Best Networking Tips For Recent Graduates!

Create a LinkedIn and Make Updates Frequently:

LinkedIn if you think about it, it's the Facebook of the career workforce. Many employers, professionals, influencers, etc. refer to your profile to see your career accomplishments. They want to see what you’ve been able to do, big or small. I’ve seen so many bare profiles; it sort of makes me wary. Take that professional LinkedIn photo and begin Writing out your past/current responsibilities. Don’t forget to include all your volunteer work. And last but not least, endorse people. Once you endorse people, the love will come right back to you.

Utilize Your Age:

Right after college graduation, established professionals are especially eager to help graduates find their way and land a job. This is the moment in time that professionals collectively acknowledge young people's need for guidance. People are less understanding later on in your career. So leverage this moment in time and reach out to people, approach them at events and ask if you may buy them a cup of coffee for 15 minutes of their time. Use that time wisely and do your research, ask lots of questions, take notes, learn as much as you can. It is a compliment to ask someone for advice, and people know graduates need it, so do not waste this moment.

Be Intentional With Your Events:

It's easy to sign up for networking events for the sake of signing up for networking events. Don't wander aimlessly through the networking unknown it’s quite a confusing place that makes networking much more difficult than it is already . Do not sign up for networking events just because, only attend events that companies you want to be hired by are attending, and professionals you deeply admire. Focus more of your time on what connections you can build through your existing relationships meaning friends of friends, friends of your parents, friends of your family, your friends' parents, etc. Also don't forget cold emailing professionals you admire and want to chat with.

Networking Can Simply Just Be Making Friends:

For those who have landed job's in their chosen profession but want to make connections, a natural way to network is simply to make friends with your co-workers, and employees at other companies in your field at various events, and etc. If your foot is in the door, you can focus more on forming a bond, and building a sense of camaraderie with them. These relationships can ultimately be more valuable than the relationships you build up the ladder. Your peers can be the first ones to think of you when there's a job opening, the ones to help you or give you ideas if you encounter some professional dilemma and when you have no idea what to do. They also can be your sounding board when work is difficult or stressful. Ignore your peers at your peril; your relationship with them is just as important as your relationship with your boss.

It Means Nothing If You Don't Follow-Up!:

Making friends, attending networking events, sending cold emails, buying coffees, etc is only the beginning. If you make a good connection, you only keep it if you follow-up and stay in touch. This is perhaps the most difficult part of networking which is maintenance. It's difficult to make connections, but it is very easy to lose them. Life becomes busy, and then all of a sudden it's been more than a year since you've shot your key connection a note or email. It's a very, very bad look to only give someone a ring when you need him or her. People will know, and won't help. So make it part of your routine to keep up with people. Remember birthdays, if people celebrate milestones such as a new job, a prestigious appointment, a wedding or the birth of a child or grandchild, shoot them a note, and a gift if you are close enough. If you read an article you think might interest them, send it over. Use those 15-minute of your day to connect with people you worked hard to meet; it will pay major dividends throughout your life and career.