When I coach clients on job search strategies, I always speak about networking as a crucial element. Very few people say they flat out won’t do it. But when I check up later on what networking they have done, I will either hear nothing or very little.

I recently conducted a poll on LinkedIn that asked for responses to the question, “How did you find your last job?” Though many people spend most of their time applying on job boards, nearly 40% found their last job through networking.

Here is how networking can open doors.

“Reached out direct to 2 competitor companies for a conversation and received offers from both who created a role for me.” -Simon Scantlebury 

“Networking. Referred by a trusted colleague. Had known him for years. He saw a position that wasn’t posted and he thought it was a good match.” - Doug Johnston

“I made contact with the hiring manager and expressed interest in joining his team long before there was an opening. When there finally was one, he contacted me before it was posted.” - David Frost

“A guy I was working with told me about the job I have now and put in a good word for me with the hiring manager.” - Andrew Thomann

To get this type of networking success, you have to pick up the phone. You have to send an email. You have to take action.

You know you need to do it, but you still do not.

Why?

Your attitude. If you go into networking with a negative attitude, it will just be a negative experience. Don’t feel forced into networking. Reframe it. Instead of using the term “networking,” perhaps substitute the word “conversations.” That can make it less intimidating. Also, find something to enjoy about it. I always approach it as a chance to learn something new. Maybe about the person, the profession, or the industry. Is that not of value? 

A lack of confidence or shyness. Do you think what could I possibly offer someone? We all have unique experiences that are different than others. Why discount them as being less worthy of being told? Not everyone may want to hear your story, but more people than you might think do. Networking can also be helping others. As an example, networking can help you connect people to each other.

You have no interest in expanding your network. You believe your network should only comprise people with whom you have a close relationship. If you believe this, then your network only reflects people with similar experiences or ways of thinking. You do not value been exposed to a diversity of ideas and experiences. While this may be comfortable, it can also stunt your career.

You had tried it before and did not get immediate results. Many people say that networking does not work because they did not get any results previously. That may be true. It also may be true that you either did not use the right approach (see below) or did not give it enough time. Rarely does one day or week of networking get you immediate results. Like with most things in life, the more time you put in, the better the results. 

You were trying to sell someone and not develop a relationship. Most people are immediately turned off when they feel they are being sold. If you approach networking as just a way to find a job, people will sense it, and many will be put off. If they do not know you, the person’s immediate thought is, what is in it for me? Why should I go out of my way to help a stranger that wants to use my connections at a company? Instead, if you think of networking as developing a relationship, people will want to help when asked, or even better, reach out to ask how they can help. 

You do not make time for it. I get it; we are all busy. It is easy to believe you want to network, but push it off until there is a better time when you find a breather in your schedule. Except, that time rarely comes. To be a successful networker, you have to make time each week. You have to put the time on your schedule and keep to it. Consistency is what pays off. 

You never follow back up. Do you have a one-and-done mentality when it comes to networking? You talked with the person, and it was nice, but you never follow up to re-engage the person. Is that building a relationship? No. You should try to grow your network with new people but do not forget the people that you already know, that you have already spoken with. 

You are reactive and not proactive. You lost your job, so now you think you need to network. While starting now is better than not starting, you would be in a better place if your started networking yesterday, when you didn’t need the job. Think of networking as a part of your career management. Like continually upgrading your skills, you need to nurture your network continuously.

Ok, you say. Maybe I have been thinking about networking wrong. Yet, I still do not know what to do.

Fundamentals for networking success

Here are six crucial fundamentals for networking success.

Reconnect with your current network. If you haven’t actively networked in a while, the first thing you should do is think about your past connections and make it a point to catch up with them. What are they doing? What has changed in their life? Have they started something new? Have they faced any recent challenges?

Find new and interesting people to add to your network. LinkedIn is a great place to find people who resonate with you, who post content you find interesting. Engage with them. Also, engage with people that are also engaging with these new, interesting people. But do not limit yourself to LinkedIn. Ask your current connections whom else they suggest you speak with that might be of interest.

Stay curious. Find out as much as you can about the other person. Learn not only the what and where but also the why of the individual. Ask open-ended questions. Practice good listening skills.

Share resources. Can you be of help to others? What can you do or share that would be a benefit to others? Always think about how you can provide value to others.

Consistency is important. When you are making your weekly schedule, do you have time for networking scheduled? Plan for at least one hour a week dedicated to networking. 

Be patient. You want to play the long game here. You might be lucky, but it doesn’t usually happen that you will have job opportunities come your way immediately. But when you stay top of mind, and people can vouch for you and your knowledge and character, you will find doors will start opening. 

Conclusion

Networking can be a powerful tool as part of your job search strategy. If you haven’t already been consistently doing it, you really should start. But be patient. You may not see results immediately. Play the long game here. The more you network, the more people you will meet—the larger your network, the more opportunities that might come your way.

You might be interested in learning more about networking follow-up.

Shelley Piedmont is a job search coach. She wants to help job seekers put their best foot forward by providing the tools for a successful job search. If you need career coaching, resume preparation, interview skills assessment, or LinkedIn profile assistance, she can help. Schedule a 15-minute no-obligation consultation.