Networking in practice is people interacting with each other, sharing thoughts and information. Networking can be done in person or virtually.
This is how TEK's career coach Salli Joutsenoja sums it up. She wants to dispel perceptions that networking is a shady activity practiced by careerists or involves taking advantage of other people.
Start by assessing the current situation
Salli Joutsenoja recommends making a list of the people you know – start with your immediate circle. If the list is short, it's time to bring out more tools.
“Grab your phone and see whose numbers you have saved. Or who’s following you on social media,” she says.
Once the list is complete, Joutsenoja recommends these three steps:
- Divide the people on your list into smaller groups, forming a network map. Think about who you could turn to in various situations. Who can help you at different stages of your job search? Who can you help and how?
- Also, divide the people based on where you know them from: studies, work, hobbies, family etc.
- Identify your own needs. What do you need help with? What kind of people do you want to add to your network and where can you find them? Who knows the kind of people you need?
According to Joutsenoja, sometimes you do not need to build a bigger network. All you need to do is take a closer look at your existing one. Perhaps you have not unlocked the full potential of your network? For example, someone on your sports team may be an amateur photographer who can help you take a photo for your CV.
Gather ideas for your career
The more information you have about different career opportunities, the more informed choices you can make. It is impossible to be aware of all the options or to gather first-hand experience of everything. That is why you should ask more experienced people for tips, says TEK’s career coach Satu Myller.
Myller suggests thinking about the kind of position or job that you would like to have. Do you already know someone working in the field? Does someone in your network know? Perhaps you will find the right person through social media or hear an interesting company presentation at an event or on an excursion.
Once you have found someone working in an interesting role, approach them by e-mail or send them a private message on social media, for example. Myller says that you should emphasize that you are not applying for a particular job, but you want information to inform your career path.
“Make it clear that it is the person’s career and competence that interest you and that a 15-minute meeting would be enough. It’s a good idea to make things easy for the person you are interviewing,” she says.
Myller suggests that you do some basic research on the person’s job before meeting them. That way, you will not waste any interview time on general topics, but you can start asking your questions straight away.
“For example, you could ask them what are some of the things that they know now that would have been useful when they started working in the field,” Myller says.
If someone refuses to talk with you, do not be offended. They are probably just busy, says Myller.
“You can also do the interview with a friend if the thought of chatting with a stranger feels intimidating,” she adds.
After the meeting, thank the person and invite them to join your network, for example on LinkedIn. Myller says that you can keep in touch with this person later, but do not be too clingy – a few messages a year is enough.
And if someone ever approaches you to talk about your career, remember to pay the good deed forward.
Myller also encourages you to approach management-level professionals for interviews – the hierarchy in Finland is low. But remember to respect the agreed schedule. Finns have a strict concept of time, so be punctual.
More help with job search on Workbook‘s website: www.tek.fi/workbook/job-search
1. How can the threshold to network be lowered?
- Help. Instead of trying to benefit at other people’s expense, think about how you could help others. It’s easier to ask for help yourself after you have first helped or offered to help other people.
- Identify your competencies. Even if you are more junior than the person you are talking to, you have something to give. Perhaps you can offer a fresh perspective on things? Or dare to ask the questions that people with long careers do not ask, but everyone would benefit from asking.
2. How can you network with new people?
- LinkedIn. It’s a relevant tool, especially in the information-intensive industries. As LinkedIn is a career-focused platform, contacting strangers with a career and job search message is perfectly natural.
- New people from familiar settings. For example, if you notice you need help with a project during your studies and you know a suitable person on the teaching staff, could you ask them for a chat?
- Networks within your network. A friend of a friend can be easier to approach than a complete stranger.
- Old acquaintances from years ago who you just haven't kept in touch with. Do not hesitate to contact them. The worst that can happen is that they do not respond.
- Events. Think of a topic that you want to talk about or a piece of information you want to share. Finns don't necessarily approach you for a chat or they may not continue the conversation even if you start it. Nevertheless, by making contact, the likelihood of having a conversation will increase.
If approaching strangers feels awkward, Joutsenoja suggests that you assume a kind of work role. Making contact is simply a task that needs to be done.
3. Why is networking so important?
- It will help you stand out from the pool of jobseekers. The people in your network can refer you to their employers.
- You will hear about opportunities. Your networks can give you tips on jobs that are not advertised publicly. The conversations that you have can also give you ideas for the future.
Networking is not meant to feel overwhelming. Joutsenoja reminds you that you do not have to constantly keep in touch with your entire network.
“Make it your goal to attend an event once a month, for example, or invite someone in your network that you don't know so well for lunch.”
Find an interesting person to interview
Informational interviews are an excellent way to learn more about the opportunities available in work life. Find someone who you think is doing a job or working in an organisation that interests you and ask for a short conversation.
You may gain knowledge that will be beneficial for finding a job or planning your future studies and career. The information can also help you decide on a job you are offered.
Remember that the aim of an informational interview is to collect information on opportunities, not to directly ask or apply for a job.
You can use questions such as:
- How did you end up in this field and in this job?
- What are the responsibilities and tasks involved in your role?
- How does your typical working day look like?
- What skills does your role require?
- What do you like about your work and your workplace?
- What tips would you give me if I wanted to do a similar job?
- How would you develop your skills right now?
Reflect after the interview
- What about the interviewee's job or organisation interests or inspires you?
- Is there something about their job that concerns you?
- Would you like to know more about the job in question, where can you find more information?
- What skills could you develop in your work or studies that would be beneficial?
- What other skills could be useful for the job in question?
Text TEK Career Services, translation Apropos Lingua