Networking Tips For Recent Graduates In The UK

Networking happens anywhere and everywhere, from chatting with someone at a party to attending a formal career event. It also involves everyone you meet, such as employers at a graduate fair, your colleagues at a part-time job or your coursemates. It doesn’t have to happen face-to-face; it’s possible to build relationships on social media or sites like LinkedIn and Ezyapply. Networking doesn’t need to be with someone who’s an expert on a certain topic either, your friends are valuable contacts too.

You’re probably already networking without realizing it.

The benefits of networking

Networking gives you the chance to build up your connections beyond family. So if you don’t know anyone in the field you’re interested in, networking is how you’ll meet the people who will help you achieve your professional goals.

Networking has amazing benefits for your career and your confidence. Here are some key benefits of networking:

1. Discovering opportunities

The more people who know what kind of role you’re looking for, the more people who’ll tell you if they hear of a suitable job. The right connections will put you in touch with who’s hiring or even be the one doing the hiring

2. Being recommended for jobs

What you know matters, but who you know is also important when it comes to building a successful career. Personal recommendations and referrals (usually when somebody receives an incentive, like a bonus, for finding a successful candidate) go a long way when job hunting.

3. Discussing ideas

Think of the phrase “two heads are better than one”.

Talking to someone new who’s working or interested in your industry is a great way of sparking ideas and conversations.

4. Developing lasting connections

Networking isn’t about meeting people for two minutes and never speaking to them again. You want to make lasting connections with those in and around your industry. Who knows what the future will bring – maybe you’ll work together one day.

5. Getting career advice

Speaking to those in your industry is great if you want advice. Everyone you talk to has a different story, so they’ll all offer you unique tips and insights.

Where to go for networking

One of the main ways to network after uni is to attend career events and fairs. Even if the companies there aren’t relevant to your career path, use these events to practice your networking skills.

How to make the most out of career events & fairs

Step 1: Choose who you speak to wisely

Some company reps will be swamped by eager graduates, while their colleagues are talking to one person. Don’t make the mistake of following the crowd. It’s best to pick the smaller group as you’ll get more face-time.

Ask for guest lists and panellists in advance. Look them up online and pin down who you want to meet.

Step 2: Start strong

When you introduce yourself, do so with a firm handshake and good eye contact.

Unsure what “good eye contact” means? One top tip is to maintain enough eye contact to learn their eye colour while you say hello. Once you know their eye colour, relax and be your natural self.

Step 3: Get the conversation going

Ask them a question, whether they're a potential employer or fellow graduate. Asking questions shows that you’re interested and lets you find out what you want to know.

Step 4: Know when to move on

It’s just as important to know how to end a conversation as it is to start one. At a networking event, you’re not expected to make a new best friend. So once they’ve answered your core questions, move on.

Even if you want something from the person you’ve met, like an investment or a job, keep your conversation short. A networking event isn’t the place to discuss long-term commitments. Instead, ask them to meet another time for a coffee.

Step 5: Follow up

Turn your new connections into contacts by following up.

At the end of the event, go back to the person you talked to to say thank you. Mentioning something personal you discussed will help them remember you.

Business cards are a nice – but optional – touch. Although they’re rarer than they used to be, it still looks more professional to share your email or LinkedIn profile address on a printed card than a scrap of paper.

Even if you’re giving out your contact details, follow up with an email or social media request. Employers will meet hundreds of students at an event, so you need to be the one who makes the effort to stay in touch.

How to network online

Plenty of today’s networking happens virtually, without ever meeting the person you’re talking to.

The most popular platform for online networking is LinkedIn. You don’t need to wait for your first job to set up an account. The earlier you join LinkedIn, the sooner you’ll be able to start online networking.

Once you’re set up, add everyone you meet and already know. Your school friends, college classmates and uni peers are all people who will be useful to your career in ways you can’t predict right now.

Also, you can combine Ezyapply alongside LinkedIn to maximize visibility and increase your chances of connecting with potential employers in the UK.

Bringing to a close

Networking effectively is about managing your expectations and being realistic with your goals. You can’t know everything about everyone and you don’t need to. By prioritizing quality over quantity, you can network without feeling overwhelmed.

Think about the following questions:

• What would you like to do as a career (ie. industry or role)?
• What goal do you want to achieve by networking (ie. do you want advice about an industry you’re not sure of, or would you like help getting a job)?
• What kind of person could help you in the way you want?
• Do you already know someone who could help here or anyone who will put you in touch with someone who can?
• If you’re not already connected to someone, where are you most likely to meet this kind of person?

If you’ve got a goal in mind, focus your networking efforts here. For example, attend industry-specific events or talks. Or join online communities for this area. This way you’ll be more targeted with your networking. 

But remember: everyone you meet has the potential to help you one day, so don’t dismiss connections too quickly. You can improve your networking skills by Discovering opportunities, Discussing ideas, Developing lasting connections and Getting career advice. Stay proactive, utilize available resources, and build your personal brand through platforms like LinkedIn and Ezyapply.