A resume and cover letter are your best tools for making a strong impression when applying for a job. However, it’s also important to leverage your networking skills to build valuable business connections, establish rapport with potential employers, and discover any job opportunities in your field.

In a competitive job market, networking is often seen as one of the most important activities for job seekers. After all, networking shows your ability to communicate, brand yourself, and present well. However, networking isn’t just a way to find jobs; it’s also a skill that many employers value in candidates. Because of this, it’s essential not only to network during your job search but also to highlight these skills in your resume and cover letter.

Using Word Choice to Imply Networking Ability

Typically, listing “networking” as a core competency is not always the most flattering way to impress a potential employer. However, using different words to convey your ability to form business relationships can be used instead. For instance, if you list “business relationship strategy” under your skills, you can still imply that you are—in fact—a keen networker.

Highlighting Networking Strengths in Job Responsibilities and Work History

Networking is just as important when you are hired as when you are unemployed. As such, employers will want to see that you have the potential to use networking to advance profits and perform at the highest level. You can do this by explaining specific strengths in your job responsibilities throughout your job history on a resume.

For example, if you managed—and retained—a number of business partners, clients and other important relationships, you should certainly specify that number. If possible, you may want to disclose top companies you have worked with, sold to or partnered with; the more recognizable the brand, the more potent your networking looks. In addition, a potential employer may find that if you have existing contacts with other top companies, you would make a valuable asset in a new role.

Never Discount Volunteer Activity on a Resume

In the past, we have described many ways volunteering can impress a potential employer—especially if you do not have a hefty work history to put on a resume. Among the benefits of community service is the ability to show that you have a passion for getting out there and talking to people. Volunteering requires reaching out to strangers—such as when raising awareness for a campaign—and quickly working toward a goal with teams you may not be familiar with. These strengths—while not directly connected to your profession—show your strengths for person-to-person communication, as well as the ability to network with confidence.

Discussing Networking in a Cover Letter

Your ability to form important business relationships and maintain them may not always fit into a resume—especially if they take explaining. Fortunately, the cover letter is an exceptional place to highlight your networking prowess. For instance, if you have been mentored—or mentored—you can briefly discuss how this relationship has helped you grow as a professional. Mentorships show that you have enough confidence to reach out to other professionals to not only gain another contact, but to also gain skills and information from these connections.

Also, these relationships are also good to keep in mind when it comes time to provide references to potential employers if they are considering you for employment.

Getting Networking Skills on Paper

If you are excellent at networking, you already know that your interpersonal skills are top-notch. However, this may not always mean that you are great at discussing this type of communication skill on paper.