How to use summer networking to maximise career opportunities

With the summer holidays approaching, it's commonly believed that the job market will slow down. The upcoming election could also affect recruitment and decision-making. Therefore, when managing your job search, it's essential to recognise that certain factors will be beyond your control.

One aspect of job searching that is in your control is taking the time to invest in relationships and to grow your network. Focusing on networking is a great way to keep proactive and could also lead to possible temping or interim positions too.

We’ve put together 4 tips on how to use summer networking to maximise your opportunities and get you one step closer to your next role!

1. Attend Summer Events

Networking events and gatherings during the summer often have a more casual and relaxed atmosphere, making it easier to initiate conversations and build connections. Many professionals have more flexible schedules during the summer, providing more opportunities to meet for coffee, attend events, or participate in networking activities. Try and go to as many social events to extend your summer networking further.  This doesn’t have to be in a business setting either. Think about what is going on locally around you; fetes, sporting events, charity events - you never know the professionals you may meet there too.

2. Stay Engaged Online

Even during the summer months, stay active on professional social media platforms like LinkedIn or X. Share interesting articles, engage with others' posts, and join relevant discussions. With social media now making it easy to stay in touch, ask yourself is now the time to declutter your online connections and start making new ones? Out of those 500+ connections you have on LinkedIn, are there any former colleagues, suppliers or recruiters you can arrange to meet up with? Maybe have a coffee either in person or virtually to see how they could help you.

3. Plan what you want to say

It is really important before any interaction you have that you plan what you want to say. Building an elevator pitch  will help you plan and get the most out of your meetings and gatherings. Take the time to think about where you are going and who you are going to be talking to. The more you think about this the greater awareness you will have of what you want to say. Prepare for these opportunities like you would an interview. Opportunities are attached to people. If you believe in yourself, others will too.

4. Follow Up

After attending networking or social events, when meeting new connections, make it a habit to follow up with personalised messages or emails within a day or two. Express gratitude for the opportunity to connect, reference something specific from your conversation, and propose a next step or a future meeting. Networking is a 2-way process, so think about how you can help them. Remember, building a strong professional network takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent and focus on nurturing meaningful connections and focus on quality not quantity.

Renovo is the UK’s leading specialist provider of outplacement support. We work with both organisations and individuals to support all their career transition requirements. If you would like to understand how Renovo can help, you please email info@renovo.co.uk