Connect with Employers

According to the Government of Alberta, 70% of jobs are filled by a network connection (ALIS). For students, this can be a job search obstacle. If you feel like you don’t have connections in the industries and companies that you are exploring, Career Services is here to help!

5 actionable steps to start building your professional network:


  1. Make a list of “warm contacts”

Even if you don’t think that the people you know could help you professionally, everyone knows someone. Start out by listing all of the people who you would consider to be a part of your existing network. This could include family, friends, teachers, professors, other volunteers, coworkers, and past supervisors.


  1. Activate your existing network to expand it

To begin, pick 5 people from your warm contact list that are the most likely to have connections in your target industry/company. Connect with them (eg. email, phone call, coffee meeting) to catch up with them and let them know about the career options that you are considering. Ask them if they know anyone who works in those industries. If yes, ask if they would be comfortable connecting you with them, so you can ask them questions about their career and job, to see if it could be a good fit for you.


  1. The priority is learning (not asking for a job)

You’ll notice that in #2, you are not asking your network to connect you with someone to “get a job”. Instead, the purpose of building your professional network is to create genuine connections and learn more about your interests, career options, and knowledge/skill gaps. By talking with someone who is in your occupation/industry of interest, it is an opportunity to share about your career interests, ask questions about the other person’s career and experiences, and listen to their stories, experiences, and advice.


  1. Be active in the community

If you feel like your professional network is limited, seek out opportunities to expand it. This could be through joining a campus club, a community group, or professional association. It could mean signing up as a volunteer for a program or initiative that is important to you, attending in person or virtual webinars and networking events, or seeking out experiential learning opportunities (eg. blogging, research projects, volunteering). By stepping out of your comfort zone and interacting with others, you’re not only practicing interpersonal skills - you’re also meeting new people who may play a role in your social and career development.


  1. Social media for networking

Communities are not only in-person these days, and the same applies to networking. One of the ways to maintain and manage your network is through professional social networking sites such as LinkedIn. This platform can be a helpful way to control your online presence and brand, by creating a profile with a professional overview of your work, education, and volunteer experiences.

However, LinkedIn is not just about your profile. The effectiveness of LinkedIn is primarily about how you use it. Are you engaging with professional content related to your target industry? Do you follow companies and organizations that you would like to learn more about? Are you reaching out to your existing network through messaging and engaging with their posts? Are you contributing to the important conversations in your field? The strategy that you bring to your LinkedIn profile will impact its impact.


What other questions about networking, career exploration, and job search do you have?

Students can make an appointment at any time of year through Online Services, under the Resources tab select “Career Services Help”. Appointments are also available for alumni, which need to be booked via email (careerservices@concordia.ab.ca).

Sample worksheet to guide your exploration of career options:

Career Exploration Worksheet (Updated 22).docx (2).pdf