LinkedIn and networking
Having an effective network can greatly increase your chances of securing a job after graduation and beyond. As well as helping you access 'the hidden job market' of roles that are never formally advertised, networking is important for making contacts, getting noticed in your sector of interest and increasing your knowledge of key organisations/individuals in the sector.
LinkedIn is a great tool to be able to build your network in a far-reaching and impactful way. With users worldwide and millions of company pages, you can use the site to research individual people and organisations of interest. Having a strong, up-to-date profile and a considered approach to engagement can help to get you noticed by relevant players in your industry and open up the opportunities to start discussions, ask questions and develop and nurture mutually beneficial relationships with others.
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Top tips for effective networking
You won't impress an employer or organisation if you don't know anything about them, so it is quite important to start with research. Before you make contact, do as much research as possible about the company, sector or individual. Consider these questions:
- Who are their clients or customers?
- What are their values and ethos?
- As an organisation, what makes them unique?
- Have they been in the news or on social media, and why?
- What do their employees and former employees say about them?
The next step is to make contact with the organisation, company or employer that you are hoping to target. You can do this by:
- Sending a speculative application (CV and cover letter)
- By phone or email
- In person (at an event or fair)
Once you have made contact with a new connection, the next step is to follow up.
- Firstly, keep track of contacts you have made and what was discussed. This will help you later on when you are hoping to utilise your networks. Remember to only contact them when you need to, that way they will take notice of your contact.
- If they asked you to do anything following the connection such as sending a CV or calling them, then make sure you do, and don't wait too long as you want them to still remember you.
- Add them to your LinkedIn network, with a personal message in the connection request.