12 Tips for Companies Looking to Hire Employees in 2023

October 9, 2023

Owing to a number of factors, many companies are struggling to hire new talent using conventional recruitment strategies. The Great Resignation phenomenon, whereby employees are leaving their jobs at an alarming rate, is one of the principal reasons. In addition, the low unemployment rate of 3.9% means workers can be more careful about choosing an employer.

According to the Bureau of Labor, the United States is short by over 11 million workers to fill vacant positions. And it’s not just about filling positions but also finding talented people who can grow and contribute to the company in meaningful ways.

Hiring managers need to understand these new trends to recruit the best talent possible, even if there aren’t as many candidates available.

What are the top 5 trends at the workplace in 2023?

Many factors will affect the future of work, including new technologies and social trends. As a result, various trends could shape hiring strategies in 2023. Below are five of the most significant trends recruiters should consider when looking to hire.

1) Wages will become more competitive

The economy is picking up, and unemployment rates are falling. As a result, companies will have to compete for the top talent by offering higher wages, better benefits, and more perks.

According to a recent survey by Deloitte, purpose-driven firms grow three times faster than their competitors. Employees want to work for companies with meaningful core values and clear organizational goals. By utilizing this strategy, employers can increase staff retention by 40%.

2) The focus will be on mental health and well-being

As more people come forward with mental health issues, employers will realize that they need to do more to support employees struggling with disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Some employers have started investing in programs that promote wellness among employees, not just physical wellness but also emotional wellness. These programs include meditation classes and mindfulness training.

3) The rise of AI and automation will change the nature of jobs

The rise of AI and automation means that companies will rely on technology more than ever before. People will need to take advantage of these technologies to focus on other tasks or projects instead of doing them manually.

AI-assisted collaboration will become even more prevalent in 2023 with advances in natural language processing (NLP) systems that enable us to communicate more effectively with our colleagues through tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and others.

4) Employees will expect more flexible work environments regarding location and hours worked

The growth of remote work means that employers need to create an environment where employees can work from anywhere instead of solely in the office every day.

Video conferencing will be a necessity for many companies as it becomes even easier to connect with colleagues worldwide from any location. . This trend will be enabled by faster networks, better quality video and audio, and improved security measures that encourage online collaboration through video conferencing applications such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts Meet (formerly Google+ Hangouts On Air).

5) Workplaces will become more diverse and inclusive

In 2022, workplaces will be more diverse and inclusive than today. Zora Aly identified more men working at “female” positions 6 years ago. You will see more men in nontraditional roles, like nursing and teaching. Women continue to rise in business and politics rapidly.

Companies will need to have diverse teams to keep up with the changing workforce needs. Inclusive workplaces will become even more critical as millennials make up a 75% of the workforce by 2025, more than ever before and expect employers to provide benefits that meet their needs.

12 recruiting strategies when looking to hire employees

The recruiting process has changed significantly over the past few years, and so have the needs of hiring managers. Candidates are now more discerning about where they want to work and what type of culture they want to join before accepting a new job.

And when candidates do accept an offer, they’re looking for opportunities that align with their values and goals, which can make it harder for companies with no clear identity in terms of corporate culture or mission statement (or lack them altogether).

So if you’re looking to hire new staff, consider the following 12 recruitment strategies.

1) Incentivize referrals

One way to attract top talent is by incentivizing referrals. When employees are rewarded for referring someone who gets hired, it encourages them to spread the word about your company. For example, you can offer a $1,000 bonus to any employee whose referral is successful and remains for a minimum of 90 days.

Employees feel more valued and are more engaged when rewarded for their hard work and loyalty. In addition, if employees believe in your company culture, they will be more willing to refer people who fit that culture.

For this strategy to work, you need to clearly understand your company culture and make sure all employees are aware of it. You also need to ensure that your referral program is structured to align with your organization’s overall recruitment goals and maintain staff engagement.

2) Take a new approach to employee value propositions (EVPs).

Ensure that every open position has a detailed description explaining what the job entails and what skills are required for applicants to succeed. This way, potential candidates understand the expectations if they joined your team, making their decision easier when choosing between companies. t.

Your EVP is the promise you make when hiring someone about what they can expect from working at your company, including compensation, benefits, and growth opportunities. Make the job package clear the moment an applicant submits their resume. Be transparent about compensation and benefits packages before making offers so that candidates know what they’re signing up for. Update your EVP often to keep it fresh and relevant for potential employees.

3) Partner with local colleges and universities

To attract the best people who may not have considered you before or are interested in making a career change, consider joining forces with colleges and universities. These institutions offer great resources for finding talent that might not otherwise be available through traditional channels, such as career fairs and networking events on campus. One way to reach out to students is through your alumni association; another is through local university career centers.

If you’ve got a specific job opening, ask around at local universities. Chances are, someone knows someone suitable for the role. Or even better, maybe an intern would be interested in working for your company part-time or full-time after graduation and would love the experience and to strengthen their resume.

4) Create an onboarding program

An effective way to keep new employees engaged is by starting an onboarding program. Onboarding programs help new hires learn about your company’s culture and processes to get started quickly. They also allow new hires to ask questions about anything they don’t understand.

Hiring new employees can be stressful, so it’s crucial they get off to a good start. First, an onboarding program ensures that your new employees feel comfortable in their roles and know what is expected of them from the outset. Then, integrate new hires into your culture using online learning modules, training videos, and mentorship programs accessible at any time, so they don’t fall behind.

5) Offer flexible work arrangements

If you want to hire top talent, you need to ensure that your company culture aligns with what those employees want from their jobs and lives overall. One way to do this is by offering flexible hours and remote work opportunities so people can balance their personal and professional lives.

Some employees may want to take care of family members or other obligations outside of work hours, so you must allow for this flexibility. It will ensure that everyone can balance their personal lives with their professional duties without feeling overworked or stressed about their responsibilities at home or work.

6) Encourage employees to share their experiences

These days, customers are demanding more transparency from companies than ever before. With so many resources available online for customers to read reviews about businesses, some companies feel pressure from consumers who want to know what it’s like working at their company before applying for jobs there.

You can combat this pressure by encouraging your current employees to write testimonials on sites like Glassdoor or LinkedIn about how much they love working at your company and why they think it’s such a great place to work. These testimonials will help potential applicants feel confident that they’re making an excellent choice to apply with you if they see positive reviews from current employees.

7) Develop a recruiting strategy that includes social media and networking events

Social media sites are great places to post information about available positions at your company. These posts allow anyone who sees the post to apply for the position online or by phone.

You can also develop a recruiting strategy that includes networking events where people in your industry meet for lunch or dinner to network and share important information specific to their industries.

8) Offer competitive benefits packages

When you’re hiring new employees, it’s essential to consider how you will support them when they’re on the job. If you want employees to feel motivated, engaged, and happy at work, you need to offer them a good benefits package.

Employees want more than just a paycheck. They look for excellent health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and other benefits. If you don’t offer these essentials, they may find them elsewhere. A good benefits’ package can help employees feel appreciated and valued by their employer. It also helps them take care of themselves and their families, reducing the number of sick days they may otherwise take.

9) Invest in employee training and development

When hiring people, it’s essential to invest well in their training and development. These programs will help them grow as individuals, but will also ensure they’re equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their jobs.

10) Hire people who fit your culture and values

Culture fit is a vital factor in retaining employees because it affects how they perform on the job and their overall job satisfaction. When hiring someone new, ask yourself what kind of personality you want on your team? What type of work ethic do you expect from your employees? Do you want someone outgoing or quiet? Do you want someone who is a go-getter or more laid back? These questions can help determine whether an applicant will fit your organization.

11) Offer tuition or student debt assistance programs

If you’re looking for ways to help reduce turnover among entry-level employees, consider offering tuition reimbursement or student debt assistance programs. Some companies offer tuition reimbursement programs that reimburse employees for college expenses, including textbooks and fees related to coursework taken online or at traditional schools. By offering such programs, employers can provide employees with financial relief while also helping them achieve their career goals after graduation.

12) Offer employee wellness programs

Another way to attract and retain good employees is to offer benefits packages that incorporate health and fitness. Today, small businesses can offer many benefits that larger corporations cannot. For example, a gym membership or subsidized healthy meals.

You can also provide discounts to your employees on health products and services from local businesses or vendors. Benefits aren’t just about money; they’re about making people feel valued as part of the team. When employees feel valued, they stick around longer and perform better at work with a better state of mind.

Example of How to Create a Hiring Strategy for 2023

As the hiring manager of a company looking to hire staff quickly, I would create a hiring strategy to meet this goal. The first step is to define the strategy.

You can create a strategy using analytics from past jobs to determine which ones had the most applications, then use this data to make better decisions about how many people apply for each job role. For example, you can discover which past posts worked best by looking at average response rates, average time until response, and the average number of applications for each type of job description posted.

How Applicant Tracking Software Can Improve Your Hiring Process

I need to get as many applicants as possible through well-written job descriptions to select those most likely to fit the company’s needs and positively impact the team (and who are also available).

Top 6 Job Ad Examples to attract applicants

The second step is defining how I would go about getting enough applicants. One way is through using GrabJobs’ automated posting feature, which allows recruiters to post jobs on multiple platforms at once with just one click!

How to Post on Multiple Job Boards with One Click

You could use this tool for all your open positions at once or just for certain positions if you want more control over where the openings are posted. In addition, this tool would allow you access to hundreds of thousands of potential candidates in just minutes!

15 Best Employment Portals for Posting Part Time Jobs

This feature saves recruiters time manually entering data into an application portal each time someone applies for a job opening.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive job market, employers need to offer more than just a paycheck to attract top talent. To beat out the competition and land the best staff, employers must be creative and innovative with their hiring strategies.

The future of recruiting will be one of the essential factors in determining the success of your business. The hiring process is never easy, but it is challenging when you are trying to find the best talent in an already competitive environment.

SOURCE https://grabjobs.co/recruitment-platform/tips-for-compaines-looking-hire-employees/?fbclid=IwAR1ZmLHu3Qp7IkTFOwGogGLExkheVbtxgAK810BTTxZoWLgsMjVEJ6METXA

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8 lessons you can learn from business leaders

July 1, 2024

Lessons learned in business introduction Whether you’re a junior member of the team or at management level, a continual learning attitude and understating business lessons is key to career success. If you want to fast-track your progress up the career ladder, it’s important to look to your true business leaders and learn from their actions. Not only will this encourage you to carry yourself like a workplace leader, but it will also highlight differences between good and bad management . This is especially important when one wants to see great success in business. Although businesses fail, being equipped with the write business lessons can avoid risk and increase the likelihood of success. Here are eight key biggest lessons to learn from business leaders. 1. How to motivate people Watching your leaders, or considering past experiences with your manager, can give you great insights into the right things to say and do to motivate colleagues or direct reports. You can learn life lessons they've learned in business and understand how to avoid bad habits in the long run to maximize the success for any company. What’s important to remember is that every person is different with different core values and a sense of their own path – and their motivational drivers can change from week to week, depending on workload levels. While one person might benefit from tough love, others may require a gentler approach. Great leaders take the time to get to know their team members’ personalities and motivators, and how they each react to different communication styles. Motivating people is a key skill for any successful business leader to succeed. One of the life lessons we can learn from business leaders is the importance of creating a strong culture that fosters a sense of purpose, passion, belonging, and accountability. By aligning employees' goals and values with the company's mission, leaders can inspire them to take ownership of their work and strive for excellence. In addition, effective leaders recognize the power of recognition and rewards, which can help to incentivize and motivate employees to achieve their goals. By cultivating a culture of positivity and growth, business leaders can build a motivated and engaged workforce that drives innovation and success. Although there are many life lessons learned in business, another important life lesson we can learn from business leaders is the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone to achieve success. Leaders recognize that complacency can be a major obstacle to growth, and they encourage their teams to take risks and embrace change. By fostering a culture of experimentation and learning, business leaders can help their employees overcome fear of failure and develop resilience. This not only motivates employees to push themselves to new heights, but it also enables the organization to innovate and stay ahead of the competition. Thus, business leaders understand that by creating a culture that encourages stepping outside of one's comfort zone, they can create a motivated and dynamic workforce that is poised for success. 2. How to nail your organisational skills Organisational skills are critical for most roles, and it’s important to learn what works for you from the outset so you can be as productive as possible. Business leaders – often the busiest or having the fullest plate compared to most staff members – will have many techniques about how to remain organised. Not all of these will work for you as we all have different styles of working. But having conversations with your manager and other leaders about how they stay organised – on a day-to-day level and when work gets incredibly busy – can quickly teach you about which approaches you’d like to try out and assess if they helped you stick to schedule. RELATED: What are soft skills? 3. How to have difficult conversations Most people don’t enjoy having difficult conversations at work and find the situation awkward. However, these are unavoidable for managers, and it’s crucial to know how to approach these conversations delicately. Good business leaders take a diplomatic approach to difficult conversations and allow the individual to have their say. Talking through problems rather than dictating a change is more productive and will allow you to build better rapport with your team members. 4. How to say ‘no’ tactfully Business leaders often negotiate with partners, clients, and third-party providers – it comes with the territory. At times, this means having to say ‘no’ to requests. Good leaders know how to approach these situations in a way that doesn’t cause upset or worse, ruin relationships. This is especially significant when your a business owner. For instance, rather than saying, “We can’t do this for you”, they might say, “We will review our current workloads and priorities and come back to you next week with a proposal to move this forward”. When it's your own business saying no and managing expectations are important lessons learned and often come naturally as you progress through your own personal development. RELATED: How a leader can gain better engagement with their team 5. How to embrace change Any workplace-related change can be unnerving, particularly when it’s significant. But the responsibility falls on the leader to guide their team through any changes, whilst boosting productivity and ensuring everyone feels comfortable within their role. A great leader will welcome times of change as an opportunity and provide the groundwork for their team members to be creative, innovative and resilient. These are business lessons learned over time. It's also important to stay up to date with business news, customer insights 6. How to accept criticism Criticism can be difficult to hear, even when it is constructive. Business leaders often receive the most criticism at work because they’re ultimately accountable and responsible for the business performance and the performance of their team. But a great leader knows how to accept feedback, learn from their mistakes, and use the experience to their advantage for a successful outcome next time. 7. How to treat people as individuals Individual differences – and therefore experiences and insights – are what drive businesses forward to develop innovative new idea. The most effective workplace leaders embrace, and are highly considerate of, their employees’ unique personalities and working styles. If you can learn how to do this as a manager, you’ll be rewarded with a team that’s motivated, feel comfortable sharing their input, and is committed to success. 8. How to be empathetic Empathy is grounded in understanding rather than judgement, and it’s a trait shared by some of the most successful business leaders. In fact, studies have shown that empathetic leaders are rewarded with higher-performing teams, better quality work output and more loyal team members. Empathy is ultimately the ability to understand others’ emotions, so as you progress in your career and work with all sorts of people, you’ll need to continually develop this important interpersonal skill just like any other skill you learn and get better at on the job. Applying empathy to employees, as well as customers problems will take you far. Source: https://www.pagepersonnel.com.au/advice/career-and-management/career-progression/8-lessons-you-can-learn-from-business-leaders

How to build a professional network for career development

June 26, 2024

The changing job market requires professionals to be adaptable and continuously learn new skills to stay competitive. Networking can help navigate this dynamic landscape by providing access to job opportunities, industry insights, and mentorship. In this article, we cover: What is networking? How to build a professional network How to expand your network reach The art of effective networking Nurture your network for long-term success Where to find people to network with Grow your career with Airswift What is networking? All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust. - Bob Burg Networking is not just a single action but a process involving multiple elements working together. It's not primarily about making sales ; selling may naturally follow from successful networking efforts. When you network, you're part of a larger team where everyone plays a valuable role. Your network comprises the people you've connected with through work and personal interactions. Building strong relationships is at the core of networking because these connections often lead to valuable referrals. Behind every referral is someone who vouches for your credibility, building trust in your abilities. Professional networking goes beyond collecting business cards; it fosters genuine connections and creates a mutually beneficial ecosystem. A strong network is invaluable for established professionals, offering many benefits beyond job hunting, such as access to industry insights, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities. How to build a professional network Identify your goals Defining your career aspirations and areas of interest is crucial to building a robust professional network. You can tailor your networking strategy to align with your career objectives by identifying your goals. For example, if you're interested in shifting industries or pursuing leadership roles , you can focus on connecting with professionals in those fields. This approach ensures that your networking efforts are focused and effective, helping you build a network that supports your career goals. Leverage existing connections Reconnecting with former colleagues, classmates, and professional acquaintances is an excellent way to expand your network. These individuals already know you and your work, making it easier to establish a connection. Additionally, seeking introductions from senior leaders or mentors within your current company can help you connect with influential individuals in your field. These connections can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement. Informational interviews Informational interviews offer a wealth of industry insights and networking opportunities. Start by contacting professionals in your interest and expressing your desire to learn from their experiences. Prepare thoughtful questions to guide the conversation, listen actively, and express gratitude for their time. Keep in touch with interviewees to maintain connections and share updates on your progress. These interviews are valuable resources for exploring career paths and expanding your professional network. Expanding your network reach Participate in industry events Attending conferences, workshops, and industry gatherings relevant to your field can provide high-quality networking opportunities. These events offer a chance to meet like-minded professionals, learn about the latest industry trends, and establish yourself as a thought leader. Focus on events that provide targeted networking opportunities, such as roundtable discussions, workshops, or networking receptions. This approach ensures that your networking efforts are focused and effective, helping you build a network that supports your career goals. Engage with professional organisations Joining industry associations, alumni networks, or leadership councils can help you increase your visibility and connect with like-minded professionals. Participating in committees or volunteering for leadership roles can further enhance your networking efforts. These opportunities allow you to demonstrate your expertise, build your brand, and establish yourself as a leader in your field. Cultivate an online presence Optimising your LinkedIn profile with relevant keywords and accomplishments can help you establish a professional image and attract potential connections. Sharing thought leadership content and engaging in industry discussions online can also help you build your brand and establish yourself as an expert. Building a solid online presence can help you expand your network reach, connect with like-minded professionals, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Second, participation fosters professional growth by granting access to valuable resources and opportunities. Engaging in online communities like industry forums, Slack groups, and niche social media groups can provide access to a pool of individuals with common interests, facilitating meaningful connections. Thirdly, it allows individuals to showcase their expertise, amplify their brand, and expand their horizons by connecting with diverse people. Additionally, active involvement helps individuals stay current with industry trends, fostering personal growth and career advancement. Lastly, online communities enable building lasting relationships and friendships, enhancing networking experiences. The art of effective networking Make meaningful connections Networking has its rules, mainly centred around being a connector. A connector is someone others turn to for help. Networking isn't about you but the value your connections can offer. Focusing on helping others deepens relationships and creates goodwill. Networking is about who your connections know and the potential value they bring. Keep in mind that different industries have different norms. Observing interactions at events can help tailor your approach. Being too aggressive can deter people, so adapt your tone to suit the industry's nature. Research individuals beforehand and find common ground for conversation. Focus on building genuine relationships and offering value to your connections. By prioritising quality over quantity, you can create a network that supports your career goals and offers long-term benefits. Be a master communicator Honing your elevator pitch to articulate your career goals and expertise succinctly is essential for effective networking. Practice active listening and ask insightful questions to demonstrate a genuine interest in your connections. By being a master communicator, you can establish a solid first impression, build rapport, and establish a connection that supports your career goals . Here are ten questions you could ask that demonstrate genuine interest and curiosity and get a conversation started and going: What got you interested in your line of work? Could you tell me about a moment in your career that stood out? What's the best part of what you do? How do you see our industry changing soon? Have you ever faced a tough challenge at work that you overcame? Any good reads or resources that have inspired your approach to your job? If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting in our field, what would it be? Is anything exciting happening in your projects lately? How do you balance your job and personal life? What networking tips do you swear by for making meaningful connections? Body language is universal Body language is aessential aspect to effective communication during networking events. Positive body language can convey confidence, engagement, and interest. It can also help establish a connection with the other person, making the conversation more enjoyable and productive. On the other hand, negative body language can convey disinterest, discomfort, or lack of confidence. Here are 10 steps to being aware of your body language and consciously displaying positive body language during networking events: Maintain eye contact with the person you're speaking to. This shows attentiveness and confidence. Wear a genuine smile to convey warmth and approachability. It helps in creating a positive atmosphere during conversations. Use non-verbal cues such as nodding to show you're actively listening and engaged. It encourages others to continue sharing. Keep your body language open by avoiding crossing your arms, which can signal defensiveness or disinterest. Minimise fidgeting or restless movements. This conveys nervousness or lack of confidence. Instead, try to maintain a relaxed posture. Subtly mirror the body language of the person you speak to to establish rapport and build a connection. Respect personal space boundaries and avoid standing too close, as it can make others uncomfortable. Use appropriate hand gestures to emphasise points or express enthusiasm, but avoid excessive or distracting movements. Before attending networking events, practice your body language to become more aware of your non-verbal cues. Ask for feedback from trusted individuals on your body language to identify areas for improvement. Approach people Networking can be daunting, but the right approach is a valuable tool for building meaningful connections and advancing professionally. Here are actionable steps to help overcome fears, focus on helping others, and cultivate authentic interactions, ensuring that each conversation is a mutually beneficial exchange: Acknowledge any fear of talking to new people, but don't let it control you. Remember that each conversation is an opportunity to help someone in ways they may not even realise they need. Approach conversations with courage, focusing on how you can assist the other person rather than your fears or desires. Avoid desperation by genuinely focusing on the needs of others. This will shift the conversation away from what you can gain and how you can contribute. Engage fully in conversations by actively listening, nodding, agreeing, commenting, and asking thoughtful questions. This demonstrates your interest and investment in the interaction. Do not dominate conversations with stories about yourself. Instead, maintain a balanced dialogue in which both parties have an opportunity to contribute. Be genuine and authentic in all interactions. Authenticity fosters trust and attracts others to you, leading to meaningful connections. Maintain consistency in your behaviour and interactions. People appreciate knowing what to expect from you, which builds trust and reliability over time. Tell your story Storytelling is a powerful tool in networking. It can help create a personal connection with others, establish credibility, and make a memorable impression. Individuals can showcase their skills, values, and achievements by crafting compelling narratives about their career journey. Here are some actionable steps towards great storytelling with networking in mind: Tailor your story to resonate with your audience's interests, values, and needs. Share genuine experiences and emotions to establish credibility and build trust. Focus on the key aspects of your career journey, highlighting relevant skills, values, and achievements. Use vivid details and compelling anecdotes to make your story memorable and engaging. Rehearse your story to ensure clarity, coherence, and confidence in delivery. After sharing your story, follow up with a clear purpose, whether seeking further discussion, collaboration, or referrals. The power of follow-up A study by LinkedIn found that connecting on LinkedIn and sending personalised follow-up emails within 24-48 hours can help you maintain the momentum of your initial connection. Briefly recap your conversation and offer to connect them with relevant resources. Following up after a networking event is essential for building long-term relationships and establishing yourself as a valuable connection. Nurturing your network for long-term success Become a resource Offer your expertise and knowledge to support your network members. Recommend them for opportunities or make relevant introductions. By becoming a resource for your connections, you can build long-term relationships, establish trust, and establish yourself as a valuable connection. Maintain regular engagement Stay connected by sharing industry updates and congratulating them on their achievements. Schedule periodic coffee chats or virtual meetings to maintain relationships and demonstrate your commitment to building a solid network. By maintaining regular engagement, you can build long-term relationships, establish trust, and establish yourself as a valuable connection. Reciprocity is key Networking is a two-way street. Be genuinely helpful and supportive to build trust and long-term connections. By practising reciprocity, you can establish a mutually beneficial relationship that supports your career goals and offers long-term benefits. Competition can be healthy When faced with competition in a networking setting, consider this scenario: You're one of several fishbowl salespeople at an event with 1000 attendees. Being yourself naturally attracts those with whom you share a connection or interest. It's essential to recognise that there's enough opportunity for everyone present. Rather than pursuing every potential lead, focus on those who resonate with you. Look for individuals who could become long-term partners, providing ongoing business beyond just one transaction. Ask yourself: Do I genuinely enjoy this person's company? Could we see ourselves collaborating for years to come? Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. For sustained success, prioritise building relationships based on mutual trust and compatibility. Where to find people to network with Finding people to network with is simpler than you might think – they're everywhere! Here’s how: Begin engaging with those closest to you, such as friends and family. Practice delivering a concise elevator pitch highlighting your interests without dominating the conversation. Instead, focus on learning about others by asking genuine questions and showing interest in their experiences. Use everyday situations, like waiting in line at the bank or chatting with fellow gym-goers, to practice your networking skills. Consider joining community associations, Chambers of Commerce, or trade organisations and attend trade shows to connect with like-minded individuals. Remember to be approachable, friendly, and genuinely interested in others beyond what they can offer you. As you engage with more people, networking becomes more natural and enjoyable. Three questions to ask every person to guarantee a follow-up meeting post-networking Towards the end of a conversation, once you have all the information you can get about someone, ask the following questions: Are you looking for new clients/prospects at this time? What sets you apart from your competition? What does your ideal client look like? If this is the case, let them know you have some people who could use their services or need their help. Ask if they might be interested in getting their details. If it’s a yes, arrange a meeting time and follow through on your promise to help. When you show up for your meeting, pass on that referral or the name of a great contact to them. Doing so creates trust and a relationship, proving that you can and will help when you can. This makes them want to do the same for the other person, and you are now truly part of their network. Grow your career with Airswift 85% of all jobs are filled through networking , highlighting its importance in landing jobs. A strategic professional network is crucial for career advancement, providing access to opportunities, mentorship, and industry insights. However, building and maintaining a solid network can be challenging, with time management and introversion being common obstacles. To overcome these challenges, prioritise networking activities that align with your career goals, leverage existing connections, and allocate time for networking activities. Whether you're looking to advance your career, explore new opportunities, or stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, Airswift has the expertise and resources to help you succeed. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your professional growth. Source: https://www.airswift.com/blog/professional-networking