Networking can be scary, especially for students fresh out of school. Navigating the professional world is intimidating when you don’t have much hands-on experience. The good news is that everyone can learn how to make valuable connections that will improve your odds. Don’t let fear keep you from reaching your goals; check out these networking tips every new graduate should know.
Establish a Personal Brand
Networking is all about selling yourself. You need to show your potential connections to what sets you apart from the rest of the pack. Prepare for the event by creating a “pitch” that demonstrates your skills, goals, and any relevant experience. Establishing and showcasing your brand is a sure-fire way to land an excellent remote job for new graduates.
Show Genuine Interest
Listening is just as essential as speaking when it comes to networking events. People appreciate when you show a genuine interest because it signals that the relationship will be mutually beneficial. Connect with others at these events with follow-up questions and engaging body language. Employers are more likely to remember and reach out to someone authentic, polite, and genuinely interested in the job.
Use Your Resources
Nowadays, networking takes many forms. You don’t always have to dress up and go to special events to make valuable professional connections. If you donate to your alma mater regularly, you likely have access to many resources that could set you up with a job in your field. You can also build meaningful work relationships virtually and through word-of-mouth, so make sure you’re using all of the resources at your disposal.
Always Follow Up
All of that work you put into selling your brand and making connections will mean nothing if you don’t follow up. Everyone get’s busy, and you can’t always rely on people to reach out to you first. But, maintaining relationships is one of the essential things you can do when starting your professional career. So, make that call and send that email, and remember to include some information you learned about that person at your initial meeting to make yourself memorable.
Every new graduate’s networking tips will help you stand out from the crowd. If you’re determined to make real professional connections, you’ll find work in your study area in no time.
