GOONJOB team, Author at GO ON JOB project

In this unit, you will learn more about the art of networking and its use. Networking is a practice of connecting with new people, in this context in order to gain new work-related information, insights, and opportunities. Building the network is a continuous process that starts already in the family. Learn more about why networking matters, how it can help you during your job search, and how to approach people in order to network more efficiently. The unit is complemented with a list of online resources that could help you to learn more about the topic.

Why networking matters?

A LinkedIn study found that 80% of professionals consider networking important for their career success. One of the main reasons for this is the different opportunities that you discover through networking, which you would have otherwise never seen or thought of before. Experts agree that the most connected people are often the most successful.

When you invest in your relationships – professional and personal – it can pay you back throughout the course of your career. Networking isn’t merely the exchange of information with others — and it’s certainly not about begging for favors. Networking is about establishing and building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet.

What are the most important benefits of networking?
- Networking is great for sharing ideas and knowledge. Whether it’s asking for feedback or discussing your point of view, it will help you expand your knowledge and allow you to see things from another perspective.
- It is also likely that within the network there will be those who have already been where you are today. This provides you with an opportunity to learn and avoid some of the common pitfalls they experienced.
- Networking will naturally result in opportunities. You might get information about the job that is not advertised yet, or referral, offer partnership, or request for your service or product. People from your network could also recommend you for the job, in case they are working already in the company of your interest.
- By regularly networking, and pushing yourself to talk to people you don’t know, you are able to increase your confidence and communications skills. This is a set of skills that are going to be useful not only in your career.
- Networking is a great opportunity to exchange best practice knowledge, learn about the business techniques of your peers and help you to stay updated on the latest knowledge within your area of interest. A wide network of informed, interconnected contacts means access to new and valuable information. Meeting people from various fields could result in cooperation, advice or different point of view on the problem connected with your career.

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