Networking in a nutshell

Your personal network links you to more people than you may think.

If you want to sell your car, or get a recommendation for a new hairdresser, you use friends, acquaintances and friends of friends to achieve your goal.

Networking can work wonders for your career in the same way, whether you're looking to find a new job, develop your career, choose a new one or just broaden your professional horizons.

You may think that networking is just chatting to a few people and sending the odd email, but it's actually a skill that no graduate should be without.

Networking is about the exchanging of information, contacts or experience and involves making connections with a wide range of different people and building rapport with them.

This relationship can create benefits for both you and the other person, even if you don't directly see the link at first.

Your network not only comprises of the people you meet, but their acquaintances too.

A short conversation could lead to, "I know somebody who could help you with that."

There are many opportunities for networking - social events, lectures, courses, meetings and so on are all great ways of meeting new people who may just be the key to what you need, and vice versa.

You may think that networking is just chatting to a few people and sending the odd email, but it's actually a skill that no graduate should be without.

Sarah Lilley

So how do you go about networking? Here are some basic tips to get you started:

1. Think about what it is you want to achieve and start with a purpose.

If, for example, you're looking for a job in IT, approach people who could be useful contacts for that.

2. Saying this, don't sell yourself too much or ignore people who you don't think are of any use.

Networking works both ways. You may be able to help them in return for their help in the future or they may prove a good contact to have in some other aspect of your life.

Plus you never know what useful contacts they may have themselves.

3. Remember the golden rules of a firm handshake, smile and eye contact - first impressions count.

4. Tell them what you do but make it short and interesting.

5. Exchange business cards if you have them, or make a note of their name and details.

This will help you remember them and what they do and is necessary for the next point, which is...

6. Get in touch afterwards. There's no point in making connections if you're going to forget them straight away. Drop them an email and say that it was nice to meet them and offer to help in any way that you can.

womenintechnology.co.uk is an online job board and networking group for women working in IT - they run regular networking events that are free to attend so keep an eye open for one that is happening local to you.

As with many things, networking gets better with practice and experience, but just be polite and follow the tips above and you'll get building your network in no time. Have fun and good luck!