Summary: Networking Skills

Networking like any other communication is two way – it is important to put across your message but also to listen to (and remember) what you are being told. Make notes after every networking opportunity to remind you about who you met and what was said. 

Networking is about:

• Raising your credibility and visibility 
• Getting information from and to as many people as possible so that everyone knows about your situation and can help with your marketing and information gathering 
• The three I’s – information, introductions and ideas 
• Exploiting the hidden job market by helping you to uncover opportunities you might not discover in other ways and puts you in a position where you might have less competition 

Networking is not about asking for a job as there is rarely one available and puts people on the spot. You should ask open questions versus closed ones where the answer is likely to be no. 

Networking can be done by:

• Phone 
• Email 
• Letter 
• Social media – LinkedIn, Facebook, twitter etc 
• Face to face – on and off line 

It demonstrates to prospective employers that you are proactive and willing to market yourself. 

Networking meetings 

By Phone (to arrange a face to face meeting):

• Remind the person who you are 
• Establish a link 
• Check they have time to talk 
• Indicate how they might be able to help 
• Market yourself with examples 
• Confirm next steps in an email

Face to Face:

• Build rapport
• Market yourself with examples
• Ask questions to get the info you want
• Maintain control
• Be aware of their time
• Maintain contact

Networking works because 

• It is often easier to obtain meetings rather than interviews 
• Meetings are more relaxed than interviews 
• People usually want to help 

Networking relies on good Networking elevator pitches which you can bring into a conversation. They need to be prepared, practised and adapted for different situations. You need to ensure that yours captures the listener’s interest, sets out your position positively and markets you well. You can practise using your mobile phone to record your pitch. 

Build a mind map of Network contacts that might be able to help you. Start TODAY, make connections and develop your networking skills. 

Networking is for life and helps you to do your job better and to develop your career going forward. 

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Template Letter for Seeking Advice from a Networking Contact or someone you have identified as being able to help you (can be adapted for email) 

Name 

Address 

Phone Number 

E Mail Address/LinkedIn 

Date 

Name of Addressee 

Job Title of Addressee (where appropriate) 

Organisation Name (where appropriate) 

Address 

 

Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms xxxxxx 

Abc has suggested that I contact you. As a leading xyz expert I would welcome your advice on how I might develop a career in this area. 

Or 

As you are a leading xyz expert I would welcome your advice on how I might develop a career in this area. 

I have spent my recent career working in jkl but now feel that my career needs to develop in a different direction. Given that I have extensive experience of jkl and have excellent skills in uvw it would appear that a career in xyz may be a suitable next step. 

I understand that you do not have any job vacancies. I would appreciate spending 20 minutes with you discussing what I might do that would assist with me in making a career change. Your advice would be very valuable to me. 

I do hope that you will be able to spare me some time and will contact you next week to discuss a mutually convenient date. In the meantime I attach a copy of my CV in order to give you more information about my experience and skills. 

Yours sincerely