Networking

What is Networking?

Contacting people you know (and don't know) in order to find a job. Gathering information, advice and support

Make a list of anyone you know who might have information that will help in your search.
Set-up informational interviews.
Decide what you are going to say. Explain who referred you, your status (graduating senior, alumnus, etc.) and your interest (hiring trends, names of others who might help you, etc.)
Know as much as you can about your contact and the company before contacting him/her.
Always ask your contact if he /she can recommend someone else for you to talk to.
Make developing a friendship your primary goal, rather that getting something out of it.
Join professional organizations where you can easily meet people who work in the industry you hope to enter.
Send a thank you note after a successful exchange whether it was in person or over the telephone.
Contact the person every month or so to report progress and ask for new leads.

Set networking goals: Know who you want to meet and what you want to find out from them.
Build networking into your daily schedule.
Don't get discouraged. Be Persistent. Remember that you have to do most of the work in networking and most opportunities are found this way.

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Last modified: July 31, 2008 13:53:44