Why You Need to Spend Time Networking
Networking is one of the best things you can do with your time if you want to have a direct impact on your career, but one of the things people skip over the most. I can’t tell you how many folks I’ve talked to who will spend hours, weeks, months, even years developing their skills and experience for their dream job, but spend no time networking. And then wonder why they struggle to land jobs or even figure out their career path.
There are so many benefits to networking.
Job Referrals
Many job openings, especially entry-level roles, get hundreds if not thousands of candidates submitting applications. Significantly more than any company has time to interview, let alone hire. In some cases, your resume might not even get looked at by a human.
While a referral is not a guarantee of a job offer or even an interview, it can significantly increase the chance that an actual person will review your resume and thus consider your candidacy for the role.
Additionally, there are a lot of roles that are never posted, or aren’t posted in many places and can be hard to find. If you have a robust network, then there’s a higher chance someone will think of you and reach out regarding an opening.
Company Insights
When interviewing for a job, a company is usually going to put its best foot forward. They are trying to position themselves as well as possible so that if they do make an offer, you are more likely to accept. So while there are lots of good questions you can ask to get insight into the company, team, hiring manager, etc, you’re usually going to get the most positive spin.
However, if you know someone who works for the company but isn’t part of your interview panel, they might be willing to share their unfiltered view of what it’s really like to work there, and you can make a more informed decision should you receive an offer. They might also give you insight into things like what you can negotiate, how to navigate the company culture, etc.
Training/Education Insights
Similar to the above, in addition to learning the inside scoop of what it is like working at a specific company, you can also learn the realities of different training or educational opportunities you’re considering. For example, if you are looking into a particular bootcamp or graduate program, talking to someone who is currently or was enrolled in that program can be very insightful for you to figure out if it is a good option to help achieve your goals.
Job Path Realities
What does it really like to land a job as a <insert dream job title>? Sure, you can look at job descriptions, but they are often written like wish lists. What skills do folks in these roles really need to know? What is actually going to be evaluated during interviews? Do candidates with advanced degrees have an advantage? What does it take to stand out as a candidate, or get a promotion in the future?
Talking to people who are a few years ahead of you on the career path you’re interested in can be incredibly insightful. Or, if you’re planning a career change, it can be helpful to talk to someone who has made a similar jump or at least who works in your new target field.
Interview Prep
Every company has a different format for interviewing. Also answering interview questions is a skill in and of itself. You can practice interviewing with other folks in your field, especially if they have experience in your target roles and/or have interviewed at your target companies. Additionally, you can ask around and find out what the interview process is really like at certain companies — will there be a technical challenge? Will you be expected to do a take-home project? Etc.
Mentorship
A mentor can provide guidance as you are trying to navigate a new career path or achieve a new career milestone. Your professional network is a great place to find a mentor, whether that is someone you’ve already met or someone that a contact of yours can recommend. Keep in mind you might need to evaluate a few folks before you find the right fit.
Finding Candidates
At some point in your career, you might be a hiring manager, and you will be in a position to hire people for your team. While it is hard to be a candidate trying to find a job (and the right job at that), it is also hard trying to find the right candidate for an open role. Having a robust network can help you find qualified candidates who have already been vetted by people you know and trust.
Getting a Referral Bonus
Similarly, even if you aren’t a hiring manager, many companies offer referral bonuses if you refer a candidate who ends up getting hired. At some companies, this can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. The bigger your network, the more likely you will know someone who will be a good fit for a job opening.
What other benefits have you found there to be with having a robust professional network?
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