If you’re job searching in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque areas, networking can be a key to your success. Networking is about connecting with other people in a professional capacity by sharing knowledge and offering support in career endeavors. Find out more about the importance of networking and how to make connections in New Mexico.
Although networking may seem at face value to not have an immediate purpose or impact, it has a variety of benefits that make it a worthwhile investment of your time and energy:
Short-Term Benefits of Networking
Many hiring managers start looking for candidates by asking for recommendations from their employees, colleagues, or contacts in their circles. Networking can help you land leads and consideration for opportunities that would not have been advertised. It can also help you get your foot in the door if you are a recent graduate, reentering the workforce, or changing careers.
Long-Term Benefits of Networking
Making connections with others can also help your career in less direct ways, such as learning about your industry from others, boosting your soft skills like communication and navigating interpersonal dynamics, and gaining valuable advice from people further along in their careers.
Networking takes time and effort to develop, like any other professional skill. Some tips for effective networking include:
Develop a Professional Online Presence
Hiring managers and recruiters generally use LinkedIn to find candidates for their openings, as well as to research further into applicants. Develop a professional online presence by having a completed, informative, and engaging LinkedIn profile that communicates your skills, experience, and achievements. LinkedIn is also helpful for building and maintaining connections with other professionals. Consider joining industry LinkedIn groups and engaging in forum conversations, as well as commenting on content that others share.
Attend Events for New Mexico Professionals
Try out different networking strategies, including in-person events along with online networking. Attend events for New Mexico professionals to make professional connections. Go to job fairs in the area to find out about openings or even ask to schedule informational interviews. Networking events, as well as other industry events like conferences and seminars, can be useful ways to meet new contacts and stay in touch with existing ones.
Interact with Intention
Common mistakes with networking include not approaching it in a strategic way and not being proactive at developing a mutually beneficial relationship. Interact with intention as you work on making connections. Don’t make it all about you – even as you share your goals or ask questions, be sure to show interest in the other person.
Following up is critical to fostering professional relationships. After you meet someone, a simple message to thank them for their time can leave a positive impression. Finally, it’s essential to put effort into maintaining connections. Stay in touch by occasionally reaching out, such as an email to offer congratulations on an achievement, share industry news they may find interesting, or invite them to meet up.
Find New Mexico Job Opportunities
Are you ready to explore new job possibilities with a recruiter? Team up with The Hire Firm for your job search. With nearly three decades of experience in connecting candidates to employers in New Mexico, we can help you find the job that is right for you. Get in touch today to get started.