As recruiters we are often asked: “What’s the best way to get a job in X agency?” Or, “How can I transfer from an agency to client side role” – and our answer, (apart from using a brilliant recruiter!), often highlights the importance of building, maintaining and utilizing a strong business network. Firing off your CV to job board applications will only get you so far. Yes, you might land an interview but you may also become number 367 in a pile of similar applications. In fact, the stats suggest 80% of jobs are never advertised; so successful networking is a vital part of your career and job search process. 



So what’s the secret to brilliant networking?

Cocktails, small talk and a collection of business cards?

When people think of networking, they often visualise the industry gathering peppered with drinks and nibbles, daggy nametags and small talk with strangers. Taking yourself out to industry functions is an important part of the process, but it’s not just about being there and collecting cards, or adding names to your LinkedIn connections. It’s about building genuine connections, and developing these over time for mutual benefit. It’s about building a network that may help you find a job, fill a job, help with work advice or become a safety net when you lose your job. They are people who you can call on for advice, and have your interest at heart.

Building your network

To get serious about networking, you need to think about how you will meet relevant people in your industry. Research appropriate industry functions and ATTEND them. Groups such as Youngbloods, 30Below, ADMA, Communications Council, Digital Forums, and award nights offer regular networking opportunities. You can support this your broad interactions with colleagues and suppliers as well as online networking as well – using social media sites to express your interests, career focus, and reaching out to people or industry groups appropriately. 

It’s not just a one-way street.

When networking, it’s important to remember it’s not just about YOU. It’s important to view every connection as an opportunity to learn. Be curious about people and what makes them tick, and often this will reduce your own nervousness when meeting new people. Directly asking for a job, or coercing people into sending your CV onto managers is not the way to approach your networking campaign. Rather, chatting over coffee about the industry, asking questions about the best people to speak to, passing on contacts and information that may help others may also help build successful networking relationships.

Using your network for a job search.

Maintaining your network takes ongoing commitment, but networking for a specific job search is hard work! A great idea is to arrange for a short coffee meeting preferably face to face, to ask for industry advice or any areas of opportunity within your area of focus. Try to discover as much about the agency, or role you are ultimately seeking. See if you can gather additional contacts or introductions and follow up on these. Use LinkedIn to connect with people in the industry, build your network and try to meet with as many people as possible. 

Successful networking takes time, commitment and ongoing dedication to the process. There’s no formula to success, in fact it is a very individual thing – a strategy that works for one person may not work for another. But by taking a curious approach, remembering that it’s about building mutually beneficial relationships and enjoying yourself – you’ll be on the right path.