We all know the type of situation that springs to mind when someone mentions "networking" -an assortment of suited individuals gathering together to swap business cards, right? That vision of a bustling function room can be enough to provoke a fluttering feeling in the stomach of even the most confident individual; which is probably why the value of networking is so often underestimated - despite this being a somewhat restricted view of what it actually involves.

Why networking?

Done properly and well, networking can prove invaluable when it comes to business deals, effective communication with clients and your own personal career development. It is also one of the most important elements of an effective job search strategy.

It is based on the notion that personal relationships have a strong influence over the jobs market, but many people misunderstand networking: it isn't about asking for a job or about handing out your business card to whoever will take it. It is all about gathering information and it works because most people like to be asked for help.

Many vacancies that arise are never advertised directly, which means unless you recognise the true value of networking, you could be losing out on opportunities. If an employer has a vacancy, the first thing they will do is ask colleagues if they know anyone who could fill the post.

Where to start?

Creating a network of career contacts who can provide support, information and job leads will work best if you take the time to plan your networking strategy and keep records of what you have done or plan to do. Start by identifying your contacts - make a list of all the groups of people you know, including family, friends, work colleagues, previous employers, recruitment agencies, people you have met through courses, etc and then list every individual you know from within these groups.

Your recruitment agency can also be used as an effective networking element. They have well-established relationships with client companies that enable them to market prospective candidates so by keeping in regular contact with them, you can make sure that you are given first refusal of relevant jobs and keep track of employment trends.

It is important that you consider the best way to approach your contacts; a formal introductory letter followed by phone call might suit a new contact, while a more casual telephone discussion would be appropriate for those you already know. If it is someone that you have had little or no contact with in the past, before you make contact, find out as much as possible about the person and how they may be able to help you - you want a focused discussion, not just a nice chat.

What will I achieve?

If you are clear about what you want, whether it is advice on the market, information on where jobs are advertised, interview advice or industry development information, what you get out of networking depends on how much effort you put in. Taking the time to talk to the right people for the information you need will undoubtedly help with your career progression.

By applying an effective networking strategy, you will have laid the foundations for a successful job search. Most job vacancies are filled either through personal contacts or through specialist publications so if you rely on the local newspaper, you will lose out on opportunities. Even if you are not actively conducting a job search, networking could provide you with opportunities that you hadn't even realised were available.

Goal setting

Set yourself objectives for your networking. Decide what you want to get out of your networking campaign, set goals and make a note of your priorities. Be clear on what you want to achieve, whether it is ideas about career opportunities you may not have thought of or information about options you're already considering.

Remember that networking is about sharing knowledge; it is a two-way process dependant upon gathering and exchanging ideas so bear in mind that you will be able to provide others with the information they need too - carefully consider what you have to offer and what you need to learn. The more people you meet or contact, the more information and contacts you will have to share, so setting targets is certainly worth considering.

An ongoing process

It is crucial that you think of networking as an ongoing process and not just as a way to secure a job as it is one of the most successful ways of keeping up to date with industry developments and will not only ensure you have the right information to progress professionally, but also develop your communication skills and increase your confidence.

Effective networking requires effort and organisation so make sure that you are proactive in your networking, joining professional institutions and industry associations and attending meetings and events regularly. It is a lifetime strategy; this is your career we are talking about, so putting time and energy into nurturing the relationships you have will work to your advantage in the long run.

The enormity of establishing a network might initially be overwhelming, but once it has been built up and is well defined, maintenance is much easier, which means that when your network is required as a resource it is up to date and instantly useful. Keep all this in mind if the prospect of networking is daunting at first. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.

www.nes.co.uk

NES is a leading global technical recruitment business providing professionally qualified contract staff to blue chip clients across the world in the oil and gas, infrastructure, rail, power and IT sectors. Founded in 1978, a committed workforce has facilitated the company's success and continues to ensure that NES experiences ongoing growth in terms of customers, geography and sector.