Networking Resources

While you certainly want to take advantage of The Edge and job posting services such as Monster, you should also use networking to broaden and improve your opportunities. It is estimated that 80% of jobs are found through networking.

Networking can accomplish three important things:

You can gain introductions to people who may control job opportunities.
Typically, companies would rather not have to post in public job openings. Networking can help you identify job opportunities earlier in the cycle, giving you a competitive advantage.
You can gain feedback from your contacts regarding your resume and how to optimize how you present yourself

How Networking Works

Identify contacts at target companies: Contact Sources

Classmates -- and second year students
Alumni
Professors
BCC -- career coach, alumni network, CARS
Co-workers from past full-time and part-time jobs
Friends, family, acquaintances
Business publications

Repeatedly will tell people:

Who you are
What you are looking for
How they can be of help to you

How to start

Prepare a concise introduction with key skills, experiences, and accomplishments -- 25 second in-person introduction
Pare it down for phone calls -- 10 seconds
Who you are, your situation, what you’re looking for in job opportunities
What you can offer that sets you apart

Preparation before the contact

Want the person to meet or talk with you over the phone
To learn more about the company, gain feedback about your job search strategy, and gain some contacts
About your situation and gain some contacts
For contacts if you heard that person knows someone at your target company
Want the person to be aware of your situation so he/she thinks of you when something arises

How It Works -- E-Mail, Letter Contacts

Determine the right person, preferably from a referral
Make sure the name spelling and address is correct
Develop an e-mail/letter that highlights your special skills; don’t include your resume; you’re asking for a time to meet or talk
Follow up with the individual by phone after a few days to obtain a time to meet or talk. (see point about voice mail)
Follow up on any action items

How It Works -- Call Contacts

Call the contact at your company of choice; preferably not HR
Call again until you catch the individual (see point about voice mail)
Request the opportunity to talk (see list of questions; how to handle phone objections -- be polite)
If no satisfaction, move on to another person in company (seek another contact from other sources); refine your approach
Repeat process and be sure to follow through and follow up

Meeting Contacts

Look your best -- act like it’s an interview
Be prepared
Have an objective
Prepare your questions ahead
Verify how much time you have to talk; respect it
Take notes
Don’t talk about problems; be upbeat and positive
Ask for names; at least two -- "Do you know of any others who might be helpful for me to talk with?"
Show your gratitude -- ALWAYS send a thank you note

Follow-up

Anyone passing along your resume or receiving your introductory note and resume needs your follow up
Don’t wait for them to get back to you unless specifically stated
Wait the suggested period of time and follow up

Resources

In our office:

Career Handbooks that will help you with:

Suggested sources for contacts
Scripts for networking calls
Suggested topics/questions
Thank you letter
Handling phone objections
Handling voice mail
Tracking worksheet

Landing the Job You Want: Wetfeet Press
Dynamite Networking for Dynamite Jobs, Krannich and Krannich