Networking to Keep Your Job

Networking can help you increase your visibility up, down, and across your current organization. Networking can help you...

1.     Be seen as an integral part of the company.

2.     Become known as a subject matter expert.

3.     Expand your network.

     4.  Keep your network alive. 

While some may reserve networking for times when they’re in a job search, others are continually working to build and maintain their network for career insurance- to keep their current job. How about you?  

Networking can happen right at work! Network with those above you, below you, and those at your same level and with individuals from other departments and other divisions. Keep your network appraised of your accomplishments. Did you just

finish a big project? Let your boss and your boss’s boss know about it. Let’s say

you meet your boss’s boss in the elevator and she or he says, “Hi, how are you doing?” Rather than simply saying “fine” say, “I’m doing great, now that I just finished the Acme project two weeks ahead of schedule and under budget.” Toot your own horn! If you don’t, who will? It’s important for others to see you as an integral part of the company; someone who goes and above and beyond their job duties. Remember, your co-workers may have a family member or friend that is looking for a new job or a connection. Imagine there impression of you, when you can demonstrate that you can help them, even if it’s only an introduction or a tip. 

Are you particularly knowledgeable about a certain area of your field? If so, make sure others at your company know that. If you’re not a subject matter expert, what can you do to become one? Do you need an advanced degree or a certification or maybe take a class? Once you’ve taken the steps to becoming a subject matter expert, let others at work know what you’re working toward. 

Set up coffee or lunch dates with your peers and other colleagues. Later you will learn more tips for expanding your network and keeping it alive. 

If you’re not already a member, join LinkedIn. Monitor activities of your network and when you see they’ve posted an update, ping them or call them. It can be as simple as “Congratulations on the new promotion or new LinkedIn recommendation.”  

If you were to lose your job today, who are the ten people you would reach out to for advice on your job search? Don’t wait until you are laid off to reach out to them. Contact them today! Set up a coffee or lunch date.

 

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