Networking tips from a NAIT career counselling expert

"Networking is not as scary as it may sound"

There may be free coffee and snacks at that networking event but chances are good that many of us will feel like we’re going to have to work for them anyway.

It’s hard not to think of networking as an uncomfortable exercise in being vulnerable. Often, you don’t know the environment. You don’t know the people. And you don’t know how you’re going to convince them of the value you can bring to their organization.

But “networking is not as scary as it may sound,” says Jacob Caley.

That’s good, because the NAIT career education coordinator sees the activity as essential to career advancement. For one thing, says Caley, it is a doorway to a hidden job market estimated to account for around 70% of all positions. For another, it’s how you personalize the resumés and cover letters you send out into the world to represent you.

“People like to do business with people they like and people they know,” says Caley. “So you have to get out there and meet people and introduce yourself.”

Here are his tips on how to do that – and even enjoy it.

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Be prepared

“Good networkers do their research,” says Caley.

Before attending an event, get to know the basics, and a few key talking points, about the industry and specific companies. Web searches and checking LinkedIn accounts will help you “go into that conversation with some ammunition, details, and questions about projects.”

Know what you’ll want to say about yourself, too, by developing a personal elevator pitch. Which of your experiences are relevant to the topic at hand? Which are interesting enough to spark conversation?

“Just a few points about yourself that you've prepped so that you don't have to speak off the cuff,” Caley recommends.

Embrace informal networking

In some cases – cases that may not be thought of as networking – that elevator pitch is unnecessary. A network can be formed outside of the confines of a business-casual meet-and-greet. Volunteering, community events, religious meetings, even chatting with a neighbour are opportunities to make connections that shouldn’t be overlooked.

“Whether you realize it or not, you are networking every day and everywhere you go,” says Caley.

Give back

Yes, you want a job, and everyone at a networking event probably knows it. But it’s best not to act that way. Not too much, at least. Instead, focus on building your reputation. That’s best done by contributing, says Caley.

“Networking is a two-way street. You can approach someone who's been in the industry a long time and ask questions, But you need to give them something in return.”

This may take the form of opinions, experiences and ideas. Be respectful but unafraid to share. “Even if you are less experienced in the industry, you still have things to offer,” says Caley.

Follow up

If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, “that's the first thing that we recommend,” says Caley. Create one before going to any networking event.

Use it to follow up with the people you meet. Send a request to connect on the platform with a message that reminds the recipient where you met, subtly recalls elements of your personal elevator pitch, and touches on what you talked about.

“It refreshes their memory and shows them that you are engaged in the conversation.”

Be confident

Caley believes that everyone is capable of cracking an increasingly competitive job market if they’re willing to put in the work. We already have exactly what we need to succeed.

“Everyone has a story to tell, and that's all networking is,” he says. “It's just getting people to relate to you and what you're talking about.”

And remember, those people you want to relate to you are at an event for the same reason you are. They have a passion for their industry or cause, and they want to see it succeed. So do you.

“You have something in common,” says Caley. “Find that and build from there.”