JOB SEARCH Developing a Strategy Most candidates get their interviews through relationships and connections. Your chances of having your resume reviewed or being invited to interview improve dramatically if recruiters recognize your name. Another way to tilt the odds in your favor is to have a shared acquaintance or colleague recommend that they look at your resume and qualifications. Building Connections There are several ways to build and leverage connections as a part of your successful job or internship search. First, decide that your motivation to build connections or a professional network is to gather information. Second, look for ways to add value or express your genuine appreciation to your connections. There isn’t a third step. Your networking efforts will sour if you begin viewing others as transactional. Be intentional about the professional relationships you develop. Seek connections with people who share your career interests and utilize your existing network. Fellow UTC students, alumni, faculty and staff may serve as a link to your next job. Informational Interviewing This is one of the absolute best ways to build a connection, learn about careers of interest and help to figure out the best career options. Identify people in roles that interest you and request a 20-minute conversation where you ask job-related questions. This conversation should be focused on gathering information, narrowing down career options and building your network.
Seek connections with people who share career interests and utilize your exisiting network.
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