What is Networking?

"It's not what you know, but who you know that counts." This is probably an overstatement, but it helps when you’re job hunting to have some contacts in the industry or organisation you're interested in.

Networking is all about developing these contacts, usually through informal situations. For example, you may be interested in doing a hairdressing apprenticeship, and you have a friend whose mum owns a salon. This is a great networking opportunity. Tell your friend's mum of your plans and ask if she knows of any openings. Chances are, as a salon owner, she might know of opportunities for you to break into the business. You could give her a copy of your résumé and ask her to keep you in mind for future openings at the salon, or with other hairdressers from within her network.

Networking is something to think about throughout your working life. It helps to have business contacts when considering a move to another organisation, or even moving to another industry. It's about keeping an open mind—you never know when someone you meet could be a handy career contact.