Whatever industry you work in, some form of networking is essential to be successful.
Social media has made professional networking easier and more accessible for us all. However, whatever form it takes, reaching out to peers, industry leaders and like-minded professionals requires time and effort.
This rule applies to job seeking too. Typically, those with the strongest careers have a broad network of professional and personal connections.
Despite its importance, some job seekers still get it wrong.
Here are a few networking mistakes job seekers make and how to avoid making them.
Giving it the hard sell.
Successful professional networking does require some level of self-promotion. Without it, it would be difficult to attract others and establish common interests, skills, and employment backgrounds. However, some inexperienced job seekers take “The Apprentice” like self-promotion to the extreme. The goal of this approach is understandable but misplaced. By giving everyone “The Hard Sell”, you don’t appear enthusiastic, highly qualified, and impressive as intended. Instead, you come across as arrogant and disinterested in the aspirations or achievements of anyone else.
Being self-serving.
The Self Serving networker is only interested in connecting with those professionals who they believe can advance their careers. Once this type has a connection in their sights, they tend to become a Hard Seller in an attempt to link up.
While a connection appears to be fruitful and professionally advantageous, the self-server is a best friend. However, should it become clear that there is no benefit to be had, it’s likely the conversation will end abruptly. The Self Server will move on to the next opportunity, forever searching for someone with a level of professional kudos that may prove fruitful.
Communicating poorly.
Read any “Skills” section of a job description, and it’s more than probable that “good communication skills” will be near the top. Therefore when you are looking for a job and want to extend your professional network it’s important to consider how you communicate from the very start.
Job seekers should always attempt to demonstrate an ability to communicate well across all forms.
Things to consider are
- Are the grammar and spelling correct in your written communication?
- Are you talking too much?
- Are you talking too little?
- Are you being evasive when answering questions?
- Are you making eye contact?
These are just a few of the communicative mistakes job seekers make. All these factors create a picture in the mind of others. They will draw assumptions about the type of colleague or employee you will make. Or how you may interact with clients.
Making a bad first impression.
Rightly or wrongly, first impressions count. Making a poor professional first impression can be a very difficult hurdle to overcome. When you are job seeking and trying to create a professional relationship it’s important to pay attention to the details.
Here are some things to think about
- Clothing and grooming will always be considered. Dress professionally and appropriately.
- Introduce yourself well. Offer a good handshake and make eye contact.
- Limit – or avoid – alcohol. Overindulging will be seen as a red flag and may limit potential job offers.
Job seekers should always be aware of how they may be perceived by others. Word travels fast – good and bad. Professional networks vary in size, but they share a common thread. People talk. Job seekers should do all they can to make sure others only have good things to say about them.
Failing to follow up.
If you have started well, professional people are normally very willing to help. Those who can help, like to. Often, they are amenable to meeting or chatting later about needed.
If this offer is extended to you, then it’s important to take it. Here’s why.
- A failure to do so may be taken as insincere. Are you as passionate about your career as you appeared?
- Did you forget? Then your reliability is questionable. Senior professionals may be unwilling to recommend you for jobs as a recommendation is an endorsement. They won’t endorse you if they think you may let them down.
- Ignoring an offer to help is rude. You don’t want to appear to consider yourself above the need for help especially from seasoned professionals whose time is valuable.
If no offer is extended, you may like to send a follow-up email or message to say Thank you and that it was nice to meet. A small gesture will help others remember you, and as such, they will be more willing to help you in the future.
Takeaways.
- Extending your professional network requires time and effort.
- Networking should be given the same attention as job interviews and work functions.
- Professional networking should be reciprocal.
- Always be courteous and respectful…today you are a job seeker. One day you won’t be.
- Always be professional, respectful, friendly, selfless, and persistent.
Ultimately your networking efforts should help you establish long-lasting, meaningful, and mutually beneficial professional relationships. These connections can then translate into future opportunities either through employment, recommendations, referrals, mentoring opportunities, or advice.
Are you a jobseeker looking for your next tech, digital, or data job? Why not connect with us? We’d love to help you take the next step on the career ladder.