Networking

Webster's Tenth Edition of the Collegiate Dictionary defines a network as: an interconnected chain, group or system. It defines networking as: the exchange of information or services among individuals.

With 75-80% of jobs never making it to print, networking is the most important method of finding out about jobs. Never underestimate the importance of the people you know and meet. They can open doors and provide information that you would/could never find on your own. So how do I establish and maintain my network?

Make a list of all the people you know. Anyone you know might be able to help. Utilize other career resources and alumni contacts located in Career Services. Try doing Information Interviews (to obtain career information or advice from a person who share a common interest or who works in a possible interest). Call the office to make this request.

Find out what kind of work they do and who they work for. Focus on the ones who work with a company or in a field that interests you. Call them and let them know your status as an "information seeker." Ask them for a meeting to discuss their career. Assure them that the meeting will take no more than thirty minutes. People are usually flattered when someone is interested in what they do. (See Questions To Ask During A Networking Interview).

Be specific with your questions and let them know you are not applying for a job. You will get a lot further if you simply ask for information about their career, since usually they are willing to give information freely but are not always ready to help you get a job.

When your meeting ends ask the person for the name(s) of others in their field or company that they think could give you additional information. Always send them a thank you note for taking their time to meet with you and for providing information.

Advantages of Networking

• You will be exposed to the hidden 75 - 80% of unadvertised jobs.
• You are less likely to encounter rejection since you are not asking for a job.
• Instead you are asking for information, referrals and TO BE REMEMBERED.
• You will encounter little competition for the "hidden" jobs.
• You are more likely to be invited to job interviews based on referrals you receive.
• You go directly to the people who have influence on the hiring process.
• You will be considered when a contact hears of a job, and may be referred.

Does it Work?

Imagine you are an employer. There is a position in your company that is open and needs to be filled. Which of the following would you be more likely to interview: (1) an unknown person who answers a classified advertisement, (2) an unknown person who mails you a resume, or (3) a friend recommended by one of your workers. The "friend" wins hands down; because all the other applicants are unknowns. This is the power of networking. It allows you to create and maintain a list of contacts. It is a source of information that is active and up to date and it gets you noticed!

Questions to Ask During a Networking Interview

• What types of skills are needed to perform this kind of work?
• What do you like/dislike about your work?
• What are the advancement opportunities in this field of work?
• How did you find out about this job?
• What are the usual salary ranges for entry into this type of work?
• What is the best way to approach prospective employers in this type of work?
• Could you describe a typical work day for me?
• How would I acquire the skills needed to perform this type of work?

Please send any comments or questions to Career Services Center.