This document provides guidance on developing strong networking skills. It discusses the benefits of networking for career development, strategies for effective networking, and tips for professional interactions and relationship building. Key points include understanding networking as an ongoing process of mutually-beneficial relationship building; being prepared for networking opportunities; properly introducing oneself and engaging others in conversation; and utilizing one's network to expand opportunities and advance one's career goals. Evaluation and follow-up are emphasized as important aspects of networking.

1. Networking Skills
Louise Bamford
Careers Consultant
Career Development Centre
www.westminster.ac.uk/careers

2. Objectives
This session will help you to:
• Understand the benefits of networking
• Develop your networking skills / strategies
• Approach contacts / employers in a
professional manner
• Re-assess your job search strategy

3. Networking Ice Breaker
•Name
•Subject
•How you spent the
Bank Holiday
Then move on…

4. What is networking?
…….?

5. What has networking ever done
for you?
…………Or how do
you hope it can
help you in the
future?

6. Why is networking important?
When you are starting out…
• Gain / learn about new opportunities for
shadowing, work experience or employment
• Advice on career choice / vacancy sources /
applications / interviews
• Industry trends and latest news
• Develop a motivating support network

7. Why is networking important?
Throughout your career…
•Help you get things done (through strong
partnerships / team work)
•Raise your profile (and hopefully the
rewards)
•Keep abreast of new ideas, information…
•Learn about new opportunities
•For advice, support and maybe fun….

8. Networking opportunities
(are everywhere….)
• Family, friends, fellow students
• Extra-curricular clubs and associations
• Tutors, careers consultants
• Current / previous employment
• Professional associations / events
• Alumni association
• Social media

9. Six degrees of separation theory…why
you can network your way to meeting
anyone (including Kevin Bacon)
Yahoo!news – just explain it

10. Networking Exercise
• On the back of your action plan – write
“ME” in the middle of the page
• Pick a area you’d like to learn more about.
Who do you know who might be able to
help you with finding information about
career paths, opportunities, skills and key
advice?

11. Networking exercise – for an HR role
Runs own building firm
and does own HRTony
(Uncle)
Theresa
(Neighbour)
Works in a recruitment
agency
Jenny
(Zumba)
Welfare officer in
a bank
Matthew
(Brother)
Julie
(Friend)
H&S trainer
Sumi
(Colleague)
Nigel
(ex colleague)
TU Officer
Mark
(Her husband)
Plays squash with NHS
HR manager
As you start chasing leads, you can add to it. You can also add contacts through
groups (alumni association, professional bodies), online (linkedin) or ‘warm’ leads
such HR at work / at university.
ME

12. Networking Advice
• Most people find networking scary – US survey
said dying was only the third worst thing that
can happen to you
• It’s about building relationships (quality) and
how you leverage your networking, not the
number (quantity) of business cards you collect
• Being interested Vs interesting
• Use your network to expand your network

13. Preparation for meetings / conversations
• Make the most of networking opportunities
by preparing beforehand
o Learn about the contact / event attendees
o Learn about the organisation(s)
o Learn about the topic
• Plan your objectives for the session
o How can you help yourself?
o How can you help others?

14. Approaching an individual or group
• Don’t assume they won’t be interested in you
• Arrive early and people will speak with you, less
competition for their attention
• If people are standing on their own, approach
them; likely are also nervous
• Introduce people who join your group. Ensure
you highlight their talents

15. Introducing yourself to strangers!
• Smile and offer a hand to shake
• Always offer your name first. Try to
introduce yourself in a relevant way
(interest in the event, recent achievements
etc.) rather than ‘student’
• If you think you have met before, state
your name clearly – they may not
remember

16. Remembering people’s names
• If you can’t remember their name be honest
…..“didn’t we meet at.... I’m desperately trying to remember your
name, please help me out”
• Listen
….Ask for it to be repeated if you didn’t catch it. Better now than
never! This will show the person you are interested in them
• Use them. It will help you (and others) to remember them.
….Imagine that you will have to introduce them to someone else in
a few minutes
• Look….you need to put a name to a face so need to remember what
they look like
• If you are given a badge wear it.

17. Concisely communicate your name,
skills, experience and current career
objective(s)
30 Second Elevator Pitch

18. Content of conversations
• Don’t know what to say? Good.
• People appreciate good listeners.
Encourage others to talk by asking
sensible, intelligent questions. And then
listen to the response (really listen – don’t
plan the next question).

19. Content of conversations
Offer an open question (who, what, why, how),
don’t interrogate them:
• How did you get started in your business?
• What do you enjoy most about your
profession?
• What advice would you give to someone just
starting out in the industry?
• What do you see as the coming trends in your
business?
• What’s the best thing about your work?

20. The networking pyramid
Networking strategy – who, why,
what?
Working the room – small
talk, etiquette
Permission to explore
/ follow up
Follow up
One to
one
Keep in
touch
Positive
outcome

21. Career Player
Tips and advice
=> Networking skills

22. Iceberg principle
The open
job market
Advertised
posts
The hidden
Job market
Direct
approaches
Networking

23. Networking For A Job!
• Make it known that you are looking for work and
what it is that you can do
• Ask what they do and if they know anyone in the
industry who can help
• Use a broad spectrum of communication
methods: face-to-face, phone calls, emails, social
networking sites, online discussion forums
• By utilising your network, you are utilising
the network of everyone within that network too

24. Informational interviewing
• Find someone who knows about a field or
occupation
• Ask for a short interview
• This is not JOB SEARCH – it is
RESEARCH
• Helps you to find out about roles and fields
• Can reveal the hidden jobs
• Widens your network
• Who else do they know who can help?

25. Social Networking
Linkedin, twitter, (facebook?)
• Google yourself!
• Establish relevant online presence (also blog,
website?) – what’s your message??
• Link to your CV and portfolio
• Use to research companies and people
• Join and contribute to relevant online groups
• Establish contact with professionals you have
recently met

26. Aimee Bateman – Career Cake
How to connect with people you do

27. Before you
start…..you need
a plan!
What do you want to
achieve from
networking?

28. Your action plan
• What are you aiming for?
(Your career goals)
• What is your current situation?
(Job hunting activities underway, what /
who else do you need to know?)
• How can networking help you progress?
(Specific networking steps with dates)

29. Evaluation
– how was it for you?

30. Career Development Centre
Services
1-to-1
Guidance
E-Advice
Vacancies
& Events
Information
Resources
Volunteering
Employer
Events
Talent
Bank
Associates
In Schools
Mentoring

31. Follow us on
facebook.com/uowcareers
twitter.com/uw_careers
blog.westminster.ac.uk/career
s

32. Slides are available
www.slideshare.net/cdcwestminster

33. Contact us
Harrow
Harrow Campus
Room EG.16
Maria Hewlett Building
Nearest tube: Northwick Park
Central London
Cavendish House
1st Floor
101 New Cavendish Street
Nearest tube: Warren St/
Goodge St/Gt Portland St
Tel: 020 7911 5184
E-mail: careers@wmin.ac.uk
www.westminster.ac.uk/careers

34. In summary
• Give and take……
• Know what you have to offer / you want
• Set yourself networking targets and review
regularly
• Always look for your next contact
• Step out of your comfort zone (away from
people you already know!)
• Seize all opportunities
……..and, if you need help, seek advice
and guidance