Networking

Networking gives you the opportunity to make contacts that can help you build up skills, gain experience and secure the type of job you want.

Want advice on networking? Get in touch

Prepare for networking

Who is in my network? 

You may think you don’t have any contacts, but you’re probably wrong. Networking opportunities are extensive, and you might already have some good contacts. Ask yourself:

  • Have I made contacts on a work placement or while working part-time or volunteering?
  • Do my tutors have any contacts?
  • Do friends or family have contacts?
  • Have I met contacts at careers fairs or other events?

Prepare an 'elevator pitch'

Use an elevator pitch while networking. This is '... a short summary used to define a product, service, or organisation and its proposed value. The name reflects the idea that it should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride; about thirty seconds to two minutes.' Aileen Pincus - The Perfect Elevator Speech

In an elevator pitch you have around 60 seconds to get across:

  • your name
  • anything that is special and different about you
  • what you offer and the benefits (in a couple of sentences)
  • what you are looking for (in a couple of sentences)
  • your sign off.

Online networking

Social media has revolutionised the way we make contacts and network, in our professional life as well as our social lives.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the prime destination for jobseekers looking to make contacts and find opportunities, and for employers looking to hire new talent ahead of their competition. Students and recent graduates are currently its fastest-growing user group.

  • Compared to a conventional CV, a LinkedIn profile affords the opportunity to be more personable and give a rounded view of your interests, knowledge and activities.
  • Your profile is not restricted to one or two pages of content, and you can bring in content from different media – presentations, images, videos and links.
  • Your profile grows each time you include a new skill, accomplishment, share information or engage in other types of LinkedIn activity, giving repeat visitors the chance to observe your professional development.  
  • Each time you post on LinkedIn you remind your audience of who you are and what you have to offer, unlike a CV which might sit under a pile of paperwork and get forgotten.
  • Also, your profile is searchable by employers – you don’t have to rely on them receiving your CV directly from you.
  • See the course (LinkedIn Learning) for help creating your profile and building your network and your brand.
  • Or visit the  for tips on everything from setting up a profile to job searching, networking and sharing your professional expertise.

Facebook

  • As well as advertising vacancies on Facebook, some employers might expect direct involvement from candidates, or have their current staff searching user groups and discussions to find new talent.
  • In the past Deloitte and T-Mobile have set up Facebook groups for their graduate interns to get to know each other, and advertisers Saatchi & Saatchi recruited via a competition to create the most popular Facebook group.
  • For networking purposes - search and 'like' pages and groups for specific graduate recruiters, career sectors, careers services and jobs.
  • If you already a social member, remember that your use of Facebook shouldn’t undermine your professional standing. See our page Your online presence for more on this.

Twitter

  • Networking on Twitter can be as simple as following your favourite people and organisations. You will be one of the first to hear their latest events, opportunities and news - very useful for application and interview preparation.
  • Look up the profiles of those you are following and see who they are following.  
  • You can also create 'lists' of related Twitter accounts; this can be useful for finding people or organisations to follow.
  • .

YouTube

There’s more to YouTube than film trailers and BuzzFeed. Employers and other institutions (including ourselves) are using YouTube to publicise themselves to and interact with potential recruits and ‘sell’ the culture of their organisation.

Face-to-face networking

Making contact

Networking occurs in many settings, both formal and informal. Professional events, careers fairs, conferences, workshops  and social events all offer the opportunity for you to make connections.

You may equate networking with schmoozing, and recoil at the idea. Remember that everyone starts their career somewhere, and most people will be willing to offer advice if you are friendly and respectful.

If it feels appropriate, ask people for their business card when you meet them, and ask if you could contact them for some advice.

Always follow-up with anyone who was helpful or who you would like to meet in the future. Send them an email within a day or two to thank them for their time and any advice they gave you, or just to say that you enjoyed meeting them.

This is also then the perfect opportunity to connect with them via LinkedIn.

Don’t have an automatic expectation that your contacts will help you, and don’t ask directly for a job. By presenting yourself as enthusiastic and optimistic you can start to build relationships. If they like you, they are more likely to want to help, or even give you a job.

Meeting contacts

Once you have made initial contact, you may wish to try and arrange a meeting to gain advice and discuss any possible opportunities.

Before the meeting, plan some topics for discussion, for example:

  • Can you describe a typical working week?
  • What do you enjoy most about your job?
  • How did you get into the role? 
  • Has the role changed since you’ve been in post?
  • Who else should I be talking to?
  • Are there any groups or events I should attend?
  • Are there any publications I should read?
  • Would you recommend any particular work experience?
  • What would you do if you were me?

If you get the opportunity, show them your CV or portfolio and ask their advice. You could ask:

  • How does my CV look?
  • What would you change or modify?
  • Do you have any advice or ideas for me?

After meeting a contact

Always thank them for their time and advice. Make a note of what you have found out to remind yourself when applying for jobs.