Sarah goes ahead and joins online communities related to her field, participates in discussions, and shares insightful content. This demonstrates her knowledge and will establish her as a thought leader among her professional peers.

Now that Sarah has built some professional links here and there, she will try her best to keep them warm. For that, she might adopt the following strategies:

1. Stay in touch: A simple email checking in or sharing a relevant article can go a long way. Remember, genuine connections are two-way streets. Offer value by providing insights or resources that might also benefit your connections.
2. Be present at industry events: Conferences, workshops, and meetups offer fantastic opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals. Make sure that you get them to give you their business card or some form of contact information. Later, you can contact them to continue nurturing these leads. Ideally, you should contact them 3-5 business days after.
3. Volunteer your expertise: Step out of your comfort zone. Trying to contribute your skills to a professional organization or volunteering for a relevant cause allows you to connect with others who share your interests while giving back to the community.

Now, while Sarah is good to go regarding making and nurturing these leads, she’ll make sure to avoid things that would damage these links. So, what should she avoid?

Well, first of all, remember what we said in the beginning? Building professional relationships is about fostering mutually beneficial connections. So, just show genuine interest in others and their experiences. Try to make this aspect stand out in any mode of professional communication you engage in. Meanwhile, know that networking is not about pitching yourself for a job at every opportunity. Focus on subtly building rapport and showcasing your expertise. Lastly, avoid ghosting after a meeting. After connecting with someone, send a thank-you or follow-up email reiterating your interests and offering to stay in touch. This keeps the conversation going and strengthens the connection.

By building genuine relationships and nurturing them over time, you create a network that supports your career growth at every stage. So, take the initiative, connect with others, and watch your network become a powerful asset in achieving your career goals.

Effective Networking Strategies for Job Seekers

Beyond the initial resume drop, securing a coveted position often hinges on the strength of your professional network. Sarah knows that, and now, thanks to her, we do too. However, navigating the world of networking events and informational interviews can feel daunting. This is especially true for people like Sarah, who are new to the job market. 

Let’s address this issue head-on with 3 impactful strategies to elevate your networking prowess.

Hone Your Professional Persona

Articulate communication is the cornerstone of successful networking. Here’s a little thought experiment: Imagine attending an industry event and conversing with a hiring manager from your dream company. A well-phrased introduction and a clear explanation of your career goals can leave a lasting impression. 

Also, practice your elevator pitch: a concise introduction highlighting your skills and aspirations. This is highly significant in honing your professional communication skills. 

But that’s not all. For in-person interviews and discussions, ensure you have worked extensively on your non-verbal modes of communication. After all, 70% of communication is non-verbal. So, maintain good posture with your shoulders back and your head held high. Make eye contact and avoid fidgeting. An open stance with uncrossed arms can also present you as being approachable.

Leverage the Power of Informational Interviews

As we mentioned before, informational interviews are invaluable tools for gaining industry insights and establishing connections with professionals in your field. Initially, you can contact your target experts with a personalized email expressing your interest in learning more about their role and offering a convenient time for a brief conversation. 

Be sure to prepare insightful questions beforehand. These can be focused on their career journey, the skills required for their position, and any advice they might offer for someone in your shoes. The key in all this is to remember one important detail: the goal is to learn and build rapport, not necessarily secure a job on the spot.

Embrace the Power of Online Networking

Professional platforms like LinkedIn offer a dynamic space to expand your network and showcase your expertise. While we will be diving deeper into this when we discuss LinkedIn job-hunting tactics, here’s a quick rundown: 

1. Optimize your profile with relevant keywords and quantifiable achievements.
2. Engage with industry groups by participating in discussions and sharing valuable content. 
3. Connect with individuals you admire and follow companies of interest. By actively engaging online, you position yourself as a thought leader and increase your visibility within your target industry.

The Role of Mentorship in Career Development

Throughout history, mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping successful careers. Finding a seasoned professional to guide you can be invaluable to your job search. A mentor acts as a trusted advisor, offering industry knowledge, career insights, encouragement, and support during challenging times. And if it’s a mentor that Sarah needs, it’s a mentor that she’ll get!

Before moving forward, let’s start with the basics: The key to a successful mentorship lies in identifying a mentor who aligns with your long-term career aspirations. In Sarah’s case, she seeks a mentor with experience in, perhaps, digital marketing strategy. She may connect with a marketing director at a prominent tech company through her university’s alumni network. If the marketing director’s expertise aligns perfectly with Sarah’s goals, that will make him an ideal choice.

To ensure this engagement is fruitful, the mentees (Sarah) should come prepared to each meeting with specific questions or topics for discussion. Active listening and a willingness to learn are crucial. What is even more crucial, however, is regular communication. That is indispensable. After all, this would allow the mentor to provide ongoing support and feedback. In Sarah’s example, she could schedule monthly meetings with the marketing director to discuss her progress and receive constructive feedback on her marketing campaign ideas.

Tips For LinkedIn Job Hunting 

According to an AudienceProject study, 84% of people use LinkedIn  to strengthen their professional network. Surprisingly, it is roughly the same for employers as well. Approximately 77% of recruiters actively use LinkedIn to find potential candidates. Hence, your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression on potential employers. It presents your profile, performance, and prowess to them and enables you to understand their requirements and expectations holistically. In fact, this job-hunting mode will soon be revolutionized by video resume platforms such as DigitalHire. 

So, to make sure that Sarah utilizes this opportunity in the most effective way possible, she remembers the following tips:

• Optimize for Searchability: Craft a compelling headline that goes beyond your job title. For instance, instead of “Marketing Manager,” use “Growth-focused marketing professional with a proven track record in demand generation for SaaS products.” Also, emphasize relevant keywords throughout your profile. Consider the terms recruiters might use to search for your ideal role and incorporate them naturally into your experience and skills sections.
• Showcase Your Accomplishments: Make sure to quantify your achievements. For example, instead of stating “Managed social media campaigns,” quantify the impact: “Increased brand engagement by 20% through targeted social media campaigns.” To present this exclusively, utilize the “Projects” section to highlight personal initiatives or volunteer work that you have done.
• Become a Content Curator: Consistently write and share high-quality articles, industry reports, and thought leadership pieces related to your field. This activity will demonstrate your knowledge and it will keep your profile active, increasing your visibility to recruiters.
• Build Your Brand Identity: Regularly update your profile to reflect your evolving skills and career goals. Post thoughtful updates about industry trends and insights. Engage with other people’s content, leaving insightful comments and sparking meaningful conversations.

By following these steps, you can transform your LinkedIn profile into a powerful tool that attracts recruiters and propels your career forward. But remember: consistency is key. 

Closing Thoughts

And that’s it. Just like that, our dear Sarah has landed herself her dream job! And you can as well. 

By cultivating genuine professional relationships and employing strategic networking techniques, you can empower yourself to navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. Meanwhile, as you proactively engage with your network and leverage its invaluable support, you inevitably propel your career toward its full potential.