NETWORKING KNOW-HOW

Making the right contacts can help you find a job. Cultivating them can advance your career

- DENNIS CAVERNELIS

IT'S a skill some people seem to be born with while the rest of us envy those who have the ability to network. Yet it's crucial to learn how to do it, career experts say it could be the key to you finding your dream job instead of being frustrated by continually pounding the pavement and getting nowhere.

We take a look at why who you know is often as important as what you know and how to cultivate the kind of contacts that will help advance your career.

WHAT IS NETWORKING?

It's getting to know people, particularly ones with whom you can have "career conversations" to help you find a job or discover if a field is a good fit for you.

"It's all about forming meaningful, authentic connections with people, either in person or online," says Celeste Stewart, director of Bold Curiosity, a learning and development consultancy.

Another benefit of networking is meeting influential people in your industry, as well as potential mentors who can pass on knowledge, says Tamara Wolpert of Viv Gordon Placements.

"Networking is a very proactive way of finding a job instead of waiting for the phone to ring"," says Lorna O'Brien of O'Brien Recruitment in Cape Town. "People are wired to connect with one another and to help others.

HOW DO I BUILD A NETWORK?

Networking is more than simply making small talk with people and saving their numbers on your phone. It's all about building relationships.

So where do you start? Take a close look at the people you already know, O'Brien says. "Write down a list of people who you consider part of your professional network. Also look at your social media contacts, friends, family, people you studied with and the people you interact with, she suggests.