Networking is a great skill to have - especially when you need to job seek. Networking is about interacting with people who can help you open up additional opportunities.

The thought of having to reach out and raise your personal profile terrifies many people and, in general, networking is something that most of us would prefer to steer clear of. This does not need to be so. First and foremost, confidence is a frame of mind and, to a large extent is what we project and allow ourselves and other people s to observe about us.

Some people seem incredibly confident, but for the vast majority of us confidence is more a learned skill that can be improved and further improved. Outlined here are tips on how to improve at self confidence and at your ability to network for the purposes of job seeking,

Prepare Narratives

Always be ready to market yourself. Networking opportunities can reveal themselves at any time. Prepare mini-narratives which convey your worth and desire for challenge. Keep statements about yourself short, focused and entertaining. Opt for credible examples which illustrate what you have to offer.

Organise Stories

Consider times when you faced a problem, a challenge or obstacles. You found some strategy for dealing with the problem. You sought help and learned something. You drew on your own resources. Identify moments when you went the extra mile, gave extraordinary client service or brought in new contacts.

Try to express your achievements in measurable terms. If talk about achievements does not suit you, find an alternative way to convey your level of ability and potential.

Be Vital

Communicate your energy by describing times when you felt great about your work and when you made an impact. Let your enthusiasm show! Don't forget to smile when meeting others. Remember, confidence is what we project. In Irish culture we are often reluctant to point to our own successes. You need to work on improving at this.

Be Positive

Recognise the situations or types of people which make you feel least confident. Take time to rationally analyse what triggers these feelings. Develop coping mechanisms to combat negative thoughts. We can easily get trapped in a vicious cycle of negative thinking.

Model

Watch those around you who display confidence. Learn from the tone of their voice, the pace of their speech and how they gesture. There is a lot of content online about ways in which self-confidence can be nurtured. You can then look for opportunities to practice your networking technique.

Nurture Personal Confidence

Immerse yourself in opportunities to grow your confidence. Join associative groups where you can share your ideas and opinions with others. Avail of mentoring opportunities. Once the capacity to convey confidence is learned, you will find networking much easier, thereby increasing your chances of getting the job you really want.