How important is networking in your career? Are you good at it? What advice would you give

[MsSociallyAwkward]

I have moved to a different country and making plans to go back to work in the new year. As I know nobody here professionally speaking, I want to put myself out there and try to get to know people so have started to go to events.

I am hideously awkward! And don't know what to talk about - I've had time out of the workplace, and feel a bit silly and irrelevant, too junior for my age at this point. Need to improve though because it's going to be the most likely route to a job.

Are you good at networking and how big a part does it play in your career? What advice can you give to a socially inept person like me?

thanks in advance for any insight or words of wisdom!

Hi OP, you'll probably get more (and better!) advice if you post on a more relevant forum - AIBU isn't really the best place for this. Good luck!

Thanks, but the work forum seems dead though and was hoping to get a range of opinions - including those who don't look at the work forum.

Who you know seems to be such an important part of getting a job in all fields.

OP, I didn’t want to read and run.

Firstly can I ask how old you are? I’m still fairly junior in my career but approaching late 20s and have felt the same; it doesn’t come naturally to me either and I really do have to fake it.

My professional is male dominated and I have had comments saying I don’t attend enough drinks etc events. I would say try and at least show your face at these. Sounds trite but ask questions - people love talking about themselves!

Hi Op

Networking is crucial in the work I do and I think I'm probably quite good at it. Tips from me would be know your subject , be confident even when you're not . Research the people you're networking with and know their field too and how you can work together if that's what I required.

Firstly, getting LinkedIn and join a few groups and follow companies in your new area which are inline with your profession - getting engaging with what they share (it’s also great for job boards and has a new training platform).

Secondly are you a parent? Even if you are not a parent join the local area Parenting Facebook Group as they often do specific back to work events.

Go to things, ask companies you would like to work for whether you can shadow one of their employees for the day and also go to careers events. It may be worth contacting the local university.

And definitely, definitely, definitely find a good mentor. Good luck!

Ps. I’m also socially inept. I took a friend with me to my career networking events so I didn’t have to stand there like a tool on my own. I now know enough people there to go myself but I still end up standing like a tool a bit.

Thanks everybody for your thoughts!

I'm mid thirties, so in an ideal world would have progressed more by now. But as I mentioned, I've had some time away from work and I think that's affecting my confidence quite a lot, I feel a bit embarrassed at not having more under my belt.

Also, it's a little worrying that some of my bigger projects (which I did well on) were several years ago now, so I keep thinking that isn't recent enough. Am I still relevant enough, etc.

Researching more of the people beforehand is a good idea. And easily done with Linkedin. That should help with coming up with intelligent questions to make conversation.

I don't have any friends here yet (how sad!) but can bring my partner to some - that's another great idea. I'd definitely love a mentor too but that would probably be more doable down the line, after I've got to know a few people.