In a world of online applications, downsizing markets and intense competition to be “the best” candidate, the art of networking is a proven strategy to help those seeking positions humanize the process and put a face with the words on the paper.
Creating contacts with people in the field you so desperately want to enter, is actually easier than you think. While it seems daunting and intimidating to reach out to a “grown-up,” you might be surprised to learn how many adults out there are just resources waiting to be tapped and cannot wait to help out those entering the real world.
To make the process seem more approachable conquerable, here are some quick and easy tips to keep in mind when reaching out to people and some recommended steps to building a network that presents you in the best light come application time.
1. Determine your goal
Seems easy, but it may be more difficult than you think. In order for others to help you, you need to have an idea of what you want. Don’t stress about having a specific plan just yet, that gets fleshed out over time. Make simple goals: You want to work on Wall Street. You don’t want to work on Wall Street. You want to work for a non-profit that has a heavy emphasis on childcare. What do you like to do? There are no limits. If you want to be famous, tell yourself you are going to be a star and you will be surprised at how your network will expand and start connecting you to be the people that will help you get what you want.
2. Use your school’s resources
Career Services can seem unapproachable, and sometimes it can feel like they’re leaving the entire decision up to you. You walk into their office and just want someone to hand you a golden envelope with your future job description, but then they ask you all of these questions that just continue to confuse you.
Even better, if you’re in specific school, see if they have a career services department. They will have resources tailored specifically to your major and you won’t have to worry about sorting through a million different options. Many career services have alumni directories on their websites-USE THEM. Alumni directories are so precious and remember, the alumni are in there for a reason! They want you to use them as a contact. Reach out to as many people as you can. If an alum does not work for your dream company, that’s OK. At one point they may have and you would be surprised to learn how small many industries really are. Once you’ve established a connection with a helpful alum, feel free to ask if they have any contacts at other companies you’re interested in pursuing.
3. Find a Mentor
After reaching out to several people and connecting with them, continue to stay on their radar . Ask, “Is it OK if I contact you in the future with more questions?” More than likely, they will say yes. Also, keep them updated on your school activities related to your major or career and your internships. Just drop them a quick email to let them know you’re still thinking about them so they keep thinking about you.
Find someone who is interested in helping you…someone willing to guide you and someone you feel comfortable asking questions that you might think are stupid. Establishing a connection with someone who is more experienced will help you understand what is to come in the path to your dream career.
4. Be a good Mentee
Finding someone willing to help you is huge—so don’t blow it! It’s easy. Send them an email with updates, send them articles you think are interesting, etc. Many employers have told me receiving Christmas cards from former interns is a nice touch. It isn’t brown-nosing. You’re going above and beyond. Show them that Building your Network is the same as building friendships. Be interested in what they are doing and offer friendly suggestions or pitch ideas when you can.
5. Email
PROOFREAD YOUR EMAILS!!! I cannot stress this enough. Have a friend look it over before you send it. Typos and grammatical errors will grab a future employer’s attention and not in a good way. Make them short and to the point. Should they respond, you can include more details. You will risk losing their attention if your email is longer than two paragraphs.
Emails are also extremely easy to ignore. Do not feel guilty if you try to reach out to them multiple times. Professional inboxes can receive more than 200 emails per day. Resending your message will move it to the top of their inbox and maybe at that moment they’ll have a chance to send you quick response.
If you really want to meet someone, then don’t be afraid to pick up the phone, propose a video chat, or arrange a face-to-face meeting. These communication channels are usually less crowded and more personal, which means that your message will be more memorable. Email can be a great tool, but don’t be afraid to mix it up. An employer will have a new higher level of respect for you if they are able to see you are dedicated and willing to pursue this career in every way possible.
6. Follow up
Make it a point to reconnect. After meeting or speaking with someone for the first time, follow up with a brief email thanking them for the opportunity to speak with them. Include memorable moments of your talk so they know you were paying attention. This will lead to future conversations and let them know you’re serious.
Putting the time in now will make it easier to put in time in the future. Connecting, reaching out, moving outside of your comfort zone all become routine with practice.
You just have to start somewhere, so why not now?
Sources:
Passive Panda: http://passivepanda.com/networking-tips
Photos:
Title Photo:Social Networking (photo): http://www.designcontest.com/blog/tag/networking/
Find a Mentor: Company Alumni Private Network (photo): http://www.conferenceroom24-7.com/test.page
Email (photo): http://fiverr.com/skhalid/proof-read-your-business-email-or-memo-and-rew…
Career Services: Career Balloons St. Edwards University (photo): http://think.stedwards.edu/careerservices/sites/think.stedwards.edu.careerservices/files/pictures/Career%20ballons.jpg