Don’t know anybody who works in your industry? Then get schmoozing. And no, it isn’t just for posh kids – anyone can build a network, from scratch.
Here are three things every graduate should know about networking:
1) Anyone can do it. Graduates who grumble that “It’s all about who you know, not what you know” are missing the point. Yes, the posho boarding school kids are coached in schmoozing from birth – and Daddy’s golfing buddies will doubtless prove very useful to little Tarquin and Jemima. But the truth is that anyone – from any background – can build a network from scratch. And it isn’t rocket science. You can do this.
2) It’s way less cringey that you think. The word ‘networking’ makes most graduates shudder. You think of the pushy desperado job-seeker at some horrific industry ‘do’, wearing a cheap suit and naff name badge, sipping warm white wine and thrusting business cards into the hand of anyone who catches their eye. It’s desperate, tragic and so not you. Right? Wrong. Networking has changed. Today, it’s simple: find people who work in your field – and be polite, interested and charming. That’s it. You can do this online or in person.
3) If you aren’t networking, you’re missing out on opportunities that are going to people who are. Collecting a group of people who work in your industry who think you’re good is about the smartest thing you can do to improve your changes of landing a job. Networking is the best way to hear about ‘hidden’ (unadvertised) jobs – and a personal recommendation can push your CV to the top of the pile.
NEXT: BUILD YOUR NETWORK IN 10 EASY STEPS
