10 Proven Networking Tips to Boost Your Career
Not into networking? “You’re not alone,” says MaryEllen Ryan, senior associate director of undergraduate career development at Bentley. She advises, however, that the more you do it, the easier it gets. And the payoff could be big for your career. Many experts suggest at least 80% of all jobs are filled through a professional network connection.
Ryan’s relationship-building strategies begin with self-reflection: starting with a positive mindset could help ease anxiety.
“I try to encourage students to think of networking more as an opportunity to meet new people and to build connections versus reaching out for personal gain,” says Ryan, who has more than a decade of experience working at Bentley’s Pulsifer Career Development Center — ranked No. 1 in the nation by Princeton Review. “Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, starting from scratch or building on existing connections, anyone can learn how to network.”
Are you ready to use networking to help boost your career? Ryan recommends these essential tips to build and sharpen your skills:
Start small with people you know.
Networking doesn’t have to be formal. Think neighbors, family, friends, fitness instructors, book club members. You never know where a connection might lead, so be open to conversations.
Tap online and in-person opportunities.
Online networking platforms like LinkedIn are great resources, particularly for those starting out. In-person programs, such as an on-campus job fair or industry conference, present opportunities to brush up on your conversational skills and get face time. Pro tip: Start each in-person encounter with a firm handshake, good eye contact and a smile.
Did you know more than 57,000 Bentley alumni are on LinkedIn?
Plus, employers use social media to target applicants and learn more about them. A helpful tip to make your profile stand out? Review LinkedIn profiles of professionals working in your target roles and companies — and mimic their profiles in terms of content and level of detail. Make sure your profile photo is professional by wearing appropriate attire — and a smile!
Be prepared with an elevator pitch.
You only have one chance to make a first impression. Identify your strengths, career goals, purpose, interests and accomplishments so you’re ready to answer, “Tell me about yourself.” Ryan also points out the importance of knowing what’s confidence and what’s arrogance.
Know your audience.
There’s no one-size-fits-all elevator pitch or manual for small talk. Be ready to tailor conversations accordingly depending on who you’re talking to. A global leader may ask about your experience studying abroad, for example, whereas a portfolio manager may want to know about your investment philosophy and technical skills.
Ask questions.
Being prepared goes beyond pitching yourself. Asking thoughtful, open-ended questions will demonstrate that you’ve done your research about company culture, industry news or a person’s background and interests.
Listen.
It’s good to ask questions but be ready to listen to answers so it’s a conversation. This will show someone that you’re paying attention — and you value what they’re saying. Pro tip: It’s O.K. to jot down notes during the conversation to reference later.
Follow up.
For more formal interactions like an informational interview or career fair meeting, be sure to send a follow-up thank you email or message to express your appreciation for their time. Reference something specific that resonated during your conversation.
Stay connected.
A good rule of thumb is to stay in touch with your contacts every few months, but only if you have something substantial to say. Consider sharing updates about your education, your career, an internship you landed — or better yet, acknowledge their accomplishments. LinkedIn is a great resource for learning when someone gets a promotion, changes jobs, masters a new skill or attends an event.
Reflect on what you’ve learned.
Take the time to reflect upon what you learned and how that relates to your own values, interests, personality and skills. You might find that your interest in an industry or role has increased, or that it isn’t as appealing as you thought.
Be patient.
You may start slowly, but you will build momentum.
“Everyone you’ll ever meet knows something you don’t,” Ryan says, sharing her favorite quote from Bill Nye, the popular TV presenter known as “The Science Guy.” “Networking is about valuing every conversation and respecting every person. You’ll likely find out that those connections will impact you much more than you ever imagined.”
Take a look at highlights from a Bentley career fair.