1. Confidence
Confidence is everything. When meeting someone for the first time, interviewing for a dream job, pitching a proposal to administration, you must be engaging. Confidence, maintaining eye contact, being assertive without arrogance, and most importantly giving a firm hand shake. These are just a few of the little things you can do to make a great first impression. People judge you from the very beginning. Don't lose their interest.
2. Be Selective
As we mature within our chosen professional career paths, we accumulate several accolades and significant awards along the way. Instead of just rattling off a list of mundane accomplishments, highlight a view that you are most proud of. Do not be afraid to boast about yourself. In the end, you are your best advocate.
3. Get Yourself Out There
Attendance at professional development conferences and summits are a must. The more you get out and market yourself, the more connections you make. You never know when your paths may cross again. Keep in mind, the better the impression you make, yields higher recall when perspective employers begin a search process for new employees.
4. Social Media
This can be a subheading for getting yourself out there. The internet is a world wide source of personal advertising. Creating accounts on appropriate social media platforms are crucial for networking purposes. Linkedin, Twitter, PWPs, Pinterest, and even Facebook are all keys to getting seen. Remember to check all privacy settings, as sometimes private accounts can lead to missed opportunities. Along with thoughtfulness, be mindful of the information you send out to the web. Would you want everyone to know "TBT" from a decade ago in college? Best to keep personal pictures and situations personal.
5. Continuing Education
This is also another great source for professional networking. Join affiliations and associations related to your field of expertise. For many, continuing education is a priority to keep certifications current, so use this as an opportunity to make new connections with fellow peers and instructors. In addition, continuing education demonstrates a thirst for getting ahead of the game. Every day, we are bombarded with new and exciting information. For many of us, formal education days are far behind us. However, we should never settle for being mediocre. Staying up to date on current trends sets you apart from the rest of the application pool.
6. Reputation
Last, but certainly not least, let your reputation speak for itself. Word of mouth references are among the top networking tools available to an individual. Having integrity, being respectful, determined, and hardworking; these attributes will pay off. If you have these qualities, people will be sure to speak of it.