New to the Career Market? Must-Do Networking Tips for New Grads

By Julie Bauke

Jobs Vacancy, Job vacancies, Employment Jobs

As much as you might shudder at the thought, your career success will be directly tied to your willingness and ability to network. I'd go so far as to say that if you don't learn how, and actively practice and build your networking skills, you won't reach your goals. Your resume (and your shoes) may be polished to a shine, but if you are ignoring the fact that 2/3 or more of people get their jobs through people they already know, or people they meet in the search, all that shine is for nothing. We get information, ideas, resources, scoop, and new contacts from others in all other areas of our lives, so why should your career be any different?

Here are five must -do's:

Join professional associations and groups that are connected to what you want to do, or to fields you'd like to explore. (and be active!) The more people get comfortable with you, the more you let them see you doing something well, the more likely they are to reach out on your behalf, or even hire you! Whether you are a volunteer or doing paid work, people are watching you and deciding how helpful they want to be. If you are always late, putting in minimal effort, gossiping, or missing commitments, how likely do you think people are to recommend you for anything?

Get yourself a business card, or "career card."You're a professional with some skills, education and a bit of experience, right? So what if no one has hired you to put all of that awesomeness to work yet? You still need to come across professionally to all that you meet. Without it, how do you anticipate giving out your contact info? On the back of a bank deposit slip? Shoving one of your resumes into their suit pocket? Maybe even add a phrase about what you do or want to do.

Get clarity on what you are seeking.You'll hear it a lot: "what are you looking to do?" The level of clarity you have will drive how helpful people are willing and able to be. Hint: "I'm a really fast learner and am open to just about anything" is not a good answer. What kind of work are you seeking? What are you good at? Where does your interest in your field stem from?

Get very focused on connecting with the network you have. That's right. You have a network already. Everyone you know is a potentially valuable contact. Examples: your friends' parents, your parents' friends, your professors and advisers, former employers, neighbors, church members. Remember, your networking contacts don't have to be people who are in the field you want to be in. We all know a lot of people- and not all of them do what we do or work where we work. Start with the people who know you best, those who will go the extra mile for you, who think highly of you and would likely pick up the phone on your behalf to connect you with their best contacts.

Listen to other people and look for opportunities to give. And remember that true networking is mutually beneficial. Learn about your networking contacts and show genuine interest. Just because you are new in the job market doesn't mean you have nothing to give. As an example, I have gotten great information and insight from recent grads about their college experiences that proved very helpful to me as my son went through his college selection process.

Taking a long term, relationship approach to your networking will reap countless benefits, including the creation of future career opportunities. What's not to like about that?