Twitter chat recap: Tips for successful networking
Even if you don’t like networking (it can sometimes feel like an awkward schmooze feast), you can’t deny its benefits. Undercover Recruiter, for example, reports that 40 per cent of all hires are from referrals. With these kinds of numbers, it’s clear that landing your next job is just as much about who you know as it is what you know.
To help make the process easier, we discussed successful networking tips with industry experts during our February #WorkoWednesday Twitter Chat.
If you missed it, here’s a recap:
Welcome to our February #TwitterChat about successful #networking. Before we get started, let’s find out who’s joining us today. Please introduce yourself. #WorkoWednesday pic.twitter.com/xduVMSr4QA
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) February 7, 2018
Career Services @Carleton_U here! Happy to be joining today’s #WorkoWednesday #TwitterChat! Excited to be sharing/learning some great #NetworkingTips! 💼 https://t.co/uFybu6vzkC
— hirecarleton_u (@hirecarleton_u) February 7, 2018
We're excited to join @Workopolis for today's #TwitterChat #WorkoWednesday https://t.co/dvi6d58lxi
— Youth Employment Ctr (@yec_calgary) February 7, 2018
Hello! I’m tweeting from Winnipeg today! Glad to be here. #WorkoWednesday
— Miss_Elles (@Miss_Elles) February 7, 2018
Let's get started! Q1: What are some of the ways you’ve networked in the past? #WorkoWednesday#Networking pic.twitter.com/hEE8gYmlah
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) February 7, 2018
A1 Nothing beats face-to-face interaction but other options include e-mail and social media. Depending on the situation, calling and booking a casual appointment just to chat could be appropriate. Otherwise, stick to events and activities geared to networking #workowednesday pic.twitter.com/mw4XO0eIgy
— LEPC (@WorkforceDB) February 7, 2018
•Contacted people on LinkedIn
•Volunteered in my field
•Met with Career Counsellor and Job Search Advisors
•Attended conferences and events
•Met people with similar interests
•Stayed in touch with former co-worker and employers
•Joined Professional Associations— YorkU Career Centre (@YorkUCareerCtr) February 7, 2018
Q1: In all aspects of life, I have networked. The neighbour is a piano tuner. I have a piano. It’s not just about career, but it can apply there (or anywhere) at a moment’s notice so I am always ready. #workowednesday #SOPA #arriveprepared
— SOPA Manitoba (@sopa_MB) February 7, 2018
A1: I've always found industry conferences to be useful. Webinars and courses can also help increase your online contacts. @WorkoWednesday
— Sal Ciolfi (@RealSalbowski) February 7, 2018
Q2: How would you recommend networking at the beginning of someone’s career? #WorkoWednesday #Networking pic.twitter.com/WBbSQs5dzM
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) February 7, 2018
A2: Start with what you know! Attend school alumni events, stick to industry groups you’re familiar with, and as you get comfortable you’ll learn more about what’s out there, and the groups or outings that interest you most. #WorkoWednesday
— Robert Half Canada (@RobertHalf_CAN) February 7, 2018
A2. Go to as many events as you can and have at least one meaningful conversation per event. Add that person to LinkedIn and keep in touch. It is about quality of the connection not quantity. #workowednesday
— Questrade Careers (@QuestradeCareer) February 7, 2018
A2. Join associations! Almost all industries and roles have associations connected to them. Volunteer at associations if you can't afford to join.
— Mary Kruger (@MLKCareerCoach) February 7, 2018
A2: When I was starting out as a freelance writer, I made a list of 40 people that might be worth talking to. I sent personal emails to all of them, and followed up. Some of those contacts turned into clients that I had for my entire freelance career. #WorkoWednesday
— Paige Magarrey (@paigemagarrey) February 7, 2018
Q3: What do you think are some of the worst networking mistakes? #WorkoWednesday #Networking pic.twitter.com/oRolHh7W3Q
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) February 7, 2018
A3) Selling! Fight the urge to sell! You are there to build relationships and you will be surprised who might become your new best friend.
Get to know the person, be interested NOT interesting.#WorkoWednesday #networking https://t.co/Gb0L3T6cU0— ABBTECH (@ABBTECH) February 7, 2018
Q3: Not coming prepared to the event – be sure to dress professionally, have your resume and/or networking cards ready, and practice! Also be sure to do research about the companies ahead of time! Remember networking is about making connections, not getting a job #WorkoWednesday
— hirecarleton_u (@hirecarleton_u) February 7, 2018
Choosing not to try and network #Networking #WorkoWednesday pic.twitter.com/kSCiB2qF2N
— Towner (@S_Town39) February 7, 2018
I think the worst networking mistakes is not showing respect/coming prepared. You want to promote yourself as a professional and someone is taking time out of their schedule to meet with you. Make sure you aren't wasting their time. I also think how you reach out is important.
— mia gordon (@miawgordon) February 7, 2018
Q4: What do you find difficult about networking and how do you overcome it? #WorkoWednesday #Networking pic.twitter.com/nHunFCnebW
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) February 7, 2018
A4. I am an introvert and it takes a lot of energy for me to introduce myself to new people. One method that helps me is to make it a learning discussion where I try to get to know the other person. It takes a lot of pressure off of me #WorkoWednesday @UTMCareerCentre @UTM https://t.co/rCxBUuLCPk
— Ron Wener (@UofT_Ron) February 7, 2018
Hanging around near the drink/food table at an event helps to stir up conversations about the food, which can be a good ice breaker. #WorkoWednesday #Networking
— Vg, PHR, SHRM-CP (@vg11213) February 7, 2018
Q4: Having to introduce yourself to a stranger. Overcome this by having your “elevator pitch” ready and practice it! Also attending a large event can also be overwhelming – consider scouting the location in advance to give yourself an idea of what to expect #Networking
— hirecarleton_u (@hirecarleton_u) February 7, 2018
Q5: What do you think is the best way to connect with someone you don’t know? #WorkoWednesday #Networking pic.twitter.com/LJ42kGWIhK
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) February 7, 2018
A5: There’s a reason you want to connect with them. Whether you admire their career, enjoy their posts or area of expertise, or just happen to be at a lot of the same events, be open about your shared interests/admiration and approach them with that angle in mind #workowednesday
— Robert Half Canada (@RobertHalf_CAN) February 7, 2018
A5. Try reaching out first through LinkedIN – find someone you know who is connected to who you want to reach, and ask for an introduction. Warm intro's work great! #WorkoWednesday
— Mary Kruger (@MLKCareerCoach) February 7, 2018
Again, nothing beats face-to-face interaction. Don't be afraid to walk up and introduce yourself at a networking event. That's what it's being held for, after all. #workowednesday pic.twitter.com/4ijycVuyPt
— LEPC (@WorkforceDB) February 7, 2018
Q6: Do you have any tips for breaking the ice and initiating small talk? #WorkoWednesday #Networking pic.twitter.com/PH8qXDpDUD
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) February 7, 2018
Q6: Commenting on what’s happening in the moment can break the ice, e.g. making an observation about the venue or the food that’s being served #WorkoWednesday #Networking
— hirecarleton_u (@hirecarleton_u) February 7, 2018
try and find common ground. Do your research, know the person you are talking to and try to find out about their interests outside of work. They are way more willing to have a relationship if they consider you a friend and not someone who is just using them for connections
— mia gordon (@miawgordon) February 7, 2018
Q6. Be genuinely curious about the other person. I like to compliment them on something the are wearing, or a piece of jewellery they have on perhaps. #WorkoWednesday
— Mary Kruger (@MLKCareerCoach) February 7, 2018
Q7: What’s the best networking advice you’ve received? #WorkoWednesday #Networking pic.twitter.com/VveYFnXCkP
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) February 7, 2018
A8 Leading a workshop, an investigative journalist pulled out his wallet and said his best networking tool was in there. “And it’s certainly not money." It was a photo of his family and served as a reminder to make an effort to connect with people on a human level #workowednesday pic.twitter.com/35BMhUcPw8
— LEPC (@WorkforceDB) February 7, 2018
A7: Make sure you are in the right frame of mind when going to a networking event. You want the best representation of yourself. If you're having a bad day, it may be better to sit this one out, first impressions count! #Networking #WorkoWednesday
— Youth Employment Ctr (@yec_calgary) February 7, 2018
Q7: To focus on getting to know the true person in front of you, rather than seeing the person based on his or her title or influence in a particular community/at their company. Ask about their career path, why drew them to this industry – and actually listen to their responses!
— hirecarleton_u (@hirecarleton_u) February 7, 2018
Thank you for participating in our #TwitterChat! Mark your calendars for the next one on March 7 #WorkoWednesday pic.twitter.com/eS4sufhIX4
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) February 7, 2018