Advancing Careers: The Importance of a Professional Network

In today’s ever-changing professional landscape, the path to securing mid- and senior-level positions has become more complex and competitive. As candidates ascend the career ladder, relying solely on job advertisements and recruitment agencies is no longer sufficient.

The scarcity of senior roles, exacerbated by recent workforce reductions in Australia’s tech and banking sectors, coupled with the abundance of talent vying for these coveted positions, has led to a need for a strategic shift. In this article, I’ll explore how developing a network plays a crucial role in senior career prospects and provide actionable steps to strengthen your standing in the job market.

Reaching Beyond Your Industry

Networking offers a dynamic platform for professionals to build relationships, share insights, and find new opportunities. Unfortunately, some candidates mistakenly see networking as something only suited for outgoing individuals. This view is outdated. Networking should be a fundamental tool in your career kit, and people who tend to be more introverted in nature can also excel and enjoy its rewards.

Additionally, some believe that knowing the key figures in their industry is enough for a strong network. However, to fully maximise the benefits, it’s essential to extend your networking efforts beyond your immediate circle. This is vital for robust career progression and personal growth. While close connections have their merits, cultivating a more expansive network across various industries has numerous advantages.

One of the main benefits is gaining fresh insights and ideas. Engaging with professionals from different fields injects new perspectives into your own domain. This exposure to best practices and innovative approaches gives you a competitive edge and enhances your value in your sector. It’s a two-way street – you can also leverage your network to establish yourself as a thought leader across various subjects.

By connecting across industries, you open doors to job prospects, collaborations, partnerships and ventures that may otherwise remain hidden. Moreover, increased visibility allows potential employers to notice you well before they publicly announce new job openings.

In summary, a well-maintained network complements your qualifications and experience, acting as a safety net during uncertain times. During economic downturns or sector-specific upheavals, a diverse network spanning multiple industries provides alternative avenues and opportunities, bolstering your resilience in the face of career challenges.

So, how do you get started?

Developing and Nurturing a Network 

Building a strong network isn’t a task that commences when you’re ready to explore new career options. It’s an ongoing journey that requires proactive and consistent effort.

LinkedIn is a great platform to kick-start and maintain your networking efforts. While some critics may dismiss the social platform for humble brags and vanity displays, don’t be deterred by such notions. In reality, despite occasional self-promotion, it offers valuable opportunities and resources for senior professionals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building and nurturing your network using LinkedIn:

1. Optimise Your Profile

• Ensure your profile has a professional photo, headline, and summary showcasing your skills, achievements and career goals.
• Clearly articulate your value proposition and expertise to attract relevant connections.
• Provide more than job titles – add a sentence or two explaining how you added value to your organisation or clients. Use specific examples to highlight your contributions. For example, with job titles like “Chief Collaboration Officer” or “Head of Transformation”, describe the core tasks or programs you oversaw and the departments impacted.
• Consider a professional audit to refine your profile; BTI, for example, can advise on the best write-up for maximum effectiveness.

2. Connect with Intention

• Connect with colleagues, peers, mentors and industry professionals you already know. Personalise connection requests with a brief note to remind them of your past interactions.
• To expand your network, consider LinkedIn Premium for benefits like InMail credits, allowing you to directly message other LinkedIn members even if you’re not connected.

3. Engage Actively

• Interact regularly with your network by commenting on posts, sharing insightful content and offering expertise on relevant topics. This strategy provides value to your network and establishes your presence in your industry.
• Focus on any niche skills to demonstrate thought leadership, which will make it easier for you to approach senior decision-makers directly.

4. Join and Engage in Groups:

• Participate in LinkedIn Groups relevant to your industry, interests, and expertise. Engage in discussions, share your perspective, and connect with fellow group members.

Fostering Specialised Networks

While LinkedIn provides a broad spectrum of networking opportunities, platforms like Stack Overflow and GitHub offer specialised avenues for individuals with distinct tech expertise. Stack Overflow is a knowledge-sharing hub that allows professional and enthusiast programmers to exchange insights, troubleshoot challenges and establish themselves within the coding community. Meanwhile, GitHub’s collaborative environment caters to software developers, enabling them to collaborate on projects, showcase their coding prowess and connect with like-minded experts. Many companies and developers actively scout GitHub for potential hires or collaborators. And similar to LinkedIn, the effectiveness of these platforms for networking depends on your active participation, engagement and the quality of interactions you have with other professionals.

Participating in Industry Events

Stepping out from behind the screen and into the real world is equally crucial. Attend industry events, conferences and relevant gatherings for access to the latest trends and face-to-face interactions.

Offer to speak at industry events, webinars or workshops to showcase your expertise and expand your reach within your sector. Though it may feel daunting initially, remember that everyone starts from a similar point. Consistent visibility, even beyond your comfort zone, signifies your commitment to knowledge-sharing and networking, appealing to potential employers.

Start Your Networking Journey Today 

Competition for senior-level positions is fierce, requiring candidates to distinguish themselves from the crowd. A well-cultivated network can be a game-changer.

While LinkedIn is a powerful tool, combining online and offline strategies will help you create a diverse network that contributes significantly to your senior-level career development and influence. Proactively initiate conversations with industry leaders that inspire you, even if they aren’t actively hiring. Building rapport over a coffee meeting provides a forum for knowledge exchange, fostering potential partnerships that may bear fruit in the future.

As you progress in your career journey, networking is an investment in your professional growth with long-term benefits. Success requires patience, persistence and openness to new connections and experiences along the way.

Written by Trevor Bradley, the Country Director of BTI Executive Search Australia.  Based in Sydney, Trevor has been a trusted advisor in the Executive Recruitment sector for over 23 years.

Having held numerous leadership positions in global and domestic staffing businesses, Trevor has remained active in developing and maintaining relationships with candidates and clients in global and domestic organisations. Trevor is privileged to lead an experienced, specialist recruitment team that executes senior search mandates across Australia and APAC.

Before working in the recruitment sector, Trevor spent 10 years working in Corporate Banking with International and Domestic Banks. 

Connect with Trevor today to get more industry insights.