Networking

Networking

Professional networking is about making contacts and building relationships that can lead to jobs or other work-related opportunities. An effective network enables you to get information, advice and support and can also help you find leads and referrals. It is an essential component of any successful job search, but it requires careful planning.

There are plenty of opportunities to meet and network with professionals or other students and graduates interested in your chosen field.

Student Societies - there are lots of societies listed on the Student Union website many of them will run social and networking events

Careers & Enterprise Fairs and Events - we run employer events where you can find out more from people who currently work in the profession

LinkedIn - provides a platform for you to connect with people in the types of organisations you want to work for. Connect with people you meet at networking events, or send a connection request to people that may be able to help you in your job searching.

Join the Salford alumni group on LinkedIn to see what past graduates from your area of study have gone on to do.

Why students should be using LinkedIn a career tool (blog) - a student perspective.

Creative Job Searching

Aim to uncover the jobs that never get advertised by using creative job searching. Some companies recruit internally, from contacts or are happy to recruit from speculative approaches.

Creative job search involves networking effectively - gathering information, discussing ideas and raising your profile within a professional setting. By doing this you may make useful contacts and find out about opportunities that have not been advertised.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional social networking site that offers a great opportunity to join work-related groups and read or contribute to discussion threads to help you improve your knowledge of a topic.

Linkedin for Students provides some useful information and tutorials to help you whilst a student and beyond into the world of work. Our guide Getting Started with LinkedIn will help you to create a profile.

Social Media

Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, offer opportunities to link with potential employers or people you would like to work for. Although it is in a less professional forum than LinkedIn, it can offer a good way to keep up to date with an organisation's operations, events and recruitment.

Employers do look at candidates' social media profiles and it is often possible to find information about you that you would rather they didn't know. Ensure you manage your digital identity effectively – you can attend one of our Personal Branding Masterclasses to find out more.

Top Tips

1. Create a LinkedIn profile - connect with those doing roles similar to your career goals. Strike up conversations to find out how they got into the role and more about the company they work for.
2. Follow employers on Twitter to keep up to date with their news and recruitment drives.
3. Attend Careers Fairs and Employer Talks internally and externally - check the guest list, prepare questions to ask, have a CV ready to share your details, and pick up contacts. Look out for careers events happening here at Salford.
4. Think about your existing network - friends, family, colleagues, friends of friends – opportunities can be close to home or start through general conversations.
5. Consider speculative approaches - through researching companies of interest and submitting a CV and tailored cover letter. Ring ahead first to ty to gain a name to address your letter to.
6. Think about other opportunities like volunteering, work placements or work shadowing opportunities and network from within.
7. Use extra-curricular activities and social groups to boost your networking. You never know who may just have useful contacts.