Networking is one of the key secrets of getting hired, whether you are looking for employment as a fresher or considering a midlife career change. According to many career specialists, professional networking is the make-or-break aspect of job hunting. But does networking really matter that much? And if so, how to network in the right way? Read this article to get the answers. What is Networking? In simple words, networking is the process and steps that you follow to develop professional and social contacts. The development occurs through the exchange of information and ideas. People often confuse the idea that networking should only be done to get hired. In reality, there are far more useful and impactful uses of networking than to just get hired. Whether it’s a career advancement aspect or getting a new perspective, networking can help you find the solution to different issues quite easily. Read Considering a Career Change? 10 Questions to Ask Yourself How professional networking skill can help your career? As we were saying, the scope of networking is not limited to getting hired alone. In today’s word, the work-processes of diverse sectors and industries are being managed and influenced through professional networking, connections and metrics. Networking helps you to stand out of the bunch. Having someone to vouch for you, or someone who understands your skills in a particular field can be of better help than a piece of CV. Professional referencing is a common thing practiced in the big organizations. Someone with proven skills and reliable references will always hold the upper hand. Nowadays, most organizations do not believe in taking chances; rather they want to hire somebody who can deliver equal or more in return for what they are paying. Read: Post Retirement Career Planning: How to pick your dream job? The implications of networking go far beyond than getting hired. For example, creating a connection with one of your industry leaders will give you better industry insights than others. You can hardly find information about such practical intricacies in Google or data banks. For instance, when you experience an issue regarding your employment or business, a highly experienced and knowledgeable person in that field might mentor you in the best way to overcome the problem. When you put things into perspective, the benefits of having robust and relevant networking are limitless. We mention the term “relevant” here because not everyone will generate value for you. While networking, it does not matter whether they are your senior or sub-ordinate. What matters is whether they have the potential for value generation. As long as there’s a mutual benefit at play, networking is always a good option regardless of the industry. Read Top Qualities of Genuine People