How many times have we heard during a job search “activate your network”? Today, networking is essential. But what is this sacrosanct network? How do you create it? And above all, how do you use it? Follow the guide, we’ll tell you everything. Here are some good practices that will help you become a professional dating pro.To network is to exchange. In today’s professional world, the network is essential and is not only reserved for business leaders. It is useful to everyone and at any point in your career. Here the aspect of business networking is important.
Networking: an essential resource for your job search
Obviously, it allows you to find work. And for good reason, many jobs are filled even before the ad is posted. This is called the hidden market. And the key to this market is networking. Professional networking is therefore essential in building your career. It allows you to benefit from the following advantages:
- Define your project by benefiting from information and practical advice on the sector that interests you,
- Improve your presentation by testing your communication on your project and the merits of your approach,
- Meet potential recruiters,
- Know a hiring opportunity in the hidden market and position yourself ahead of competitors.
Stay connected through networking
But beyond just looking for a job, professional contacts are still very useful for expanding your network and staying at the heart of market trends. Don’t be fooled if you don’t know anyone. You can spot another person alone and start a conversation with them. Networking is a way to accelerate one’s career, to bounce back from a mishap or to change course.
The professional network is indeed very important for:
- Acquire and strengthen your visibility as an expert in your field
- Keep abreast of market developments and improve your knowledge of your industry
- Meet potential partners or missing recruits
- Validate certain professional ideas by testing your speech and argument
- Obtain relevant opinions concerning your development or retraining project
How to make professional meetings?
The first good news is that everyone, unless they’ve lived in a cave so far, has a network of contacts. These are your former professors or speakers, the alumni network or former internship supervisors, members of associations that you frequent. You can also look within your family and friends, there are sometimes unsuspected resources. And the second good news is that everyone can develop their network. You just need to put in place some good networking practices. Networking in Quebec is based on the principle of reciprocity, of “give and take”. Don’t hesitate to donate first; you’ll get some feedback one way or another. The network is not an address book from which you can draw according to your needs: it is based on exchange. To help you your interlocutors must find their account there and vice versa.
How to usefully expand your network
It is important to prioritize quality over quantity. Having a network is a full-fledged activity that will require a lot of energy so you might as well use it. To do this, clearly identify the professionals in the sector that interest you and meet them.
