Career Networking for Those Who Don’t Like It
Whether you are at the start of your career landing the first job, looking for mentors, or pivoting for new directions or a boost as a seasoned professional, networking is an important skill for both personal and professional growth.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least 70 percent of jobs are not published (Bolles, 2021). And a recent survey on LinkedIn (Adler, 2016) reveals that 85% of all jobs are filled via networking. On the other side of the story, you often hear employers scratching their heads to find the right candidates, especially with the increased volume of applicants due to digitization and online job platforms. In such a competitive landscape, referrals and recommendations from trusted sources carry weight and can give candidates an advantage. This is why networking becomes even more valuable, as it provides opportunities for referrals, introductions, and recommendations from individuals within your professional network.
However, networking can be intimidating or overwhelming, especially for those who don’t enjoy the nuances around it, e.g., small talk, time investment, etc., or would simply prefer spending time elsewhere. Therefore, how to network for career development if it does not come as second nature and yet you do not want to miss out on the opportunities?
The Purpose of Networking First, ask what the purpose of networking to you is, and what your goal is. Could it be transactional, that some employers are looking to fill the vacancy with the skills you just seem to have; or social, that you are looking for like-minded people to exchange information, tips, or simply some chats? One could not underestimate the power of chatting, where you simply get to hear yourself out and articulate your ideas or thoughts better; also, others could be a sounding board, where you could receive valuable feedback, or get information otherwise you normally would not. No matter what purpose you might have when networking, being reciprocal is the foundation of networking. How to Network When You Don’t Like It Some people see networking as a type of personality, that only certain people possess. Indeed, networking involves the art of communication and is a continuous time investment. However, it is also a social activity in which just about everyone can participate in life. Depending on your personality and purpose, you can choose your own way of networking, even if you don’t particularly like it. At the end of the day, networking is to strengthen your own connections with others who share similar passions, goals, or common ground.Depending on your personality and networking purpose, you can choose your own way of networking, even if you don’t particularly like it.
- Look for like-minded people: Search for events or opportunities that are related to your hobbies or passions. We meet with many people when we go about in life, e.g., family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and other parents (if you are also a parent). Life presents ample opportunities when you look for others who might share the same interests. When networking with like-minded people, you may have authentic and meaningful discussions and can actually like it.
- You know what, you already have a network to start with. It is particularly helpful to network with family and friends (Simmons et al, 2022). Begin by networking with the people you already know, i.e., family, friends, or colleagues, who can introduce you to other connections and can expand your network in a more comfortable way.
- Build quality relationships. Instead of viewing networking as a transactional activity, take it as a chance to form genuine connections, by actively listening to their stories and getting to know who they are.
- Embrace online platforms: Make good use of the available online platforms, and professional networks such as LinkedIn etc. where you can engage in relevant conversations, and share insights. Online networking can be less intimidating and provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
- Join smaller events or meetups: Smaller gathering or topic-specific meetings allows more intimate conversations and easier connections, whereas large networking events can be less personal.
- Offer support: networking is all about being reciprocal, thus it isn’t just about what you can get, but also what you can bring to the table. Look for ways where you can help others, e.g., sharing resources, giving tips, and making introductions. Being mindful, and helpful to those with whom you can have a meaningful relationship.
- Care for your boundaries. Since meeting as many people as possible isn’t your top priority or what you particularly enjoy, you may want to aim at meaningful conversations with just two or three people. This helps you focus on quality and can reduce some of the pressure as well.
- Practice self-care during networking. Networking can be mentally and emotionally draining, so it’s important to take breaks when you feel overwhelmed. Find a quiet corner or step outside for a few minutes to recharge. Giving yourself permission to take breaks can make networking more manageable.
- Follow up and stay connected: After networking events, make an effort to follow up with the people you’ve met. Send personalized messages, connect on social media, or schedule coffee meetings to continue the conversation. Building and maintaining relationships over time can lead to valuable opportunities.
