Networking is the process and practice of building and maintaining professional relationships to enrich your career development, contribute to your professional community, and engage in continuous learning. Networking matters for many reasons, but job seekers should know that approximately 75% of jobs (across all industries) are filled through some form of personal networking. The wise job seeker spends as much or more time networking, i.e. building relationships, as they do applying for jobs online.
When do I start Networking?
NOW! The practice of networking should happen before, during, and after your job search. You should work on building and maintaining your professional network every week. The process outlined here will help you define your short and long-term networking goals, identify existing connections as well as people and organizations you want to engage with, and get started building your network. Ultimately, networking will help you to learn about and take advantage of opportunities for career development opportunities.
Networking can take place at formal functions like career fairs or conferences, but also involves the everyday relationship building we do at school, work, and in the community. “Everyday networking” is just as important as formal networking and often results in long lasting professional relationships.