Now, we just need to know where to send it! Our review will help you with tips on the design, structure and content of your resume. While you wait, we have plenty of expert career advice on our blog. We get it — networking isn't at the top of everyone's to-do list. It can be time-consuming, downright awkward on occasion, and — depending on your personality — incredibly draining. When your calendar is already overcrowded with work appointments and family commitments, the last thing you want to do is make small talk with strangers at yet another cocktail party.
However, there's no denying the power a strong professional network can have over your career success. When it's done well, networking will not only help you land a job faster, but it will give you a competitive edge throughout every stage of your career.
Here's why networking is important to your success, and what you can do to improve your networking skills throughout the course of your career development. Networking isn't merely the exchange of information with others — and it's certainly not about begging for favors. Networking is about establishing and nurturing long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet, whether you're waiting to order your morning coffee, participating in an intramural sports league, or attending a work conference.
You don't have to join several professional associations and attend every networking event that comes your way in order to be a successful networker. In fact, if you take your eyes off your smartphone when you're out in public, you'll see that networking opportunities are all around you every day. Experts agree that the most connected people are often the most successful. When you invest in your relationships — professional and personal — it can pay you back in dividends throughout the course of your career.
Networking will help you develop and improve your skill set, stay on top of the latest trends in your industry, keep a pulse on the job market, meet prospective mentors, partners, and clients, and gain access to the necessary resources that will foster your career development. Career development, in its simplest terms, is the lifelong evolution of your career. It's influenced by a number of things that include the jobs you hold, the experiences you gain in and out of the office, the success you achieve at each stage of your career, the formal and informal education and training you receive, and the feedback you're provided with along the way.
Ideally, organizations would place more emphasis on employee development in the workplace. Cast explains that in today's workforce, the burden is on you to take control of your career development. Hence the importance of networking for career development: As you network with people at your company, in your industry, and even outside your field of interest, you'll uncover opportunities to connect with different types of mentors and advisors, increase your visibility with senior management, further develop your areas of expertise, and improve your soft skills.
You may assume that networking is an activity reserved for your time out of the office and off the clock, but nothing could be further from the truth. While there is much value in connecting with people who work at other companies or in different fields, don't discount the importance of networking in the workplace.
Whether you're new to the company and want to get the lay of the land or you're already established and have your sights set on a promotion , networking with your co-workers can be incredibly beneficial to your career progression. As you develop relationships with those in your department and in other divisions, be on the lookout for potential mentors, upcoming professional development opportunities, or new job opportunities that are not publicly advertised.
Click on the following link for tips to help you effectively network in the workplace. It goes without saying that networking is incredibly important during a job search. Your chances of landing the job increase tenfold with the right employee referral. And, if you're looking to make a career change , your professional network can support you by helping you find connections in the industry you are trying to break into or helping you find leads for jobs at specific companies.
Read more: 7 Networking Tips for Getting a Job. Consider this advice on how to use your professional network effectively:. Reach out to the people who can provide you with the specific help you need. If you are interested in a different field, connect with friends or family members who work in that industry.
If you hope to switch to a new department in your workplace, talk to your colleagues who are a part of that team. You never know who might be able to help you at a later date, so make sure to connect with people working in a variety of industries and positions.
Cultivating your network year-round is crucial to maintaining beneficial connections. If you suddenly message a friend you have not spoken to since high school, they may not want to recommend you to their employer.
Maintaining pleasant relationships with your extended network at all times, even just by sending a short email to say hello, is the best way to make sure they are willing to help when you need them. It is important to keep track of what the different contacts in your network can offer you. You will need to remember which of your previous coworkers now works in finance or which started teaching philosophy.
Equally important is to know what you have to offer as a contact. Ideally, networking should be mutually beneficial, so be sure to let your network know how you can help them. If you are willing to support your friends, they are more likely to return the favor.
It has become easier to maintain a professional network due to technology. The internet is a valuable resource for creating, cultivating and communicating with your contacts. Use social media platforms to reach out to professionals in your area, to reconnect with old friends and to start a conversation with the people you meet while on the job.
Sending a friend request or a brief message to a new contact may help them remember you and encourage them to seek out a mutual relationship.
Socializing in person is still your best chance of creating a successful network. Attending company mixers, corporate retreats or community events will expose you to a variety of important contacts. Most likely, others at the events will also be networking and will be happy to exchange business cards or contact information.
Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Career Development. What is networking? Coworkers Family Friends Professors or fellow students Professionals in your field Clients or customers Personal acquaintances People you see at your church, gym or other local community centers. Why is networking important? Attending meetings and social events hosted by your professional association is a great way to connect with people in your field.
We all have thing were passionate about and special skills and interests. Volunteering is another great way to meet people and broaden your network. There are always ways to make connections with individuals in your professional organization and it could prove to be a great resource for advancing your career. The link below will take you to the committees available through the AAMD:. Why Networking is Important Having a well-established network has become an important part of our lives.
Professional Networking Today networking has become an essential aspect of your job search.
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