What is networking and why does everyone emphasize its importance? When speaking with recruitment professionals, I was informed that upwards of 80% of positions are filled without ever being posted. I was staggered by this number and wanted to find out more about how this could be feasible.
What I found through interviewing recruitment professionals was that networking is an essential function to continue to build and develop your career. Not only does networking allow you to advance your career, but it also exposes you to other professionals in your industry. This is truly an asset as it allows you to exposure to the industry and similar like-minded individuals. Through all of the networking sessions I have attended, I have been provided with great resources for career development and exposure to many career opportunities. I have been able to add wonderful professionals to my network who have helped me to grow and develop both personally and professionally.
So how do you effectively network?
- Have an elevator pitch ready. An elevator pitch is a story or synopsis about yourself. You need to be able to articulate who you are, what got you to where you are professionally, why you do it, where you do it and where you want to go to next. Elevator pitches should be no longer than 1-2 minutes in duration. These takes time to practice and refine. I recommend you take a blank piece of paper and start writing it out. Read it out and refine, refine, refine!
- Dress Appropriately: I cannot emphasize this enough. Although it may seem obvious, first impressions are of utmost importance. You want to look professional when networking, this means wear business attire. I have been to many professional events where some attendees dress too casually for the occasion. If you would not wear it to an interview, then please do not wear it to a networking event. Ripped jeans and a t-shirt are not appropriate and furthermore are not setting the right impression. Therefore, think twice when selecting your attire for a professional networking event.
- Step outside of your comfort zone: When attending networking events, we may attend with our colleagues or peers and then have a tendency to stick with them throughout the event. While this may feel comfortable, it is not effective when networking. The goal of networking is to meet other people not those that we have arrived with. You are trying to make contacts to further leverage your career/professional development. By sticking to what is familiar, this does not allow you to meet those outside of your circle.Furthermore, we may have a tendency to stay in one seat or spot within the room, remember to walk around to other areas, step outside of your comfort zone and strike up some conversation.
- Follow up on leads/contacts you have met: Networking is of no purpose if you do not follow up/connect with the contacts you have met. I suggest a 72-hour turnaround time frame for those you have met at a networking event. This allows the follow up email or LinkedIn message to be timely and demonstrates that this person truly had an impact on you.
- Do not forget to bring your business cards: If you are a student, this can be something simple, outlining your name, email and Linkedin profile. As a professional, I do not like handing my work email out as I have a preference to keep my work email separate. On my business card, I keep it similar to the student business card however I add in my current position.
I hope these tips help you to effectively network at future events! I wish you all good luck!
About the Author
Jabeen Boga is an experienced human resources professional with close to ten years of experience across a wide variety of human resources functions. This includes possessing the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation with responsibility that spans locations across Canada.
Jabeen earned her undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University obtaining Dean’s Honor Roll status. Jabeen has worked for several large organizations, including KPMG and TD Bank, and is currently employed as a Senior Human Resources Manager. She is passionate about the field of human resources and about sharing her knowledge through mentoring and teaching.
Jabeen is part of the Ashton College faculty instructing the Diploma in Human Resources Management program. She also sits on the CPHR BC and Yukon Advisory Council and leads a Roundtable on Career Advancement. As a recipient of HRD Canada’s 2015 Rising Star Award and 2017 Human Resources Professional Awards, she is excited to share her experience and passion for the field of human resources with you!
