Let’s be real: networking is an essential skill. In fact, it can be the key to landing the job you’ve been dreaming about. You might vaguely know that networking is helpful, but could be wondering WHY networking is important.
This guide will cover the key things you need to know about professional networking, like:
- Answering the most important question: What is networking?
- The importance of networking
- The benefits of networking
Alright, let’s start diving into the (exciting, I promise!) world of networking!
Before we get into why networking is important, let’s answer, “What is networking?”
What is networking?
On the surface, networking might seem like just talking to people in a professional setting. Or, maybe networking reminds you of those career fairs in college (did anyone else dread those??)
However, networking is more strategic than it seems on the surface and way more beneficial.
So, what is networking?
Networking is…
- Relationship building
- Making connections with & for other people using effective, purposeful communication
- A series of mutually beneficial, successful transactions
Okay, those last 2 are the most important: networking is purposeful and mutually beneficial.
So, you’re networking to find a job and someone else is networking to find a new awesome employee. When you’re networking, remember YOU are benefiting them too– you’re not an intrusion or annoyance, I promise!
How do you get over the networking scaries? With my 10 awkward-proof strategies to network like a pro!
80% OF JOBS ARE ON THE HIDDEN MARKET—
LEARN HOW TO FIND THEM IN THIS FREE WORKSHOP
Are online job apps making your career sour? The key to candy coating your career is networking!
In this FREE workshop, I’ll teach you how to ditch your resume & grow the best resource you have as a job seeker: your network!
Now that we’ve answered “What is networking?” let’s dive into why networking is important.
Why networking is important (aka the benefits of networking)
There are several ways to answer “Why is networking important?” but I want to focus on the 4 biggest reasons.
The top 4 reasons why networking is important are
- You connect with new people
- Who you know is the key to getting a high quality job interview
- You get info about potential new career paths
- The hidden market is massive
Let’s dive deep into each reason why networking is important, so you totally understand the benefits of networking!
You connect with new people
Think about the size of your network right now, including professors you had, supervisors and coworkers you worked well with, and friends in your field.
I’m sure it’s bigger than you think, but it could be a whole lot bigger and more beneficial.
Now, think about all the people in your field you’d like to meet: the thought leaders, researchers, or managers that inspire you. Or, think of the positions you’d like to have: supervisor, director, CEO, etc.
Networking is how you create a path from you to them.
Making new connections is one of the biggest benefits to networking. Keep reading to find out why new connections are crucial!
Still not sure how to get started? Check out these tips for introverts, newbies, and recent grads to start networking!
WHO you know is the key to getting an interview
You never know how many people applied to the position you’re after. Honestly, it’s probably a lot more than you think it is. Which is why you have to do everything you can to stand out.
Networking guarantees you stand out, by getting you a personal connection with someone inside the company. It can get you someone on the inside vouching for you from the start, which immediately makes you pop.
They have a limited number of interview slots, so an insider on your team is the key to landing one.
How do you get the confidence to reach out to new connections? With these 10 awkward-proof strategies to network like a pro!
80% OF JOBS ARE ON THE HIDDEN MARKET—
LEARN HOW TO FIND THEM IN THIS FREE WORKSHOP
Are online job apps making your career sour? The key to candy coating your career is networking!
In this FREE workshop, I’ll teach you how to ditch your resume & grow the best resource you have as a job seeker: your network!
By consistently working on growing and leveraging your network, you’ll start getting all the benefits of networking!
You gather information about potential career paths
Have you been feeling dissatisfied with your jobs since you graduated? Or are you still scratching your head wondering what you should be when you grow up (hello, me!)?
Then networking could be exactly what you need to figure out your next step- and find your passion(s).
BTW- here are 6 excellent questions to ask yourself when you’re feeling lost in your career!
If you’ve been silently wondering what it’s like to run a non-profit, work at a law firm, be a graphic designer, or any other career, then networking is how you stop wondering and start learning if it would be a good fit for you.
Here’s a quick step by step process to explore new careers with networking:
- Research professionals in the fields you’re curious about
- See if there are any you have a connection with- maybe you’re both alum of the same school, belong to the same organization, or have a mutual connection.
- Send them a networking email
- Schedule an informational interview to learn more about their job and career path to see if it’s something you’d be interested in.
As someone who started college undecided and changed her major twice, I know what it’s like to feel totally lost about where your career is heading.
Networking in fields you’re curious about will help you figure out your direction and discover what you’re looking for in a career.
The hidden market is HUGE
Like, way bigger than you think. Before I get into how big it is, let’s talk about what the hidden market is.
The positions you see posted on LinkedIn, Indeed, and anywhere else are jobs on the “open market.” That means they’re publicly advertised and, generally, open for anyone to apply for.
It might seem like those are the only jobs available, but the open market is actually 20% of open positions.
That means a full 80% (!!) of jobs are hidden- aka only accessed through networking.
Each month, there’s an average of as many as 11,000,000 job openings- so if you’re not looking on the hidden market, then you’re missing out on as many as 8.8 MILLION job openings.
It opens up a whole world of vacant jobs you didn’t know were out there, which is why networking is important- especially in the modern job market.
Networking can be the key to getting on the career path you’ve been dreaming about. It connects you to new people, helps you land interviews, allows you to gather information about new careers, and gets you into the hidden market- all of which is why networking is important.
Now that we’ve answered “What is networking?” and “Why is networking important?” you can start networking asap! Jumpstart your career journey by making networking a priority- you never know where it’ll lead!
How do you get over the networking scaries? With my 10 awkward-proof strategies to network like a pro!