4 Useful Job Networking Tips

'Networking is an essential part of building wealth.'

Armstrong Williams

Networking, as you probably already know, involves using your existing network of friends, relative and business associates as a means of getting or generating work.

The help of an exterior professional body, like Muovo, will prove as an inevitable help when it comes to getting you the right connections and thereby land you to the job and/or career your heart desires.

In view of the above, networking involves individuals forming mutually supportive relationships. People form networks for a variety of purposes, including of course, career advancement.

Networking can help you in a variety of ways as you begin and grow your career.

The following article includes sound advice to those of you who are currently looking for a new job or considering to change careers.

1. Remember that you already know how to network
Networking is nothing more than getting to know people. Whether you realise it or not, you’re already networking every day and everywhere you go. You are networking when you strike up a conversation with the person next to you in line, introduce yourself to other parents at your child’s school, meet a friend of a friend, catch up with a former co-worker, or stop to chat with your neighbour. Everyone you meet can help you move your job search forward.

Tapping the hidden job market may take more planning and nerve than searching online, but it’s much more effective. Adopting a networking lifestyle—a lifestyle of connecting and helping others in good times and bad—will help you find the right job, make valuable connections in your chosen field, and stay focused and motivated during your job search. This is how Muovo can help you in broadening your social network by advising you on how to make the best first impressions on forming new alliances. 

2. Slow down and enjoy the job networking process
The best race car drivers are masters of slowing down. They know that the fastest way around the track is by slowing down going into the turns, so they can accelerate sooner as they’re heading into the straightaway. As you’re networking, keep this 'Slow in, fast out' racing mantra in mind.

Effective networking is not something that should be rushed. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to be efficient and focused, but hurried, emergency networking is not conducive to building relationships for mutual support and benefit. When you network, you should slow down, be present, and try to enjoy the process. This will speed up your chances for success in the job-hunting race. Just because you have an agenda doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy reconnecting.

3. Evaluate the quality of your network
If your networking efforts don’t seem to be going anywhere, you may need to evaluate the quality of your network. Take some time to think about your network’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. Without such an evaluation, there is little chance your network will adapt to your needs and your future goals. You may not notice how bound you are to history, or how certain connections are holding you back. And you may miss opportunities to branch out and forge new ties that will help you move forward.

Taking inventory of your network and where it is lacking is time well spent. If you feel your network is out of date, then it's time to upgrade! Your mere awareness of your needs will help you connect you with new and more relevant contacts and networks.

4. Who Should Be In Your Network?

Your network can be made up of almost anyone you've ever met. Of course not everyone is part of your active network, but each person can be welcomed into your network at some point. In turn, each person in your network has the potential of leading you to other contacts who may then become part of your network. The relations within your network are bi-directional. In other words, one hand washes the other. 

Don't hesitate to offer support as well as ask for it. During our informal meetings, Muovo will advise you on how to form and maintain good ties with organisations worth noting and positions applicable.

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Nikita Pisani at Muovo

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