When you are job searching, you are going to hear a lot about networking. “Make sure you’re networking to find your next job” someone will say. “Join networking groups” someone else will tell you. You probably already know that networking is important, but how do you do it?
At Liberty Staffing Services, we work with job seekers every day. We know what kinds of challenges you face when you’re looking for your next position. One of the questions we hear frequently is, “How can I network effectively?”
We’re here to help. Here’s our list of ways to make job networking a natural part of your professional life. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a new position in Southern Ontario, reach out to us at Liberty Staffing to learn how we can help.
Try Not to Stress About Job Networking
When we say “don’t stress,” we don’t mean that you should disregard the importance of networking. We mean that you shouldn’t let it stress you out so much that you freeze.
Networking is about building relationships in a professional environment. How you network is dependent upon your industry, personality, and other preferences.
Networking doesn’t have to look the same from one person to the next. If you are an introvert, networking isn’t about flipping a switch to become an extrovert. (No one should be expected to change their whole personality just to find a job.) Instead, simply focus on building meaningful relationships with people who can help you meet your professional goals.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Having a handful of positive, meaningful relationships is more important than having lots of superficial ones. This is true in the professional sphere, just as much as it is true in the “real world” of family and friendships.
If you find yourself trying to meet every single person you can so that you can shake their hand and move on, you probably aren’t making very meaningful connections with people. You want people to remember you, and the best way to do that is through an intentional, memorable conversation.
Join Job Networking Groups to Meet Others
Networking groups, including industry organizations and online communities, are a great way to meet people who are also focused on building professional relationships. These are the perfect places to practice networking because you know that everyone else also wants to build their professional network.
There are networking groups for everyone, including:
- Industry-specific groups
- Career-specific groups
- Identity-based groups
- Location-based groups
- Online-only groups
- And more
Attend Workshops, Conferences, and Seminars
Take advantage of professional development opportunities like workshops, conferences, seminars, and retreats. Many employers are even willing to pay the enrollment fees for these programs because they benefit from having employees who are engaged and actively learning new skills.
As you learn more about your work at these events, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet people. Don’t forget to attend networking events that are hosted by these departments.
Participate in Alumni Networks
University graduates should have access to the alumni networks at their alma mater. In addition to official alumni networks, you may be able to join informal groups online and in person.
These are such useful connections because you already have a shared experience of attending the same school. You may have had the same professors, studied in the same buildings, and experienced the same university culture. Think of how much this gives you to talk about together, even if you just met.
If you aren’t sure where to start, try to attend a homecoming event this year and see where it gets you.
Work with a Staffing Agency
Think of a staffing agency as a partner who can network on your behalf.
Staffing agencies like Liberty Staffing Services have deep, meaningful networks with their communities. These networks have been built through years of hard work and community building. It’s simply not possible for any individual job seeker to develop and maintain this many relationships.
When you leverage the network of a staffing agency, you get to take advantage of our in-depth knowledge of industry trends, employer profiles, and not-yet-published job opportunities. This expertise is invaluable to your job search.
We build ongoing relationships with employers in the area and can help you make connections that would otherwise be inaccessible to you and other candidates.
Trust Liberty Staffing to Help You with Job Networking
Effective networking is a powerful tool in your job search. When you implement the strategies above, you can build a robust and effective network that helps you reach your career goals. Keep in mind that the more authentic you are in your networking, the more likely you are to build meaningful relationships.
Liberty Staffing has spent years cultivating meaningful relationships with employers in Southern Ontario, and we are happy to give you access to the benefits of these relationships.
If you are ready to take your job search to the next level, Liberty Staffing is ready to help. Reach out to us today to learn how our expertise can help you land your next position.
