Are you a recent graduate looking for career opportunities? Professional networking could be the answer. Networking is a fantastic opportunity for recent graduates to build a community of professionals in their chosen sector. Learning how to network is a key skill that all graduates will need to master in their professional careers. In particular, online networking tips give graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
The global pandemic has affected our lives in almost every way imaginable. This includes how we network. Many face-to-face networking events have moved online thanks to restrictions and a massive soar in remote working.
The good news is that there are still plenty of online networking opportunities out there for graduates. Professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn and dedicated job seekers websites allow students to still harness the power of networking. Albeit in a new format.
In this article, you’ll learn 4 of the best graduate networking tips to help you learn how to network online.
4 Online Networking Tips for Graduates
Finding a career as a recent graduate can be daunting. The market is competitive and many employers want years of experience for entry-level jobs. Getting your foot in the door may seem impossible, but it’s not. The first step toward success is to gain visibility.
In fact, in some ways, you have an advantage. Online networking events are a relatively new concept. So, you are able to leverage this to your advantage and learn how to ace them quickly. Here are our top virtual networking tips for students.
1. Build a presence on professional networking sites
The first step is to build an online presence. To start building your personal brand, firstly ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and complete. Use this checklist to help you.
- Add a professional photo and a cover photo
- Come up with an impactful headline that showcases the key information about you
- Add relevant industry-related keywords to improve the searchability of your profile
- Customise your LinkedIn URL so you are easier to find
- Complete your work experience and education history
LinkedIn isn’t the only way to get noticed online. Start to engage with like-minded professionals online. Join networking or career groups on other social media platforms to connect with professionals in your chosen industry. This is a great way to connect, hear about potential job opportunities, and stay on top of industry news and trends.
If you are pursuing a career in a creative field, consider creating an online graduate portfolio. You can share it in the bio of your social platforms or even build your own website to highlight your skills.
2. Revamp your social media
It’s become a common practice for employers to search for candidates’ social media. Before you begin networking online or indeed applying for jobs, make sure your social media accounts are fit for potential employers’ eyes.
Start by deleting any embarrassing or NSFW work posts. That’s not to say you have to delete everything. But, we recommend adding any unprofessional photos to a private album and being mindful of what you are posting and engaging with online. Your social media should reflect your personal brand.
3. Keep your ear to the ground
Practice makes perfect. So, keep an eye out for relevant webinars and virtual networking events that suit your career goal. Following the tips laid out in this guide, these events could just turn into your dream opportunity. Even if you don’t find a job right away, you are demonstrating to potential employers that you’re a committed and proactive graduate jobseeker. These are highly sought-after qualities.
4. Make the first move
A large part of professional development is developing a thick skin. Hearing ‘no’ is normal. The sooner you get used to it, the better for your career. That’s why it’s good to put yourself out there as soon as you’re ready.
Once you have followed the steps above and ensured you are network-ready, start connecting. Our advice is to start by connecting with your peers. This will build up your network. Reach out to university professors too and take a look at professionals and the pages they follow. This will give you some online networking inspiration.
The next step is to follow companies and industry-specific pages. Once you have identified a few companies that really interest you, search for professionals within that company. For instance, people in the role you would like to someday obtain, HR professionals, or even other entry-level employees. Slowly build a relationship with them and express your interest in the company or industry.
You may not have any success right away, but you have built a network of professionals in your industry. This could pay off down the line.
We hope you found these online networking tips for graduates useful. Putting yourself out there and getting to know the landscape is the biggest way to land yourself the career of your dreams.
Final Thoughts
Looking for your next opportunity? Be sure to also check out our dedicated Student and Graduate Jobs Board for fantastic opportunities in your area.
Our website has a wealth of useful resources for graduate jobseekers, including CV writing tips and advice on writing an impactful cover letter. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact us or sign up for the free Developing a Student email newsletter with the form below.
