Networking advice that will get you Employed

Shyam Visavadia, a geography and urban & regional planning graduate, completed a postgraduate diploma in surveying and went on to secure a project management role within the built environment industry. As a keen networker, he credits networking for his success in securing multiple internships and a graduate role. He has since founded Graduate Surveyors to support students in making important career decisions. When when we were updating our networking advice at TARGETjobs, Shyam agreed to share the benefit of his experience.

Explaining property networking

What's the point of networking as a job-hunting student/graduate?

It can help you stand out from other candidates: Making a good impression at careers fairs and networking events can lead to employers remembering you and looking out for your application. Shyam told us that ‘communicating interest, presenting himself and sharing his passion’ helped him ‘land multiple internships and eventually a graduate role’.

It can develop skills that graduate property surveyors need: Working well with clients and self-confidence are essential skills for property surveyors, and networking can help to develop these.Your network is there to help: ‘Networking offers you the chance to build mutually beneficial relationships through common interests, share and explore new ideas and validate your career approach with those who can provide support,’ Shyam explains. Contact at an employer may be able to let you know about any job vacancies. In fact, your network can last for life. Even after his job search, Shyam’s network helped him to towards during his APC by telling him about continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities.

I don't have a network! What can I do?

Relax... you already have one: Your network can be anybody that you know who knows somebody connected to the property industry. Make a list of everybody you may be able to contact; this can include relatives, friends, lecturers or university alumni (your careers advice service may be able to put you in touch). Think creatively about who you can contact. Then start by asking them if you could have a chat about the industry. Doing work experience should also definitely be seen as part of networking.

Attend networking meetings: RICS Matrics and RTPI Young Planners are young professional and student networking groups set up by the RICS and RTPI. ‘Join a local group,’ advises Shyam, ‘it’s an opportunity to understand the profession, industry and values expected from you to become a competent professional.’Use social media: Networking online can connect you to people who it would not be possible to meet face to face. Note: you need to be aware of what images of yourself you are presenting online, which forms part of your personal brand.

What do I have to offer property professionals?

Yourself: Property students will naturally have a different perspective on the industry to those working in it. ‘You are networking with those who have already faced the same hurdles in securing a job,’ explains Shyam, and so property professionals will usually be willing to help you find your feet, as this will benefit the property industry in the long run and they may receive a referral fee or gratitude from their organisation for doing so.

Face-to-face networking

What should I prepare before networking?

Plan who to speak to: Shyam tries to see if there’s a guest list for events he attends. ‘This way I can better understand what I want to get out of the event and who I want to meet.’ Have an idea of what you would like to find out from these people, and focus on the quality of the networking, rather than the quantity.

Bring business cards: Handing out business cards gives professionals something to remember you, and your contact details, by. ‘Your business card design and content will differentiate you from being remembered and/or being forgotten – be innovative and think outside of the box,’ Shyam adds.Act the part: Dress professionally, and remember the small things such as smiling and making eye contact. Making a good first impression is very important. ‘If you look good, it evokes confidence and this is what you want when you arrive at a networking event,’ affirms Shyam.

How do I introduce myself to people?

Arrive early: ‘Try to get there early before small circles start forming around the room. This will avoid that awkwardness of joining a circle halfway through,’ advises Shyam.

Keep it simple: ‘During my search for employment, I used to introduce my name followed by a brief outline of who I am,’ recalls Shyam, ‘Don’t go for the hard sell, or ask whether they can offer you a job. Once you have engaged the person’s attention, it is appropriate to give further detail to your professional career and or request for advice.’

What should I talk about?

Property! Shyam reminds us of the comforting fact that ‘before you even enter the room you already have one thing in common – you work or study in the same industry, sector or profession.’ Be yourself and remember to have a good time, and let the conversation flow. Shyam suggests the following questions you can use to start conversations:

1. Where have you travelled from today?
2. What made you join the property industry?
3. What university or college did you attend and what did you study?
4. What does your role entail?
5. What does your company do?
6. Does your company have work experience opportunities available?
7. How much variety is there in your work?
8. Does your role allow you to travel much? If so, where have you travelled?
9. How was/is your search for employment? Do you have any tips?
10. How are you preparing for your APC?
11. How long have you been part of the RICS/RICS Matrics/RTPI/RTPI Young Planners?

What shouldn't I talk about?

Don't be too negative: Although you should be yourself when talking to people, you should still remain professional. Shyam believes you should steer clear of the following topics:

1. Politics and current events (unless discussing the effect on the property industry)
2. Going into too much detail about your personal life
3. Work complaints and issues
4. Complaining about things you may find stupid
5. Talking about inappropriate topics, such as how drunk you are
6. Any religious or cultural views that people may find controversial

What should I do after networking?

Follow up with an email: Networking should be an ongoing relationship rather than a one-off chat, so, after you’ve spoken to a property professional at a networking event, it’s entirely appropriate to move the relationship online. ‘Ideally, you should follow up within 48 hours,’ recommends Shyam, ‘Email is more personable. However, if you don’t have their email address, a message via LinkedIn is also suitable.’

End with an action: Shyam always ends follow-up messages with an action, such as suggesting meeting up to continue discussions or reminding the contact of an agreement, such as putting you in touch with a colleague. Shyam provides the example of writing, ‘“As per our discussion, I would be grateful if you could put me in touch with Laura Davis from Graduate Recruitment”.’ Remember to keep relationships cordial and always say ‘thank you’ after receiving help. You can do this through email or, if appropriate, you could even send them a card or a gift.