Building your network helps expand your career. You can meet other industry professionals who can help you find your next professional growth opportunity.
Networking is the most effective way to find a mentor, enhance your skill development, and land a new job. These activities support career development.
Choose among these four ways to build your network to expand your career.
How Can You Build Your Network to Expand Your Career?
1. Ask Members of Your Network for Referrals
Talk with other industry professionals about which members of their networks you should know. These professionals might include current or former supervisors, managers, colleagues, coworkers, mentors, or coaches.
Building relationships with industry professionals can enhance your career growth. For instance, a former supervisor or manager might talk with you about a job opportunity that fits your goals, skills, and interests. A mentor might offer to provide guidance and support on your professional path.
2. Participate in Industry Events
Engage in industry-related seminars, conferences, trade shows, and similar events. These settings provide opportunities to network with other industry professionals.
For instance, you can collectively learn about industry news, trends, and best practices. You also can ask and answer questions and get to know others in your field.
Be sure to hand out your contact information and collect other attendees’ information so you can follow up later. Maintaining regular engagement offers opportunities for career advice.
3. Conduct Informational Interviews
Ask employees of companies you want to work for to engage in informational interviews. For instance, you can talk about the company’s culture, opportunities for learning and development, and what a day at the office is like. You also can ask follow-up questions to learn more about specific issues to determine whether you would enjoy working for the organization.
If you decide a role and culture are a good fit, you could ask the employee to refer you to the hiring manager. Securing an employee referral increases the odds of being interviewed and securing the role.
4. Work with a Staffing Agency
Partner with a local staffing agency that specializes in your industry:
- The agency has a vast network of top employers looking for quality talent.
- You gain access to unadvertised job opportunities with less competition for interviews.
- An agency recruiter can provide guidance, coaching, and support throughout the hiring process.
- The recruiter negotiates any job offers on your behalf.
- You can work with the agency as often as desired throughout your career.
Partner with THE RIGHT STAFF
Work with THE RIGHT STAFF to expand your career in Minneapolis. Visit our job board to apply for a role today.
