How to Advance Your HR Career Through Networking

‘’I am an introvert and I do not like meeting new people. I spend too much energy when I do and I always have to take time to recharge. I also do not have enough time juggling between family and my work’’. An HR practitioner shared this with me in a training session.

So why is networking important to your career?

It aids your career development. You can be in the know of what other HR professionals are doing while building your reputation and credibility in your field. It helps build trust around your peers, who can be your advocates when the need arises. This slowly advances your career.

We all want our HR careers to get to the next level. The truth of the matter is, you cannot do this alone. You need other people to support you in your career journey. Watch this video where our CEO, Perminus Wainaina talks about the 4 people you must have in your HR network. It is a must-watch for any HR professional looking to advance in their career.

So, how do you go about finding the right people to help you get to the next HR level in your career?

1. Have a Clear Strategy on What You Want to Achieve

 Do your research to ensure your network with the right people. What do you want to achieve? Is it a new job?  Growth in your career? An increase in your salary? Is it that you want to get noticed by decision-makers and get that promotion? Ensure you know your end goal and focus on that.

2. Attend HR Related Events

Attending HR-related events is an easy way of meeting people. Events give you access to a bigger number of like-minded professionals whom you can talk to and exchange contacts.

Grace was attending an HR event where she met an HR Manager for a multinational company. They talked and exchanged contacts which she ensured to follow up on email.

A few months later, this HR manager recommended her for an opportunity in one of their subsidiary companies. She was called up for a couple of interviews for the position. A month later, she was hired for the role which positioned her for the next level in her career.

Consider attending training. Due to the pandemic, a lot of this has switched to online sessions. For instance, we have an upcoming HR Policies Course on Master HR Skills Practical. How can you utilize this to build your network?

Share things during the class and monitor the experiences of others. Note people you can learn from and start a conversation on email. Learning from other people’s experience helps you improve your performance and could get you that salary increase!

3. Embrace Technology

How do you, as an HR professional, use your social media platforms to grow your network?

Social networks especially LinkedIn is a great way to expand your professional network.

Studies show that 87% of professionals use LinkedIn. People use it to build relationships, gain visibility in their industry and stay in touch with their peers and also get new job opportunities.

Be visible to your network. Join HR groups and contribute your expertise and stay informed. Also, consider other social media platforms. Establish yourself as an HR expert and contribute where you can.

Celebrate people’s career achievements, promotions, or congratulate someone on a new job. Highlight what you think is interesting in someone’s post. It gives others insight into who you are.

Your next step could make you noticeable to major decision-makers in the industry.

4. Stay in Touch

Ensure people remember you by staying in touch with HR professionals you know, past and previous co-workers, managers and other industry peers.

Start conversations around issues that you or the industry are facing and ask how people are dealing with them. A conversation like this can leave a mark on people. Ensure to maintain that relationship.

Conclusion

Networking can advance your career in different ways, so build your network today!

Did you know that we have an HR YouTube Channel where we give you tips on how you can advance in your HR career? We help you know how to brand yourself as a competent HR professional and how you can develop your skills.

Click Here to visit the channel and watch these informative videos.