Net­work­ing 101: How to Net­work Successfully

Networking is an essential part of today’s professional world. Whether it is about new career opportunities, professional exchange, or exciting business possibilities – a strong network can open doors that would otherwise remain closed. Active networking is particularly crucial for contractors and temporary employees: through personal recommendations and targeted exchanges, they learn about new projects and improve their job prospects. As recruiters, we also place great importance on building and maintaining a broad and valuable network.

A recent LinkedIn survey among our community, consisting of many contractors and temporary employees, shows the preferred networking methods: 

• Conferences & Meetups (45%) 
• Internal Networks & Projects (28%) 
• Online Communities & Social Media (14%) 
• Little to No Networking (14%) 

The results are clear: direct, personal exchange remains irreplaceable. Especially conferences and meetups (45%) are essential for many professionals. At the same time, 28% prefer internal networks and projects, emphasizing the importance of a strong professional environment within a company. 

It is surprising that only 14% use online communities and social media, which suggests that digital networking alone is not sufficient for building meaningful and valuable connections. Another concerning factor is that 14% engage in little to no networking, indicating that some professionals have yet to find the right networking opportunities for themselves. 

Our experiences align with these survey results: personal interactions have the greatest impact. As a recruiting agency, we interact with so many people everyday. Direct, personal interactions benefit from numerous sensorial cues, from scent to physical touch, which foster longer-lasting memories than phone calls or online communication. Those who want to be remembered should make an effort to be physically present at (internal) meetings, practice groups, conferences, and similar events. 

One small example: Aimed at procurement professionals, Coopers organizes the IT Procurement Day, an interactive platform for exchange among peers. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and lasting connections have been established, as evident from the LinkedIn posts and comments about this year’s event. As soon as invitations were sent out, we immediately received numerous registrations – a clear sign that in-person networking is highly valued. PS: Procurement professionals who wish to participate can find all the information and registration details on our homepage. 

Successful networking starts with a clear strategy. 

• Are you looking for new career opportunities? 
• Do you want to expand your knowledge or find new projects? 
• Are you specifically searching for new business contacts? 

Whatever your goal, a strategic approach will help you expand your network effectively. Plan how much time you can invest and which platforms or events best align with your goals. 

1. Be proactive 
Do not wait to be approached – take the initiative! Ask targeted questions, listen actively, and show genuine interest in your conversation partner. 

2. Maintain your contacts 
Stay in touch with former colleagues, mentors, or clients. Many opportunities arise from past connections. Do not hesitate to reach out after a long period of silence with a simple “Hey, how have you been?”. 

3. Quality over quantity 
A large network is useless if there is no real interaction. Focus on a few but valuable connections. Regular communication keeps relationships alive. 

4. Increase your visibility 
Share your knowledge on LinkedIn or in professional groups to showcase your expertise. Attend events, be authentic, and network purposefully within your industry. 

5. Do not forget the follow-up 
After an interesting conversation, follow up promptly – whether via LinkedIn or email. Ask about the progress of a project or check when your contact will be attending another event. 

Do not worry, you are not alone! Many people find it difficult to make the first step . In our blog post 7 Small Talk Tips, we show you how to initiate conversations effectively. 

A simple trick: Start with neutral topics, such as the event venue or catering. Keep in mind: People love to talk about themselves and appreciate being asked for advice. Listen actively, acknowledge what is being said, and follow up on it. If the conversation stalls, politely end it with a simple, “It was great meeting you. See you later!” 

Networking is a decisive career assett – especially for contractors and temporary employees. Our experience and LinkedIn survey results confirm that in-person interactions remain irreplaceable. With a clear strategy, you can expand your professional network sustainably and benefit from it in the long run. 

By the way, with our Refer a Friend referral program, you can also benefit from your network! If someone from your network matches one of our jobs, we reward successful referrals with a bonus.  

Now that we have talked about personal networking, let us put it into action! Arrange a non-binding chat with us in Basel, Bern, or Zurich. We look forward to getting to know you!

Your Coopers Family 

#recruitinghumansnotjustresources 

Photo: Product School via Unsplash