Skip to main content

Networking: How and why should you do it?

Written by: RICS Recruit
Published on: 29 Apr 2021

network

Networking isn't something that should only happen when you are looking for a new job. It should be a regular occurrence and, done right, can be enjoyable, personally profitable and beneficial. It might also lead the way to a new role.

In professional industries such as surveying, networking will keep you up to date with new policies, thinking and technologies. You'll even get to meet the people implementing these changes.

Here's how to embrace networking for surveyors:

 

What counts as networking?

Networking doesn't just happen at networking events. It can happen at any meeting, conference, talk where there are people that you want to meet, to ask questions of or advise. Networking is two way.

It's also not just face-to-face. LinkedIn is a networking platform and an ideal place to take part in conversations and follow people you admire or companies you would like to work for in the future.

 

Top tips for networking well

  • Put in to get out. As with any relationship, making a networking contact means starting a two-way conversation. You’ll get out the same amount of effort you put in, so don’t take any new connections your make for granted
  • Don’t have any expectations. If you’re looking to get a new job or a promotion out of your networking, you’ll be more likely to put people off by being too pushy or miss out on connections that you’d find more fulfilling in the long term
  • Be genuine. Being yourself during networking events will make the whole process more productive and a lot less stressful.

 

What are the benefits of networking?

  • It can help you in job searches. Whether it’s getting the inside track on a new role that’s not even been advertised yet or getting others to keep their eyes and ears out for jobs they think will suit you, making connections can make finding the right job a much easier task than if you’re searching alone.
  • It can bring your CV to the top of the pile. People buy people. If you are recommended by a connection or have a reference from a recognised name, your application is more likely to stay top of a recruiter or hiring manager’s mind.
  • It can help you to meet people like you – whether it’s your area of surveying expertise, or a particular football team, networking is likely to bring more people like you into your path. By making these genuine connections with people, you can help each other out and start to make each other’s goals, whether personal or professional, happen together.

 

Networking with RICS

RICS has its own LinkedIn Group, which welcomes property professionals, students and graduates alike. Any member of the group can post a discussion or comment on others’ posts. In addition, you can find links to featured jobs directly through the group. Even more than meeting new people, this is a great way to stay up to date with new developments in the industry.

Young RICS professionals can join RICS Matrics. It's a network for trainees, apprentices, students and newly qualified RICS professionals providing advice and support. There are many benefits, including local networking events in more than 40 locations.

Joining RICS Matrics can be a valuable way to make new connections and develop a support network that will help you throughout your career. RICS Matrics has a private Instagram channel @RICSMatrics, so check it out to see what exciting things you could be doing with your new network.