Alongside working nonstop this summer, I networked like CRAZY. I've becoming a networking monster. And it's been great. I've gotten in touch with some amazingly intelligent and accomplished people who have given me some excellent insight. All of these contacts have also assured me that I'm doing the right thing and will get a job. Ha. We'll see about that. But I figured, since I am now a seasoned networker (or close to it), I'd throw in a few networking techniques that I use, in case anyone needs a push to get their career search started.
1. Talk to your friends
Yes, we're young and we may not know as many professionals as someone who has been in "Corporate America" for 10-15 years, but we do know some people. And the people that we do know, tend to be younger, more willing to help (likely because they've very recently been in our shoes), and can provide some excellent tips on how to get a foot in the door.
2. Impress your professors and then ask them for their contacts in your field of interest
You'd be amazed how many people fail to utilize their professors for the amazing contacts that they are. They are a student's first step to networking. Get in their good books, subtly inform them of how smart and motivated you are, and they will help you out. Professors always want to see their students do well.
3. Don't be afraid to "cold-call"
Sure, it's frightening. Picking up the phone, dialing an unfamiliar phone number, and having no idea how it'll end. BUT, it's impressive. If someone is bold enough to call without any prior contact, they are very likely to be confident, intelligent, poised. It may not be the case, but a lot of people hold this belief.
Cold calling is doubly effective when you have some sort of common ground with your person of contact. An alumni of your University, someone who worked/works for a company you have been associated with, etc.
The most important thing here, is that you don't get discouraged. Nine times out of ten you won't get a call back. But when you do, it may be the beginning of your big break!
4. Composed a canned "blurb" that you can send out to your contacts
Honestly, no one wants to read your cover letter or a long list of your accomplishments. Talk about your academic concentrations, skim over past experiences, and focus largely on what makes you better than applicant A, B, C. What is the company looking for? And what have you done that addresses this need directly? Play up what makes you different from other prospects.
5. Gauge your contact's formality/informality
This is way more important than you think. When you first get in touch with someone, maintain a sense of professional formality. Don't overkill (ma'am, sir, etc.), but using nonsense words right off the bat could be professional suicide. Take note of the way your contact writes emails "Hey A..." or "A - " or "Dear A" and mimic it. Don't use exclamation points if they don't and really really stray away from smily faces, "haha"s, etc. These are not high school students, they're mature, refined, professionals who never see that crap anymore.
Sorry, one more!
6. Always always try to get your contact on the phone
People get a much better feel for who they're dealing with through mediums other than email. Get the person on their phone (be flexible as possible! We're the ones who are in need of help!) and have a good, decent length conversation (more than 10, but don't push them to talk past 30 if they seem distracted). Always make sure you're the one doing the calling. If they tell you they'll call, there's a possibility they'll forget.
Confirm early the day of the call, or the day before. And afterwards, send a quick email (written out thank you cards are not necessary in this case) thanking them for their time and advice.
I know that I'm no pro, but I've definitely learned a lot throughout this process. I wish I had someone to tell me all of this a year or two ago!
Now get going, hop to it!
Good luck!
A
1 comments:
Who taught you all this??
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