Networking is a key part of job searching. Once you’ve built your network, it’s imperative to follow up and pursue networking opportunities, which include:
- temporary or part-time work to enhance your marketability and industry knowledge and to meet people in your target sector;
- voluntary work to build experience and show your commitment – be clear about what you are offering to do and for how long;
- industry intern-ships, keeping in touch with colleagues you met on your placement;
- professional associations, which may run networking events or useful training and conferences where you can forge new links;
- careers events at university or elsewhere, speaking with representatives from many organisations in one place;
- online professional networking websites – LinkedIn is a popular example that allows you to build an online profile, widen your network and join groups within your industry;
- following up, on not only applications you have sent, but also with people you meet at events, etc.
