Networking is a vital skill for any of us, but it’s seldom something that people enjoy doing.  It’s a particularly valuable skill for those who are out of work, and new research from the University of Minnesota aims to help job seekers improve their networking capabilities.

The researchers developed a training tool that aims to boost the skills and understanding of networking, especially for job seekers who may not be natural networkers.

“There are a large number of people who find networking almost distasteful and often have misconceptions about what networking is,” the researchers say. “It’s not about asking for a job, it’s really a much broader technique that can help job seekers find a position that better suits their needs.”

Networking better

The team developed a tool, known as the Building Relationships and Improving Opportunities (BRIO), which is freely available online and provides 10 lessons on everything from developing goals to delivering an elevator pitch.

“Through these online lessons, we provide not only practical steps for job seekers, but language and scenarios based on the idea that individuals gain knowledge by watching others take part in activities and social interactions,” the researchers say. “People who take the BRIO training watch as Jack, our sample job seeker, goes through the process of building his network.”

Testing the tool out with job seekers, the research found that it had a noticeable impact on their networking skills, with a particular boost to introverted individuals who were often the most reluctant networkers.

This resulted in a rise in the benefits of networking, including referrals and introductions to job opportunities.  This led to better employment rates, and indeed even to higher quality positions being obtained, whether in terms of salary, hours or location.

“Our research illustrates that helping a person build confidence in networking led to more people finding jobs that suit their needs,” the researchers conclude.