Build Your Network
Career ID Code
Why Networking is Important Did you know only 15% of available jobs are on job boards? That means that the other 85% are found by being in the right place at the right time, through word of mouth...also known as Networking. You might be surprised, but a lot of networking starts with something most people already want—to help others. Check out this video for more on How to Network by Howcast on YouTube.
Networking Tips As you build your network, begin by contacting family members, neighbors, “It’s not what you know, friends, general acquaintances, professors, and work associates. Talk to but who you know!” everyone you know about your career ideas and goals. Be where people are. Join a professional organization and attend meetings with the goal of meeting at least one new person. To find associations and events that match your interests, browse the career services website or talk with a career team member for assistance. When at any event, take the initiative and introduce yourself to people; don't wait for people to talk to you. Ask them about themselves and what they do. When someone is discussing ideas, listen carefully and show your interest in what they have to say. Interest in the other person is critical to building rapport and is the basis for beginning a long-term relationship. Your positive energy and enthusiasm in a conversation can be contagious and cause you to be remembered. Also, people may be willing to help you because of your sincerity and professionalism. When you have the opportunity to talk with people whether phone or in person, write a thank-you note. Let them know that you appreciate the time they gave you and the information they shared. In addition, keep yourself in their mind by following up on suggestions and referrals. Networking is a 2-way street. Be seen as a source not as a taker. Go out of your way to offer your assistance to the other person. When you run across something you think someone in your network will find interesting, share it with them. People will appreciate your effort to inquire about how the big project they were working on went when you last spoke. Remember: 20 focused conversations will get you closer to your objective than 100 pleasant, yet shallow conversations.
Keep track of who you meet, where they work, and what they do. If you have a meeting with someone, be sure to write down the date, time and directions. Some find it useful to keep this information in a spreadsheet or a word document like below:
Name
Title/Employer
Conversation/Notes Follow Up #1
Jose Employer
ABC Company
Met at career fair
Asked to visit office
These behaviors and attitudes can be learned through practice. You will never stop networking. Be Intentional. Be Considerate. Be Sincere. Be Prepared. Be Organized. Be Proactive. Be Substantive. Be On Time. Be Positive. Be Interested. Be Open. Be Image Conscious. Be Assertive. Be Enthusiastic. Be Remembered.
Follow Up#2 tbd
Be Flexible. Be Reciprocal. Be Professional.
Informational Interviewing It is one of the easiest and effective ways to meet people. An informational interview is an opportunity to spend time (usually 30 minutes) with a professional who is working in a career field of interest to you. By speaking with someone already in the field, you will acquire practical career information and expand your professional network. Most professionals enjoy talking to students about their experiences. Be sure to prepare for the informational interview to make it a positive experience for both parties. Research their online bio or LinkedIn profile, their company/organization, etc. Remember, this is NOT a job interview! Do not ask for a job! How do I setup an informational interview? Talk to everyone in your network and utilize LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to identify someone who is in an organization or has a job title that interests you. Call or write a professional email requesting a brief informational interview, clearly indicating that it is for information only and that there is no job expectation. See example below. Follow up with a phone call to schedule an appointment. Example Email Requesting an Informational Interview In your email answer the following questions: Who are you? Keep it short. Why are you contacting them? Be specific but not too demanding. What do you want? You can ask for an in-person conversation or by phone. Be flexible and open to the scheduling needs of the professional.
Dear Ms. Stone, I hope this email finds you well. Maria Gonzalez in the UNCG Career Services Center recommended that I reach out to you in regard to your work with Jones & Company, Inc. I am currently a rising senior, majoring in Communications Studies and am interested in a career in public relations. As I was discussing my career goals, Maria talked about your background and your company and suggested that you would be a great person to speak with as I gather more information about my chosen career and the expectations that come with it.
How do I prepare? Dress to make a professional impression. Polish your presentation and listening skills and I was hoping that you may be available to speak with me for research the organization. about 30 minutes and share your insight on your profession. Perhaps I could take you for a coffee at some point next week. I Plan which questions you’ll ask. Identify specific am free next Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 2pm. If that is information this person may be able to tell you. Begin not convenient for you, I would be happy to find a time that the interview with questions that demonstrate your works best for you. genuine interest in the other person such as: “Describe a typical day in your department.” // “What Than you in advance for your time. I look forward to hearing kinds of problems do you deal with?” // “What do you from you at your convenience. find most/least satisfying about your job?” Very truly yours, You can proceed with more general questions such as: “What is the job market like in this field?”// “What are Jacob Jobseeker the “hot issues” or recent trends in this field?” // “What are the typical entry level jobs?” If appropriate, venture into a series of questions which place the employer in the advice-giving role such as: “What should the most important consideration be in my first job?” // “What skills, education and experience are required?” // “Can you suggest anyone else whom I could contact for additional information?” The idea is for you to shine, to make an impression, and to get referrals to other professionals. Additional Informational Interviewing Questions “Would you advise someone like me to get into it?” “What do you wish you had known before you entered this field? What preparation do you wish you had?” “How many work hours do you work each week?” “Would a geographic move affect your career in any way?” “Which professional journals and organizations should I know about in this field?” “How did you become interested in this field?” “What else do you think I need to know in order to make an intelligent decision about this as my career?” “If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself? Why? What would you change?”
Updated 6-2014