The Value Of Career Networking?
Depending on where you are in your job search and planning will inform the type of career networking you want to engage in. Approaching each interaction with the genuine intention of learning and connecting will make the networking more impactful for:
- Exploring careers and industries
- Gaining specific insight and advice
- Establishing long-term contacts
What Dose Career Networking Look Like?
Networking for jobs is about having a conversation, and for that reason, it can take place anywhere. These conversations can range from informal to structured exchanges. They can range from a 1-minute elevator ride to a 3-hour dinner. The opportunity to connect with others for job opportunities is all around you.
Collage student, you can participate in a variety of events/programs that provide an opportunity to connect with others for career networking, such as those listed below. While most events are free to you as a student, many programs with participation fees offer financial support or discounted rates.
- Alumni events
- Career fairs
- Career treks
- Conferences
- Employer information sessions
- Employer site visits
- Externship programs
- Guest speakers
- Industry panels
A conversation or exchange is a great start, but it is just the beginning of an ongoing process that involves developing and maintaining relationships.
How To Outreach ?
Find Contact
Your contact list includes people both in and outside your field. There are two types:
- People you know: friends, family, coworkers, professors
- People you don’t know but can connect with: alumni groups, professional organizations, social networks
To grow your network, ask those you know to introduce you to others in your field.
Initiate Contact
The most common way to reach out to people you want to connect with is by email.
A cold email is sent to someone you’ve never met, so it’s crucial to make it stand out. Personalize your message for better chances of a response. The same tips apply to weak connections, like a recruiter from a career fair.
Do & Don’t
Do make your message personal so it feels unique to the recipient.
Do explain why you're reaching out and state your request clearly.
Don’t ask for more than 30 minutes of their time, and politely wrap up at that mark (unless they want to continue).
Don’t be pushy; send only one follow-up if you don’t get a response.
Don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you note. If the conversation went well, ask, "Is there anyone else you recommend I speak to?" for potential new connections.
Template
Hello X
We haven’t met, but I found you through [the alumni directory/Handshake/a Google search/an event I attended]. I am [describe yourself in 1-2 sentences, and say what you are hoping to get out of the conversation.]
I’m looking for [advice about applying to your company/to hear more about an open role/to hear how you got to where you are/to ask how you picked your major/to ask about a specific project you did.] Would you have a half hour to speak to me?
I’m available any time except Wednesday mornings, and I’d be happy to meet in person or schedule a phone or video call.
Prepare For Conversation
Being prepared improves the conversation and helps you make a good impression. Here's what you can do beforehand:
- Research the industry or company
- Know what you want to learn from the meeting
- Make a list of questions to ask
- Review your academic, extracurricular, and work experiences
- Clarify your career interests and skills
- Practice your introduction and discussing your experiences
Make a Positive Impression
To make a positive impression, dress appropriately and arrive early. For virtual meetings, find a quiet spot with good internet. Start with a professional introduction and thank them for their time. Ask your questions, listen actively, and show genuine interest. Respect their time, thank them again, and ask if you can stay connected or if they have referrals.
Reflect and Follow Up
After the meeting, review the highlights of the conversation and reflect upon their meaning for you. It is helpful to take notes regarding your exchanges so that you can remember the details and have a point to reference at a later time. Specifically, identify answers to the following questions:
- What information did you gain and what information is still missing?
- How did this exchange impact your overall career goals?
- What are the next steps in your preparation?
Within two days, send a thank you note highlighting the value of the meeting and explicitly stating what you learned.