Need to get your foot in the door? Find your way in with professional networking skills 🤝

Are you interested in working at a specific organization? Do you need connections to get your foot in that door? Then, you need to improve your networking skills!

If you ever reached out to a former coworker about a job, put a post on social media regarding work, or attended an industry mixer, you were networking. Networking is about building relationships and connecting with others to share resources, information, and opportunities.

Photo by Jakob Dalbjörn on Unsplash

Do you dread networking? Let's change your perspective.

Consider these high points for success:

• Networking gives you new perspectives.

• Networking offers access to support.

• Networking allows you to exchange knowledge.

• Networking helps you develop long-lasting relationships.

You can find work on your own, but networking helps you develop your story. It helps you define who you are and who you are becoming. An ability to network presents you as a self-starter who knows how to get results.

These networking skills are important within the workforce.

Many job seekers use social media to network with professionals in organizations they're interested in to build more personal relationships. Making these personal connections will help grow your network quickly. So, when posting about work on social media, think about who you are and what interests you have.

You can use platforms such as LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter) for online networking. Here are 2 tips for success:

• Send a connections request to someone who works at the organization you're interested in and ask for advice.

• Use a company hashtag to showcase your creativity.

HubSpot reports that "85% of jobs are filled through networking", while CNBC found that "70% of jobs are never published publicly."  Find your networking groove and start building relationships with one company.

Use your networking skills during a networking event:

• Make the right connections. Research ahead of time to find key people in the company to spark an interesting conversation at the event. Check out this Byte to learn more about finding contacts.

• Ask questions about the company, positions, and the interview process.

• Be memorable! Check out this Byte to learn more about perfecting your elevator pitch.

• Volunteer! Grab a front row seat to jobs you're interested in. Seek volunteer opportunities at the organization you want to work with.

• Get the facts. Ask specific questions related to your skills to see if you can create opportunities for yourself.

• Be vocal! Create a reputation as someone who speaks up. Let people know who you are.

Professional networking is a give-and-take relationship. Always have something to offer but also know what you want.

Photo by Mina Rad on Unsplash

What's a great way to get to know someone? Informational interviews!

Talking to more people helps you grow your network in the organization. You never know — someone you chat with might mention you to others, which can really boost your reputation. Networking is about putting yourself out there and telling someone at the company you want to be there.

Here are some example questions you should ask during an interview:

• What do you like best about working for x organization?

• What kind of needs does the department have?

• I'm always looking for ways to grow and develop, does this organization offer any volunteer opportunities?

• Are there any projects I can help with?

• What's the next community event the company is holding?

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

Networking with people at an organization can open doors to start a career you want. It starts with you taking steps to establish yourself by being vocal and creating a memorable interaction!

Remember to follow up with anyone you meet and have a clear plan of action for the things you want to happen.

Check out the steps below to get you started on your networking skills journey: