Career Services: Networking
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By now you have set a realistic career goal that matches your experience
and skills. You should also have a resume available for any opportunities
that may arise. Now is the time to make contacts with those in your
field of choice to find leads to organizations that are hiring.
You already have a network of people who are familiar to you. And
those people know many other people. Your sources for networking
are endless!
- Tell everyone you know that you are searching for a job. Distribute
copies of your resume to family, friends, parents of friends,
former employers, and college classmates. Keep copies on hand
for newly introduced acquaintances.
- Ask for referrals to persons at companies/organizations for
whom you would like to work. Get contact information and any personal
details that may be helpful. Ask if you may use his or her name
when you introduce yourself. Better yet, would he/she make the
introduction?
- Before you reach for the phone, be prepared. Educate yourself
about the company and know what you want to say about yourself.
Have several questions ready to show your interest and knowledge
of the company. Taking notes or writing a script of what you want
to say may be helpful to get you through the first few calls.
- Contact the referrals by phone. Introduce yourself and immediately
mention the mutual friend, colleague, or whoever referred you.
State your reason for calling and request a meeting to discuss
job leads or career advice. Be prepared to share information about
yourself and your experience/skills. (NOTE: If the person to whom
you are speaking is not in charge of hiring, you might ask for
a referral to that person.)
- Before ending a conversation, whether or not it produces a meeting,
ask for referrals of others who may be of assistance to you.
- Finally, but never to be forgotten is the thank you letter.
Writing a thank you letter to those who assist you is not only
a way to show your appreciation, but also to remind them of you
and your job search.
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