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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

External resources

Networking your way to a job

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