How, where to create relevant networks

Connect to the world. Social media is the perfect place to begin networking. NET Photo.

What you need to know:

  • The people in your network will likely come from a variety of backgrounds, meaning they will offer a broad range of perspectives and possess a deep wisdom from which you can draw. However, Musisi cautions job seekers against taking networking for granted.

When you are searching for a job or need to move up the career ladder, it is usually wise to exhaust all sources. This would involve using your personal, academic, and business contacts to help you achieve your career goals or hear about job opportunities on the market.
A contact in your network would know if a position in their organisation is soon to be vacated and hence alert you even before the recruitment process begins. Usually, some of your contacts know your strengths and weaknesses so they will know which job is the perfect match for you.

Building networks that count
Joweria Nansereko, a human resource manager, says networking is one way to widen and broaden the depth of your contact base.
“You need to make the right connections with people who can lend you a hand in your job search. You can meet such contacts by attending social events, conferences and meetings, which can help you link up with people who are important and helpful to your career.”
Nansereko also cautions people not to let go of the network once they have landed a job because networking is ongoing throughout one’s career. “Networking is about how you dress, who you talk to, how you talk and what you talk about. All of these count because you can never know where it might lead you.”
Connie Musisi, Head of Careers, Uganda Christian University Mukono, says building networks is an effective way of managing one’s career. “Networking involves building dependable relationships with people in the job sector.
When you meet these people, try as much as possible to get to know them and if possible, exchange contacts and endeavour to keep in touch. Networking gives you access to a wealth of knowledge from experienced people.”
The people in your network will likely come from a variety of backgrounds, meaning they will offer a broad range of perspectives and possess a deep wisdom from which you can draw. However, Musisi cautions job seekers against taking networking for granted.
“When you get an opportunity to get a contact of someone with influence, do not appear unserious about your career. Mind the things you post on social media because first impressions count.” A sure way to find success in your networks is to have the people you are connected to trust you. It is risky for one to recommend someone for a job if they do not really know or trust them.

Professional Networkimg

•Include the right people
Your career network should include anyone who can assist you with a job search or career move. It can include past and present co-workers, bosses, friends with similar interests, colleagues from business associations, alumni from your university, or acquaintances you have met via online networking services, family, neighbours, and anyone who might have a connection that will help.
•What can your career network do for you
Over 80 per cent of job seekers say that their network has helped with their job search. Networking contacts can help with more than job leads. They can provide referrals to or insider information about companies you might be interested in working for. They can provide information on career fields you might want to explore or what the job market is like on the other side of the country. Your network can give you advice on where to look for jobs or review your resume.
•Keep in touch - work your network
Do not just contact those who can help when you have just been laid-off from your job or decide you want to look for a new position. Keep in touch with your network regularly - even if it is just a brief email to say hello and to ask how they are doing. People are more willing to help when they know who you are.
•Give to to your career networks too
Networking should not be a one-way street. If you come across an interesting article or a relevant job listing, share it with your network. The point of having a career network is to have resources who can help, but you should reciprocate whenever you can.
•Network online
Sites, such as, LinkedIn, Facebook, and a variety of other online networking websites can help you get in touch with other networkers at specific companies, with college affiliations or in a certain geographic area. In addition, your institute may have an alumni career network you can access.
•Attend networking events
If you belong to a professional association, attend a meeting or a mixer and exchange business cards. If your college alma mater holds alumni networking events be sure to attend.