Best Networking Tips: How to Make a Connection
Benefits of networking meetings
There are several benefits of networking meetings, including:
What is a networking meeting?
A networking meeting is a one-on-one encounter in a relaxed setting where your contact can provide you with in-depth information regarding a job opportunity. The interviewer is probably assessing your qualifications and interpersonal communication skills during this meeting.
How to have a successful networking meeting
The following actions can help you have a fruitful networking event:
1. Contact someone the right way
Reaching out to the person you want to meet with is the first step to a successful networking meeting. If you don’t know them personally, you might want to connect with them on a social media platform dedicated to careers. Tell them why you want to meet with them in your email. For instance, you might ask to meet to get suggestions on how to conduct a job search, learn more about the sector they work in, or get insight into how you could use your current skills in a role similar to the one they hold now.
Give them specific examples of what you hope to accomplish during the meeting so they can begin to consider how they can assist you before the meeting. It also motivates them to think about your qualifications and assess you as a potential candidate.
2. Prepare for the meeting
It’s crucial to prepare in advance for a networking meeting because the better prepared you are, the more favorable impression you’ll leave on the other person. Make a list of the questions you want the contact to respond to before the meeting. When you are networking, pay close attention to your contacts’ responses and follow up with pertinent questions to demonstrate that you were paying attention and that you value their input.
Be prepared to discuss your interests and skills. Include any previous responsibilities that you particularly enjoyed in your statement. If the person you are meeting with is unfamiliar with you or doesn’t inquire about your background, you should look for opportunities to bring up your professional experience and credentials during the conversation.
3. Send a follow-up
Contact your contact as soon as you can following the meeting. You should begin the email you send by thanking them for their time with you. It should also state the actions you plan to take as a result of their advice. If they brought up a specific opportunity during the meeting, you should make mention of the actions you intend to take in response to that opportunity, such as sending a job application, your resume, or an email to one of their contacts.
Tips for networking meetings
Here are some additional suggestions to make your networking meeting successful:
FAQ
What is a networking meeting?
A networking meeting is a one-on-one encounter in a relaxed setting where your contact can provide you with in-depth information regarding a job opportunity. The interviewer is probably assessing your qualifications and interpersonal communication skills during this meeting.
What should I ask at a networking meeting?
- What are your primary job responsibilities?
- What experience did you have to get your job?
- How long have you worked here?
- What is your own background and experience?
- What is a typical work day like?
- How long is your work day?
- How much variety is there in your work?
How do I request a networking meeting?
- “Jane Smith suggested that I give you a call.”
- “I just graduated from [your common school] and am trying to launch my career in _______.” “I’m thinking about moving to your area, and ___ suggested that you might be able to give me some information about the ______ industry there. ”.
What do you do in a networking session?
As you’ve probably realized, networking entails much more than simply attending events, grabbing some free food, and exchanging business cards. It’s about networking, telling people about yourself and your work, and gaining knowledge and contacts you can use later on at work or in your job search.
