Use your network in uncertain times

The power of a network: is it who you know or what you know?

In the context of the current economic climate can you really rely on skills and expertise alone to secure your next career move? Mark Mehler from CareerXroads would say not. He points out that a referred candidate has a 35 to 1 chance of getting hired, as compared to 500 to 1 for the typical applicant.

If this is indeed true then how best to network and build your brand? And what might a network be useful for beyond “the next step”. As FreshMinds Talent looks to set up a formal, executive network that will introduce the array of senior high-fliers we have accumulated over the last eight years, we have been asking these questions again and again. It would seem the importance of a professional network only increases as you climb the career ladder.

Rather than the quantity approach adopted by Linked-In (with its multi-million users), emphasis within that network should really be on quality and diversity, which when combined can only serve to extend your sphere of influence. Alongside broadly enriching discussions on the arts or politics, the seasoned networker values the business related discussions, exposure to cross-sector ideas, and general tips for professional career development. These can all be gleaned through a network of contacts, as well as the direct links to the next career move that might materialize.

We have also been discussing the mechanics of networking – and asking whether Web 2.0 will ever take over completely. To be frank, I think it is unlikely. The general consensus would seem to be that as technology drives our communication world further and further ahead, what it is actually doing is creating an information overload. The value of face to face interactions has never been more important.

Which is all very well, but how do you then engage and derive the most from networking in the little time you have available outside the day to day? And what does the end goal really look like? We’ve been asking ourselves this question a fair bit recently, because we believe that with the quality of our contacts we could create something really special. It’s just a case of working out how we maximize the value for everyone involved. Answers on a postcard please…

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About the author

Phillippa joined the recruitment team at FreshMinds in 2003 having spent four years at a niche management consultancy recruitment firm. She is particularly well known for her ability to help senior candidates change career direction, and when she’s not working she admits that football takes up a disproportionate amount of her time.