She Strengthens

The Power of Authentic Connections in Career Advancement

When it comes to career growth, the term “networking” can be a polarizing concept. Some people thrive in environments where they can connect with like-minded individuals, while others, like me, tend to shy away from it. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and work with talented professionals in my industry, but I’ve always done so under genuine and collaborative circumstances.

The Pressure to Perform

The few times I’ve attended traditional networking events, I’ve found myself hiding near the food table, sipping wine and pretending to be occupied. It’s not that I dislike networking; I just despise the anxiety it brings. I love working with smart, caring bosses and building strong teams. However, the pressure to perform as an “industry professional” can be overwhelming.

The Myth of Networking

Recently, I saw a recruiter claim that applying through job postings isn’t as effective as networking with people from the company. This statement sparked a wave of anxiety and self-doubt. Had my aversion to networking ultimately held me back? Were my colleagues secretly judging me? Would I ever land a job again?

Seeking Insight

To gain a better understanding of the role of networking in career advancement, I turned to Kyra Willans, an executive recruiter and job coach. According to Kyra, “Networking is important, but it’s not the only factor. You need to diversify your efforts and invest in figuring out what you can bring to companies.”

Marketing Yourself

Kyra emphasizes the importance of identifying your unique value add and marketing yourself effectively. “Just like any corporation or product, you need to figure out what sets you apart and how you solve problems for companies.” This means investing in your LinkedIn profile, resume, and other marketing materials.

Authentic Networking

So, how do you network without it feeling forced? Kyra suggests finding communities based on your field of interest and engaging with like-minded individuals. Research the backgrounds of people who are doing what you want to do and use that as a roadmap to get to where you want to go.

Building Real Connections

When reaching out to people, make sure you’re connecting with them on a personal level. Take the time to build a real, human connection. And, most importantly, don’t come from a place of “Hi, I want/need a job, please help me.” This type of messaging is ineffective and likely to be ignored.

Applying Without an “In”

What if you don’t know anyone at the company? Should you still apply? Absolutely! Recruiters do look through applications, and if you’re qualified, they’ll take notice. Worst case, they don’t see your message or don’t reply. Best case, they notice someone who might have gotten lost in the application pool.

My Personal Experience

I’ve had my own share of successful networking experiences, but they’ve never felt calculated or formulaic. I’ve reached out to people simply because I admired their work or wanted to learn from them. And, in some cases, these connections have led to new opportunities.

The Takeaway

In conclusion, while networking can be an important part of career advancement, it’s not the only factor. Focus on building authentic connections, marketing yourself effectively, and applying to job postings that align with your skills and interests. Your talent, hard work, and skillset speak louder than you think.