28 Jun 2021

What’s the saying… oh yeah, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”.

Sure, it can be quite awkward working with peers or acquaintances that turn into professional colleagues but if you’ve got reservations about it, I'm here to change your mind about it and give you the goss on why it can benefit your professional career.

Who knows - you might find out about jobs before they’re advertised or your network might give you a boost to a role.

Have a (good) online presence

It’s just as important to be presentable online as you would be in an interview. Spend half an hour culling those videos of you snorkelling a drink. Untag yourself from those embarrassing photos from years ago. Post interesting, relatable, and motivational content while giving career updates and keep all of your profiles schmick!

Meet people through friends or other people

This is essentially the face-to-face version of connecting with people on LinkedIn. Talk to your friends, high school teachers, people you went to university with, your tutors and they’ll probably know someone that can benefit your career. Whether that’s a job, experience or just someone to talk to, you’ll learn a lot by just conversing with them. Don’t let the opportunity go to waste!

Present yourself well with a success story

Tell them what you’ve done throughout their career and what your plans are for the future. No need to brag - you’re simply just telling them a problem and how you fixed a problem with a solution.

Understand that it’s not always about landing a job

You’re establishing connections with people while establishing your career - so it’s good to always keep people on your side without nagging them for a job! And please, do not ask for a job. You’re building a rapport so when a potential opportunity arises, they may be willing to refer you. You’ll learn a lot more by creating relationships with these people compared to only asking them questions when it benefits you.

Follow up with who you’ve met

You’ve just connected with them - don’t let them forget about ya! Send them a quick email or LinkedIn message telling them that it was a pleasure meeting. But don’t stop there! React with them on social media, engage in conversation at future events - don’t be afraid to ask about how they have been.

Get your suit and tie attire dry cleaned and be ready to make connections, friends!