The art of writing the perfect recruitment ad

December 11, 2023

As a recruiter, or at least as someone who has spent a lot of time sleuthing around job boards, you’ve likely seen – and probably even written – a lot of recruitment ads. If you spend some time looking at enough job ads, you’ll likely begin to notice a very formulaic and recycled style that many recruiters stick to.

They will typically list the job requirements, what experience and education the applicant needs, and finish it up with a nice, un-welcoming call to action or overly intimidating “next steps” section. Many job postings read like a boring old job description – no personality, and no real appeal to the applicant’s desires.

That’s because many recruiters simply do not understand that job postings are all about marketing. You’re selling your company and your vacant position to the millions of people searching for jobs every day. That means that you need to approach your job ad like you would for any marketing piece. It should be creative, engaging, personal, and laser-focused on the needs and desires of your target audience: candidates.

Before we get into how to write the perfect recruitment ad, I have a bit of a confession to make. There’s no such thing as the perfect job ad. Not in the sense that you can create an incredibly convincing ad and then just keep replicating that formula over and over again. Instead, creating the perfect recruitment advert is all about figuring out what is right for each specific job you’re advertising and the people you’re targeting it to, and crafting a killer job posting that no one will be able to resist.

With that in mind, let’s get started.

Recruitment ad best practices

Before we get into specific best practices for writing a recruitment ad, it’s important to note a few overall goals you should be striving for when writing your job post. Generally speaking, your job ad should accomplish the following:

Make a great first impression for readers
Stand out from the crowd
Increase the likelihood that the applicant will hit the “Apply Now” button
Be engaging and easy to read
Offer enough information that the reader can pre-screen themselves
Be friendly, yet professional
Be easily skimmable and readable on mobile

Keep each of these points in mind when you’re crafting the language for your next recruitment advertisement.

And now for some best practices!

1. Know your target audience (your candidates)

Apologies if I sound like a broken record here, but by far the most important step in writing a recruitment ad is getting to know your target candidate. That means before you put pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard), you should be talking with your colleagues. This will help you determine what your ideal candidate looks like, who they are, what they want, where they hang out and what you can say to them to make them want to work for you.

In marketing, this would start with creating a persona, or an imaginary, ideal candidate that you’re pitching your job opening to. Let’s call him Doug.

Do some research into who Doug is and what he wants. Is Doug looking for a hip and cool place to work? Play up your modern, downtown office. Does Doug value a close-knit team atmosphere? Tell him about your company culture and the team he’d be working for. Is Doug young and just starting out? Let him know about your great benefits package, retirement savings plans, and growth potential.

The more you know about Doug, the better equipped you will be to write a recruitment ad that he’ll want to see. And if Doug is happy and wants to join your company, then you’ve just landed yourself the ideal candidate!

2. Don’t forget about search engine optimization

Despite the fact that most job searchers almost exclusively use the web to search for their next opportunity, many people forget to write their recruitment ads so that they’re found by search engines. Getting your job ad found by people searching for the position you’re promoting is only half the battle, but it’s also the very first step in the recruitment process. If Doug can’t find your ad because it’s not optimized for search, then you’re not getting to the second half of the battle.

So, it’s important for recruiters to do a bit of research into what keywords are typically associated with their vacant position. Find out what job searchers are typing into search engines to find similar postings to yours, and include those keywords into your recruitment advert. This will make you easier to find, and also forces you to use language that your candidates already know.

3. Nail your company description

Now that we’ve gotten the general best practices out of the way, let’s get into some specifics.

The first thing that job seekers should see when they open your recruitment ad is a compelling paragraph about your company. This is your first impression, and you should make sure that it’s a great one. Don’t just copy and paste your boilerplate company description into this section either. If you can find the exact same company description in a bunch of other places across the web, then it’s not personal enough to earn the top spot in your perfect recruitment ad.

Instead, take your company description and make a connection between the organization, the job, and the candidate. Talk about your company mission and values, and tell readers how the position fits into that vision. Job seekers want to be inspired by what you’re doing and they want to know how they will fit in.

Let’s look at an example.

Unlike recruiting agencies, we don’t sell people.We offer growing businesses an entirely new option they’ve never seen before – without expensive, salary-based placement fees. Instead, we help them market themselves as a great place to work to attract, engage, and hire the right people. We provide everything they need to consistently hire great people quickly and cost-effectively – including a complete and advanced virtual hiring team, recruitment technology, paid advertising, coaching, training, and all of the hires they need – all for a flat monthly fee.What’s in it for me?By joining us, you’ll get to be part of a disruptive new category at the ground level and help growing organizations scale their teams and truly establish their organizational culture.

Talent Acquisition Specialist @ Pivot + Edge

This company description clearly outlines the values, goals, and vision of the organization. Readers get a clear insight into the company’s overall goal, and how they intend to get there. And, even better, the applicant knows exactly how they will fit into that vision of the future.

Relevant: How to draft an equal opportunity employer statement for your recruitment ad

4. Get people excited about the job overview

After you’ve wooed your prospective candidate with your company description, you can now start pitching your job opening. This is a more high-level summary of the core characteristics of the job. More specific job responsibilities come further down in the recruitment advert.

Distill the job down to about 4-5 core attributes that describe what the candidate will be doing, who they’ll be doing it with, and what the impact will be. That last point is particularly important. Most people want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. By pitching the benefits of your vacant job – both to the candidate and to others – and tying it back to your company vision, candidates will feel a deeper connection to what you’re advertising.

Be sure that you write this section in an engaging, snappy, and compelling way, while also conveying the most pertinent information. Using subheads and bullet points is a great way to make this section accessible and fun to read for your candidate.

Here’s a simple example.

Shopify Plus is making enterprise commerce simple. We give high-growth, high-volume merchants the scalability, reliability and flexibility they need. Shopify Plus is helping power commerce for companies like Tesla, RedBull, GE, L’Oreal, Victoria Beckham, UPS and many more. We believe large merchants should love their commerce platform and we work hard each day to make that happen. We are in hyper-growth mode, and this is where you come in.As an Offline Marketer, you will be responsible for owning and executing small- and large-scale events globally for Shopify Plus. You will either be leading or supporting various offline marketing initiatives from owned events to industry trade shows. You will be working cross-functionally within the Plus team and Shopify’s core team to lead the strategy of fully-integrated offline marketing campaigns.

Offline Marketing Manager @ Shopify

I’ve included the company description into this example as well to demonstrate how the recruitment ad flows from a high-level description of the mission and direction of the team and then jumps right into where the applicant fits in. The candidate knows what the goal is and what will be expected of them if they hit “Apply Now”.

5. Describe the compensation and perks package

By now, Doug should be feeling pretty jazzed about your company and how he fits into the team. Next up comes the good stuff – money, benefits, and perks. You don’t have to get too fancy with how you present the salary (if you even do), but the benefits and perks section is where you can really take advantage of how well you know Doug and his lifestyle.

Rather than just writing a laundry list of benefits and perks that your company offers, make a list of the top 10 and explain how they will improve Doug’s day-to-day life. Have a really cool, downtown office? Talk about how great it is to walk into a gorgeous office in the heart of the action. Do you offer free parking or transit? Tell Doug how much he can save each month on transportation cost.

Take some time to find out what Doug wants, and what you can offer him, and really drive home the fact that your company will help make his life more enjoyable, on top of paying the bills.

6. Get the job requirements section over with

Next up in your job ad is the boring old job requirements section. Hey, it can’t all be leg-twitchingly exciting.

The job requirements section contains critical information that your candidates will read in order to pre-screen themselves for the position. This is where you list things like required experience, education, skills, characteristics, language and location requirements, and so on. Essentially, this is the part of the recruitment ad that will start to weed out the underqualified candidates. When well written, a good job ad will leave you with a smaller pool of high potential candidates.

Because this is essentially just a list of requirements, keep this section short and concise. List your core requirements in bullet points, and only include what a candidate absolutely must have to be successful at the job.

Many organizations are beginning to move away from this type of rigid job requirements section because it can have the unwanted side effect of deterring candidates from applying, even if they may be suited for the job. Use your discretion as to how you want to approach this part of your recruitment ad. Having a strong handle on what your team needs and who they’re looking for will help guide what information to include or exclude.

Here’s an example of a standard job requirements section.

‍Web Designer / Developer @ Klipfolio

‍Preferred skills and experience:

Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Proficiency with design & prototyping tools (Sketch, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc)
Exceptionally strong aesthetic sensibility.
Experience designing for multiple contexts such as mobile, desktop, tablet and TV.
Self-motivated and detail-oriented.
Solid communication skills and the ability to articulate the rationale for design decisions.
Awareness of the latest trends and technologies used in the world of web design and development

7. Round it out with a full list of job responsibilities

At this stage, Doug will have learned about your company, been enticed by your elevator pitch for the job role and pre-screened himself in the job requirements section. If he’s still feeling good about his prospects for landing this job, then Doug will likely want to know a bit more about the job.

The final major section of your recruitment advertisement expands on your elevator pitch to describe in greater detail what a successful candidate will be responsible for should they be hired. Use active language in this section to get Doug excited about what’s he’s going to be doing. A great way to do this is to start each bullet point with a verb.

For example: “Driving revenue growth through cost-effective marketing campaigns.” List out each of the major job responsibilities that Doug can expect to take on, and write them in a way that makes him excited to get started.

Here’s an example from the job posting at Klipfolio. Note how the writer keeps this section short and sweet, while still presenting a lot information and responsibilities.

‍Web Designer / Developer @ Klipfolio

‍Responsibilities:

Create – from concept through iteration to production – beautiful and engaging web experiences with strong graphic and motion components that reflect and positively extend the Klipfolio brand to the web site
Responsible for the look and feel, layout, visual appearance and the execution of entire design for the Klipfolio website
Work with the marketing team in coming up with creative designs and developing landing pages for various campaigns
Present designs and collect feedback from peers and executive level stakeholders
Run A/B test and conversion rate optimization throughout the website

8. Explain the next steps

Once you’ve presented a holistic overview of your company and the job, the final step in your recruitment ad is to explain the process. Tell Doug what he can expect to happen after he hits “Apply Now”. Will he be getting a call or an email shortly? How long will that take? What is the interview process like? When can he expect to start if he’s selected?

Be as detailed as possible in this section. This will give your candidates the ability to plan their schedules accordingly. This way they can be fully involved in your hiring process. But, if you’re going to give them an overview of what to expect, be sure to follow through with it. The last thing you want to do is break a promise to a high potential candidate.

Always remember, there is a lot of personal weight and emotion behind hitting that “Apply Now” button. Candidates should be treated with the same respect your treat any co-worker. That means clear communication, flexibility to their schedules, and following up on what you promise.

To give you an example of a great “next steps” section, let’s go back to our friends at Pivot + Edge.

What can I expect when I hit ‘Apply’?We’ll ask you to provide your details and answer a few quick qualifying questions, and then submit a short video introducing yourself. If you’re curious why we require a video, it’s because part of the job is coaching our customers to do the same, and if you’re not comfortable with video, you’re likely not a fit for our team. We’ll be collecting applications until Thursday, January 24, and we will be in contact with you around that time to discuss next steps. We appreciate the interest of all applicants and we want you to know that we will be in touch no matter what. What does the interview process involve?Once we’ve reviewed your application and scheduled a time to chat, the first step is a conversation with Jess Martin. After you go through the initial small talk that conversations between strangers inevitably start with, she’ll let you know that she’d like you to drive the conversation. To be successful in the people business, you have to be able to engage others in conversation, ask great questions, actively listen, and ask more questions. That’s exactly what she’ll be looking for in you. Assuming you demonstrate a strong ability to discover, control and close, she’ll arrange a time to meet up and see if we are the right fit for each other. We’re not just interviewing you at every step. We want you to interview us and ask questions as well.What is the target start date for this role?We’re motivated to hire for this role now, though worst-case scenario we’d like to have our new teammate onboard by mid February.

Talent Acquisition Specialist @ Pivot + Edge

There is absolutely no ambiguity about what to expect when you hit “Apply” in this recruitment ad. Taking the time to nail this final section will go a long way helping you seal the deal with our buddy Doug.

Source: https://recruitee.com/articles/perfect-recruitment-ad

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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