The Importance Of Networking

Sometimes it’s unfortunate, sometimes it’s great - either way in the events industry (particularly the sporting events industry) networking is one of the biggest sources of recruitment. You've heard before but people will hire their friends and former colleagues or they will hire people recommended by their friends and former colleagues.

It’s not always fair and it’s not always the right decision but it’s something which is unavoidable in the industry. Getting a job in events is about luck, good timing and ultimately who you know. (of course a great cv and experience are a must too!)

I recently attended a talk by the founder of Sports Recruitment International who stated that almost all of the sports event jobs in the current market will use some degree of networking during the recruitment process. It’s a big industry but a small world where everyone knows each other and I have to admit that the last 2 contracts I have worked on have came around because I was recommended by people I have worked with before.

Networking should come naturally and not be forced. Work hard, talk to people, keep up with people after the event, but never force yourself on them, it isn’t an attractive quality. I have found that things often come up when you least expect them.

It’s not impossible to get into the industry without networking, many big companies do use traditional methods of recruitment – my first job at the Commonwealth Games I secured simply by applying on the company website. So don’t fret if you’re looking for a job in the industry, all you need to do is get your foot in the door and go from there.

Ultimately once you have a job in the industry your reputation is what is going to keep you there. You never know who will be working at the next organisation you apply to, so treat everyone with respect. My biggest pet hate in the events industry is people who only talk to someone they believe can get them their next job, someone they would never be friends with outside of work but go above and beyond to try and impress them, ignoring others they don’t think can benefit them in the future. This to me is not networking, this is (for lack of a better term) ass kissing and it can be spotted a mile away! Networking is doing the best job you can and being respectful of everyone you work with, talk to your colleagues about their future plans, meet up with them for drinks after work, go for coffee before a meeting – these are the things people remember and these are the small but significant factors which may help you get your next job.