"I cannot emphasize enough the value of networking, both through Midd people and through my own personal network. Having so many people willing to help out really made all the difference."
- Peter Kellner '90 (recently landed a new position in a new city) |
Before you pen that e-mail, before you pick up the phone, before you participate in any networking activities, make sure you brush up on our tips and tricks for successful networking. Remember that the alumni you're contacting are pretty busy, so make sure you maximize both their time and yours by asking succinct questions and conducting yourself in a professional manner. Why Network?
60-80% of job seekers secure employment by using networking-generated references to uncover the "hidden job market."Developing solid networking skills is one of the most important life skills you can master. Learning to exchange information in this way will greatly help you irrespective of the job or industry you ultimately choose.References can provide industry-specific information to help you create an effective cover letter and resume.References can help you evaluate job offers and provide support throughout your job search campaign. Getting started
Identify your career-related interests, skills, and values to establish a personal career profile. See our Assessment Resources page for tips on how to begin. Also, the Core Professional Competencies will help you identify your skills.Research industries and companies using the Career Library.Identify appropriate contacts in selected industries and companies using MiddNet Online, professors, family, friends, etc. Making the Initial Contact
Send an introductory letter (either hardcopy or e-mail is acceptable; see our sample networking letter). Remember to be brief! E-mail letters should be less than a computer screen's worth of text and hardcopy letters should only be a few paragraphs. For more tips on writing effective e-mails, click here.Introduce yourself and state your desire to arrange a brief, 10-15 minute conversation/informational interview about a particular industry or company. Emphasize your desire to gather information about how to navigate this process; in other words, don't ask outright for a job or internship.If someone has referred you, use their name in the e-mail subject line and at the beginning of the first sentence ("J.Jones suggested you as a great resources in..."). Following Up With a Phone Call or an E-mail
Briefly describe what you are looking for (general career advice, more information about a particular company). If the person is unavailable: leave a message stating your referral's name, your name, your phone number, the date and time of your call, and a date and time at which you'll call back. Briefly give the purpose for your call (follow-up on previous contact; would like to initiate 15-minute conversation about industry or company).Briefly describe your educational and/or work background.Include a copy of your resume only after one has been requested. The Networking Interview
Identify at least three Core Professional Competencies that you enjoy using and for which you can provide good examples. (e.g. "writing is a skill I particularly enjoy. I have written for my school newspapers and literary journals and writing sales reports was one of my responsibilities in my internship last summer. I also enjoy online research... ")
Ahead of time, prepare questions. Some suggestions:
* What are the entry-level positions in your field that require the skills that I have mentioned?
* What other types of positions and organizations might I consider where I can use these types of skills and interests?
* What does the job market look like in this field and geographic area?
* What's the best way to navigate this search process in this industry?
* Who else should I be speaking to in gathering information about ways to enter this field?
Begin the interview by saying, "Thanks for your time and willingness to help me as I explore my post-graduation options. Before we begin I want to assure you that I am not expecting you to offer me a job today. Simply offering you suggestions and advice based on my interests, background, and skills will be a huge help."
Next, present your interests and skill examples: "In assessing my education and experience to date, I think writing is one of my strongest skills (give example). Secondly, I am really organized (give example). In addition, I like looking for new solutions to problems, thinking outside the box (give example). What would you recommend for a person with these skills and interest in your type of industry? What areas should I explore?
REMEMBER: In a networking interview, YOU are the interviewer. Continue to facilitate getting good information by asking questions like: "where in your type of organization do people use the skills that I have identified? What are the job titles held by people who use these skills? What are the entry-level responsibilities that call for these types of skills?
As you progress through the conversation, your subject is likely to mention others to whom you should speak. Make certain that you are writing everything down. When the end of your scheduled time is nearing, thank your subject for all of their wonderful ideas and information and then ask: "Who else do you think I should speak to?" Also, make sure to get the necessary contact information for all of the referrals before you leave.
After the ConversationFollow up within 24 hours with a thank you note (hardcopy or e-mail).If the interviewee provided you with names of other contacts, follow up with him or her after you've made contact with the other leads. You can also CC them on your introductory e-mails.Periodically reconnect with individuals in your network and apprise them of your progress to date and definitely let everyone know when you get your new job - some day you might be able to help them!
Troubleshooting
...The contact doesn't respond to my introductory e-mail or letter? Don't be surprised, especially if you mentioned (as you should) in your introductory letter that you would be contacting them to set up a time to meet. Following up when you said you would is an important part of the networking process. Keep trying....I contact the person and they don't respond? Be mindful of the time of year of your contact: if it's summer, leave a little extra time in case the person is on vacation; if it's fall, realize that this is the busy season for many organizations. It is customary to wait up to 10 days for a response; if this time passes and you still haven't heard anything, you should follow up by telephone a third time. If you speak to a secretary or colleague, politely ask when the person you're trying to contact is expected to return and if you might leave a message for him/her to return your call. Then contact the person who referred you for further advice on connecting with this person....The e-mail I send bounces back, the telephone number is disconnected, or there's some other kind of communication difficulty that means my request doesn't arrive? If you are trying to reach someone you found in MiddNet Online, alert CSO to the problem. In the meantime, use any other information the alum has provided for contact preferences (mail a letter instead of sending an e-mail, for example). If an e-mail address is all you have, be creative about finding a hard copy address to which to send a letter (DON'T cold-call!). If you are trying to reach someone you were referred to from a family member, professor, or other contact, return to the source of the referral and ask for any additional information they may have. Attending Networking Events
Dress appropriately. See our interview preparation and "Dress for Success" pages.Bring plenty of business cards and/or resumes. Only offer resumes when requested.Don't sit with colleagues or friends. You're there to meet people whom you don't know. Additional Networking Resources
Online
Vault.com
Guide to schmoozing. Books in the CSO Library, Adirondack House
Never Eat Alone
Do you want to get ahead in life? Do you want to climb the ladder to personal success? Well, one thing is for certain: You can’t get there alone. The secret to accomplishing personal career objectives can be found in reaching out to other people. The advice found in this summary is based on generosity and helping friends connect to other friends. It distinguishes genuine relationship-building from the crude, desperate glad-handing too often associated with the word “networking. ” This summary also explains a system for building real relationships based primarily on the powerful principles of generosity and intimacy.
High Impact Telephone Networking for Job Hunters, by Howard Armstrong
Job Search Networking, by Richard Beatty
Power Networking: Using the Contacts You Don't Even Know You Have to Succeed in the Job You Want, by Marc Kramer
Networking for Everyone! Connecting with People for Career and Job Success, by L. Michelle Tullier
Job Notes: Networking, by Meg Heenehan