How can your professional network help you secure your dream job?

Never under estimate the power of a professional network. This single handedly landed me my job in marketing. I once was presenting to a VP of marketing as a quality engineer and he said to me "If you ever need a job in marketing give me a call." about 8 months later as I was considering what do next, I gave him that call on a Friday evening and guess what he said, "Archita we just had our international marketing leader put in their two weeks to pursue a career in teaching, speak to Dan, you have the job!" I have since built a 15 year career in marketing and it has been the most fulfilling journey so far. Engage and add value to your network and the impact will reap dividends.

I assist companies achieve B-Corp certification. My role involves evaluating organizations' current state, benchmarking, and guiding improvements leading to certification. With a continuous learning mindset, I have an unwavering passion for helping businesses become more sustainable enabling them to contribute to a better world. ?? I encourage the next generation to never underestimate the power of a professional network. For those starting their career to overcome the fear of speaking with higher-ups, I recommend the importance of practice within a safe community of senior practitioners eg Uni Alumni. Engaging with various professionals not only refines your interests but also plays a crucial role in shaping your future career.

As always, nailing your dream job boils down to engagement. I could write more -- about the quality and frequency of activity, randomness and flukes, being positive, reward, and my own experiences ad infinitum -- but the word "engagement" simply says it all.

A professional network goes beyond mere handshakes or LinkedIn connections. Connecting with other professionals is a gateway to expanding your knowledge, capabilities, and opportunities. A mutually beneficial path entails giving and receiving help, advice, and resources. Authentic engagement and collaboration advance your career, grow your business, and create meaningful connections that can last a lifetime. Who wouldn't want that?

A robust professional network acts as a gateway to hidden job opportunities, offering referrals, insider insights, and invaluable recommendations. Leveraging these connections grants a competitive edge, providing access to decision makers and guidance on skill enhancement, ultimately paving the way to securing one's coveted dream job.

I have landed every single job from my network. And I nurture it daily. I give a tremendous amount to those in my network - I show up at their events, I celebrate their wins, I amplify their content and I brainstorm and lend them my expertise when it is needed. But I expect every bit of that back. And I ask for it. I work for my network but I expect nothing less from those in my circle. And if I feel that it is a one-sided relationship, I step away. Because just like everything else in business - you need to have a strategy behind it and you should measure it some way. I am strategic about whom I reach out to and make sure that my network is diversified and strong continuously.

Networking is an essential aspect of building a successful career. It offers numerous benefits that can help you grow both personally and professionally. One of the most significant advantages of networking is that it can significantly boost your confidence. When you interact with respected individuals in your field, you get the opportunity to showcase your skills and receive valuable feedback from experts in your industry. This validation can enhance your self-assurance and make you more confident in your abilities. Networking can also strengthen your professional brand. By building relationships with influential people in your field, you can establish yourself as a knowledgeable and reliable expert in your area of expertise.

Talent can only take you so far as you move up in your career. As the stakes go up, trust and skills both become equally important. Trust comes with networking. and it's not just saying Hi, Hello to someone. Rather, it's when you selflessly help others with the skills you have and eventually goodwill Trikls down to you. You eventually make a network of people who go places, who you've helped, and thus they recommend you for things. That's how you get the high stake deals, jobs, contracts, and more. That's the power of networking!

Your professional network needs to be cultivated as part of your professional practice. People connect with people, and developing and maintaining genuine relationships is far more important than accumulating thousands of contacts. I make networking a part of my professional practice. I schedule networking into my week and (try) to be consistent. Whether it's engaging in online discussions, attending an event, or reaching out to an old colleague or professional acquaintance. And importantly, networking isn't just external. Internal networking is just as important to achieving in your current role, as well as opening up career opportunities in the future.

If you use your Network widely to help them clearly understand your Strengths and aligned accomplishments it is a great start point. 1. It gives a feeling that they know you better than candidates they are going to screen for the first time. 2. It will help them propose your candidature in line with JDs set out by HR. It is also important to establish your personality, your background and comfort zone within your network to ensure you do not land up in a bad job experience and spoil your CV. You should also refrain from being ever available for change of job so that you consistency does not become questionable. Periodically post verifiable achievements to be a catch candidate 2. for those within your network to consider your profi

Building a simple system that helps you remember when to check in with your connections and why you're doing so is a great way to maintain those relationships. This could be a calendar reminder or an email workflow that sends a friendly greeting every few months. By staying top of mind with your connections, you'll open yourself up to potential opportunities and grow meaningful relationships. Depending on the size of your network, you could use a simple spreadsheet, a Notion template, or even a robust CRM to keep track of and organize your connections. Remember, your network is your net worth, so invest wisely!

To network effectively you need to be authentic and sincere and your approach to connecting with others. We each have our own approaches to networking. Some are more comfortable in large settings, others are more comfortable and more intimate one-on-one settings. Identify who you want to connect to and also why. It goes without saying that people are more than their job titles. Ask questions about their career and interest. Share about yours. Explore how you can support them and do not only connect with people because you want something from them. Create connections with people that you may assume you have nothing in common with. Sometimes the best connections are the people you never consider.

Especially as an entrepreneur, networking is key to building your business! I heard a quote once that "networking is an enrichment program, not an entitlement program" and I couldn't agree more with this sentiment. Simply attending a networking group does not "entitle" you to referrals. You have to build relationships and build trust before someone is going to send their family, friends, and clients your way. Working to build those relationships with 1:1 interaction is what will move the needle forward. Networking intentionally and building relationships has not only helped me grow my legal practice, it has built friendships, mentorships, accountability partners, and opportunities that I would not have otherwise had!

LinkedIn works best for me - professional, smart individuals, career focused, every company's here. I hate courses. It doesn't work for me. You learn networking by practise, not theory. Here's how to network on LinkedIn: 1) add valuable comments - like adding another perspective, asking thoughtful questions, 2) connect over DMs 3) post good content, and 4) get involved in group discussions

I would add another element: personalizing outreach. While connecting online, canned networking messages might seem efficient but lack the personal touch. When I reach out to someone on platforms like LinkedIn, I (mostly) try to dedicate some time to learning about them— their work, their interests, and their challenges. Then, I tailor my messages, making them feel seen and appreciated. This simple step has resulted in richer conversations and stronger connections in my network. Don't just connect; connect with care.

LinkedIn is the most powerful tool for a professionals to connect and network with like Minded people and experts. So If you connect with your industries people then make sure you contribute to their posts or articles and at a same time post some valuable contents so that you start getting noticed by the people and recruiters as well. and once you finds the suitable job posting in your network then do not hesitate to send them a message showcasing your skills and willingness to apply for the same Job Post.

In my experience every interaction you have outside of your home is a chance for in-person networking, but I've found the easiest way to get started is at a professional meeting or conference with speakers. Look up the speakers on Linkedin prior to the event and let them know you will be there and that you look forward to hearing about their topic and saying, 'hello.' I've found that people respond with excitement when you actually do find them and meet in person. Lastly, be sure to follow up within a few days to let them know how much you enjoyed meeting and that you would like to stay in touch!

Revitalize your network continuously! Networks have shelf life and they need to be nurtured. Due to the recency effect, people who joined your network in the last 5 years are more likely to get your next job than the ones who connected with you 10-15 years back.

Rather than viewing it as simply networking, consider it as building a meaningful community. Surround yourself with colleagues who share your values and aspirations, as they can provide valuable support and insights. Stay true to yourself, as authenticity is always appreciated. Your focus should be on learning and making connections rather than seeking instant gratification. With practice and experience, networking becomes more comfortable and natural. And lastly, don’t forget to have fun! The more enjoyable you make it, the better your results will be.

Professional networking can significantly contribute to securing a dream job by providing numerous benefits like 1. Access to Hidden Opportunities 2. Industry Insights 3. Referrals and Recommendations 4. Learning and Development 5. Visibility and Personal Branding 6. Enhanced Job Application Process 7. Mentorship Opportunities 8. Increased Confidence 9. Staying Informed 10. Building a Diverse Network 11. Long-Term Relationship Building Remember to approach networking with authenticity, showing genuine interest in others, and offering assistance when you can.