New job hunters often wonder which is more important: skills or networking? The truth is, you need both. Your skills are the magic you bring to the table—everything you know and can do to get the job done. Networking, on the other hand, is all about making sure the right people know just how capable you are. 

When you combine in-demand skills with a strong network, you open the door to new opportunities, recommendations, and promotions. Let's break it down.

Mastering your skills

Your skills are the core of your professional value. Think of them as the building blocks of your career. Whether you're coding in tech, crafting campaigns in marketing, or channelling creativity in the arts, having a robust set of skills is what makes you indispensable. But here's the thing—skills aren't a one-and-done deal. They need constant nurturing and updating.

Imagine you're renovating your home; if you don't maintain the foundation, everything else eventually starts to crumble. That's exactly how skills work. Invest time in learning new techniques, stay updated with industry trends, or pick up fresh tools that can make your work more efficient. Maybe you take an online course to master new software, attend workshops to sharpen your problem-solving abilities, or volunteer for projects that push you out of your comfort zone. 

Every bit of knowledge you gain not only improves your performance but also boosts your confidence. Over time, these improvements make you the go-to person in your field, ready to tackle bigger challenges and add more value to your team.

Making the right connections

You might be an expert at what you do, but if no one knows about your expertise, it's hard for opportunities to come knocking. Networking is all about spreading the word and building genuine relationships that can help your career. It isn't just about having a long list of contacts; it's about cultivating relationships with people who truly support you and can help open doors.

Networking can be as simple as striking up a conversation with someone after a meeting or leaving a thoughtful comment on a LinkedIn post. These small interactions can add up over time, building a community around you that recognises your talent and potential. Think of networking like tending to a garden—you plant seeds by reaching out and nurturing those relationships, and eventually, you'll see them bloom into opportunities like job referrals, mentorships, and even collaborative projects.

Don't worry if you're not a natural extrovert or if you feel a bit awkward at events. Authenticity matters more than flashy self-promotion. Focus on being yourself, sharing your experiences, and showing genuine interest in others. When people see that you're passionate and approachable, they're more likely to remember you and recommend you when new opportunities arise.

At the end of the day, your skills and your network are two sides of the same coin. Excelling at your job builds your professional reputation, but making sure the right people know about it can turn that reputation into real career opportunities. Keep sharpening your skills, stay curious, and don't be afraid to reach out!