Networking
Networking is the most efficient and effective way to find employment.
The vast majority of job openings are never advertised or publicly announced, but filled through networking contacts. The old saying, “it’s not what you know, but who you know” makes networking the most effective and efficient way to find employment.
Networking means developing a broad list of contacts and accessing them when looking for a job. The best place to start developing your network is with your family, friends, and neighbors. Expand your network with your career coach, alumni, professors, and professionals working in your field.
Continue to broaden your network through volunteering, participating in extra-curricular activities, completing co-op/internship experiences, and joining professional student organizations. Your career coach can help you identify alumni in the Student Alumni Mentor Network who have volunteered to help students in their networking efforts.
“Students think networking is about who you know, but it is also about who knows you .”
-Bill Scott, GE American Communications
Informational interviews with professionals working in your field will help you gain more information about an occupation or an industry. These individuals can also help you expand your network by referring you to their colleagues and co-workers. You can conduct your informational interviews in person, by telephone, or via e-mail. Ask the individual what he/she prefers.
Prior to scheduling informational interviews, make sure you have a well-developed, targeted resume. Your career coach can help to ensure you are marketing your qualifications appropriately. During the informational interview, ask for advice on your resume and offer to leave a copy with your contact. Make sure to send a follow-up thank you letter/e-mail in a timely fashion showing your appreciation for your contact’s time and assistance.
Consider developing a spreadsheet or database for organizing your networking contacts. This will help you track the contact you’ve had with this ever-expanding list! Remember, in order for your networking contacts to remember you and your skills, you must continue communicating.
Above all, networking is a skill that requires practice and patience. You will use these networking skills throughout your career. Every relationship you develop increases the likelihood of your getting a job offer!
-Bill Scott, GE American Communications
Sources for Building Your Network
- Alumni and Employer Networks Via Career Services
- Alumni Organizations (Student Alumni Association at USU)
- Faculty and Advisors
- Extra-Curricular Clubs and Professional Organizations
- Former Work-Related Contacts
- Family Members, Friends, and Neighbors
- Sororities and Fraternities
- Classmates
- Church Groups
- Hobby Groups, Sport Groups, Fitness Facilities
- Conferences, Seminars, Workshops
- Political Groups
- Service Professionals (doctors, dentists, insurance agents, etc.)
- Volunteer Organizations
Steps to Networking: Conducting an Effective Informational Interview
Emphasize your appreciation
The interview will begin with a few minutes of small talk - the weather, traffic, mutual acquaintances, a humorous observation. Next, you should initiate the interview by emphasizing your appreciation.
"Thank you again for taking time to see me today. I appreciate your willingness to speak with me about my career plans."
State your purpose for calling
"I am in the process of exploring several job and career alternatives. I know what I do well and enjoy doing; but before I make any decisions, I am trying to benefit from the counsel of individuals who have experience in the area of _________. I am particularly interested in learning more about opportunities, necessary skills, responsibilities, advantages, disadvantages, and the future for this field."
Examples of Informational Interviewing Questions
- How did you go about finding your job?
- What strategies would you recommend for getting a job in your field or with your company?
- Will my education prepare me for a job in your field? If not, where am I deficient?
- What do you do in a typical workday?
- To whom should I send a resume and may I use your name as a contact?
- What is the availability of housing and the cost of living in this area?
- What skills are necessary to perform well in your position?
- Do you know of anyone else I could speak to about this type of position or who might have an interest in my background?
Send a thank-you / e-mail note
Not only do you want to let the professional know that you appreciate the time spent with you, but you may also want to use him/her as a valuable contact further along in your career search. Reiterate your wish to be remembered and referred.
Speak with a career coach in the Career Services Center if you would like further instruction. We welcome the opportunity to talk with you.
