Networking

Networking is an important way to find jobs that are not advertised. Using your contacts lets you into the hidden job market.

Benefits of networking

70 - 90% of jobs are found through networking. Networking can help you to:

• write a better application because you will know more about the job and the company through your contacts
• face less competition for the job.

Starting to network

Make a contact list

• Consider friends, family, university and school friends, teaching staff, members of clubs or groups you belong to, former colleagues or employers.
• Start with people you know well. They will want to help and you will feel more comfortable dealing with them.

Do some research

• Research the company and industry before talking to your contact.
• Write a list of questions to ask them.

Present yourself well

• Work on a 2 minute pitch about your skills, experience and work interests.
• Work on your small talk skills.
• Make a business card. Ensure it looks professional and include your:
  • name, contact details, qualifications and area of study on one side
  • skills or areas of work interest on the other.
• Stay positive and non-judgemental when talking to contacts.

Developing your networking skills

Increase your contact list

• Treat every person you meet as a contact.
• Ask your contacts to suggest new contacts.
• Go to career events run by us, your faculty or student groups.
• Join professional or industry associations and go to their events.
• Join professional social networking sites like LinkedIn and groups in your area of interest.

Use and maintain your contact list

• Focus on people you can call or speak to in person.
• Only contact people when you have their name. If you have not met, mention your original contact or how you got their name.
• When you get help from a contact, send them a thank you email.
• Keep in contact with people who have helped you.

Reflect on your networking experiences

• Keep notes on your experiences (details of who you spoke to, follow-up actions, key points discussed).
• Assess your:
  • preparation (did you do enough research? Was it the job you wanted?)
  • presentation and conversation skills (what worked well and what could you have done better? did the discussion flow?)
  • approach (did you contact the right person?).

Monash resources

• Direct canvassing.
• Information interviewing.
• Personal brand and self awareness (pdf 176kb).
• Professional and industry associations (Monash only).
• Careers events.

External resources

• LinkedIn.