The importance of networking

Introduction

Most of us already have a network, whether you are aware of it or not. Through sport club, school, family and work you keep making new connections that sometimes also re-appear on your social or LinkedIn feed. 

Having a network is getting more and more important in the job market. Already more than 50% of the jobs are found through connections with other people. 

So how do you get connected? How do you find the people in your field and other interesting parties to exchange knowledge, opportunities and ideas with? With our guide and tips you will be working on your valuable network in no time!

The Basics

Networks are useful in many ways, looking for a room? Ask your family, friends and Instagram buddies. Needing this questionnaire filled-out? Share it on Facebook and let your network spread the message. Looking for a job? Ask your acquaintances and your LinkedIn pals!

Some networks are easier to build than others. If you have studied "sustainable energy" for instance you might want to connect with people and companies in that sector. But where do you find these people? A great start is connecting on LinkedIn with other students in the field. This way they can also lead you to other professionals which they have connections with. 

Events, (job) fairs, drinks or meetings focused on your field can also be a helpful tool. During many events others are also looking to get connected, which can make getting started for you easier. 

The Steps

So what concrete steps can you take to get started?

• Use social media to expand your network. Social media and mainly LinkedIn are great ways to build you professional network. Search for people and companies in your field, and also interact with their posts in order keep engaged. Moreover you can sign-up for news letters from your preferred companies on LinkedIn. This way you will keep up to date and see possible job openings as soon as they are available. 
• Go to events or start your own networking group. Going to networking events can be scary on your own. You can also bring a friend who is looking to start working in the same or a similar field to make connecting easier. Events that might interest you can be networking drinks, job application workshops, company or school open days and much more. Don't know where you can get started? LinkedIn or Facebook or great ways to find events, as are your local library, student association, school or company pages. Networking through Recruit a Student is also possible! Join us and meet students from all over the world during our workshop, drinks and events!
• Know your worth. Everyone is looking for people who can add to their network in valuable ways. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. If you know what your strong points are those are an easy way to show potential connections what you can add to their feed/business/life. Don't be afraid to showcase your skills either, be it by using a portfolio website, making posts about your ideas and findings or sharing knowledge through conversation and possibly even brochures or flyers.
• Follow up! After attending an event or gaining a new connection stay in contact! People are busy and if you don't stay in the picture they might forget about you. If you met someone interesting at an event make sure to sent them a connection request later. Engage with their content or even sent them a personal message. If you don't stay connected with the people you made your acquaintance a lot of effort can be undone. 
  
  

So how do you find and get that job?

Looking for a job can be hard and confusing sometimes. With a few of tips we can help you on the way and you can go on an organized and fruitful job hunt!

• Finding jobs. Most people start out by looking for interesting positions on job boards, LinkedIn, in student/work or local papers. Here you have a quick overview what is available in your area, and maybe you even find some interesting positions to apply for. You can also start using that network you build in your favor, hit that "open to work" button and let the community know that you are ready for a new challenge. People you have met or connected with in the past might be able to offer you ideas and positions they came across or have open themselves.
• Your information. Finding a jobs is one, getting a job is another. Make sure you got everything in order. Is your CV up-to-date, original and does it showcase relevant information for the job you are applying for? Is your portfolio site filled with projects you are proud of and show a diversity of skills that are relevant for your field? Make sure to adjust your CV and/or portfolio specifically for the job you are applying for. Maybe some specific skills you have can be highlighted to impress your potential employer.
• The company. Find out as much as possible about the company and department you want to work. What do they stand for and what are their visions for the future? What do they do specifically and what is an area that you can specifically help develop? Showing interest in the company and its ventures will make potential employers more appreciative of you, and it shows that you are sufficiently interesting in the role to be considered.  
• Elevator pitch. Present yourself well, most recruiters ask a few basic questions. Be one step ahead and prepare an elevator pitch. In this pitch you can tell them all about you, who are you, what are you good at and what are you looking for? Preferably also specific to the function and company that you are having a meeting with.
• Keep track! Most people bet on several horses when it comes to finding a job. Make sure that you keep track of the application letters you have sent, from which companies you have got a reply, to which companies you've been invited and from which companies you have got a final decision. This way you can follow up if they don't let you know anything after you initiated contact. Be sure to follow-up after a week and if you've had a pleasant meeting, sent an e-mail afterwards showing your appreciation and letting them know that you would love to hear from them soon. 

Let us help you get started!

Don't wait too long, before you know you are looking for your dream job and your network is still far behind. We are here to help you get started by providing you with interesting platforms!

Social Media Networking

Easy and accessible, social media networking is available for everyone and always in the palm of your hand. Finding the right people to follow or connect with can be a little harder. A great way to get started is PeerReach, this is where you can find all interesting blogs, people, companies and more based on a specific category. From landscapers to developers and from designers to health guru's, you'll be able to find them all and get connected! You can even search through the most influential people for a specific country!

If this is your main tool for networking make sure your info is always up-to-date and portrays you as you want to be seen.

Moreover you can use interesting Facebook groups and LinkedIn groups in your advantage. Engage, join events and get personal with peers, and potential employers in just a few clicks! Moreover "socials" like Reddit can be a great platform for (international) people in the Netherlands. This helpful community will answer any all questions you have about the Netherlands.

A new interesting project has also been set up through the Refugee Talent Hub people who have fled their country can join events and get connected with influential people in their respective field. This way they can find a paid job that utilizes their skills a lot faster.

Online Networking

Isn't this the same as social media networking? Not at all! Next to your social media platforms there are enough other options to get connected. Take forums, your own blog/site or websites for meet-ups. 

A great way to gain both knowledge and to meet new people is through Meetup. Connect through interests, hobbies and work fields. With multiple online meetings every week there is always something that can be useful or interesting to you! 

Generating traffic to a blog or a (portfolio) site that showcases your projects and skills can also be an interesting way to attract people who appreciate your work and can possibly make use of your skills. Through website builders such as WordPress or Wix you can build a good looking and well integrated site or portfolio in no time! Link to your site through your social media or add the link or QR code on your business card. 

Networking face-to-face

This classic form of networking is very effective but not the most easy one for a lot of people. As mentioned before there are a few keys to networking effectively this way. Know your worth, have your information ready (have you checked who will be present?) and bring your business cards!

Going to a networking event is probably easier than finding a suitable networking event. This (Dutch) website has various events on different topics throughout the year.

Another interesting party, especially if you are studying in the field of sustainability is EnTranCe. Amongst an energy transition center it is also a hub that offer facilities, expertise and networking opportunities for start-ups and innovators. 

Networking through Recruit a Student

We do not only offer you great jobs, we also work together with great parties to help you get settled, and most importantly connected! Read how our partners can help you below! Other than that we host our own events for everyone who is signed up with us.

International Welcome Center North

An easy way to get started is through International Welcome Center North, they have an Agenda which features, meetings, webinars, activities and loads more in which you can participate. You can connect on hobbies as well as professions and also learn about various topics in the process. To get access to all events for the whole year you just pay 15 euro's as a bachelor or master student!

Erasmus Student Network

ESN offers great ways to connect. With their nationwide and international network they have ties with many cities in Europe, which makes it easier for when you are moving between places as well. 

Events that are hosted by ESN Groningen can range from excursions, networking events, informational meetings and much more. You can sign-up with them easily and actively participate in this very international community of students with widely varying skills. 

Student Associations

Other than ESN there are also other student and study associations that might be interesting to you. You can make the choice if you want to connect with like-minded people or surround yourself with a crowd which each have their own experience and skills. Take a look at our collaborations and maybe you will find your match in the area!

You've got this!

Hopefully our guide and links will help you get started on your network. Don't be afraid to try new things and to take that extra step towards getting to know someone. We as Recruit a Student will gladly keep you up to date with any other useful information and connections that you can use for your gain. 

Feel free to follow us on Instagram to keep up-to-date with our ventures and be informed of our very own networking events, webinars, workshops and more!