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You hear about networking A LOT. So much so that maybe it starts to sound like a mythical creature with magical powers? Even though it seems that everyone and their mother is stressing the importance of networking, you may have a lot of questions about how it really happens. How do you go from finding an alum on LinkedIn to having an advocate at your dream organization? How often should you reach out? What do you talk about in your conversation with this person you found?
We’ll start to provide an overview here but also strongly encourage you to talk more with your Career Coach to develop your strategy, practice your approach, and prepare for confident connections:
- Beat the black hole: When you’re submitting your resume as one of 100,000+ applications for some positions, your networking contacts can help your resume get plucked out from the masses or get a little extra star to make it stand out from the stack! Having connections can also help you learn more about the industry and organization in ways that can help you discern if that’s the right fit for you (before you scatter your resume far and wide!) and also help you “speak the language” in your interviews (after you’ve passed the extreme sifting). Sometimes networking contacts can help you get an interview but most importantly, networking adds a personal touch to what can often feel like a cold numbers game.
- Find a new friend: Use LinkedIn to search for alumni on the WashU alumni page or the Olin page. Find an alum with something in common (shared affiliation, club or organization, major, interest, or contact) and in your industry or role of interest by using the keyword search feature.
- Get to a “yes” quickly: When you send a networking invitation, provide enough context about you and your connection but keep the note brief enough that the other person can (and will!!) respond easily. Here’s a sample to get you started but adapt it to fit you and your needs:
- “Hi [their name], I’m a [year in school] studying [major field generally] at WashU. I’m interested in [career field/rationale for exploration] and would love to hear more about your experience at [their company]. If you have 15 minutes next week, I’d love to connect to talk about [something you want to know about their experience]. I look forward to hearing from you! Thank you!”
- Do your homework: Research your new contact and their organization to build tailored questions and leverage the bank of informational interviewing questions for guidance, as you prepare.
- Listen to learn: Conduct a meaningful informational interview that includes research and also organic conversation. Ask questions that you actually want answered (not just fluff that you think will flatter them) and respond accordingly. Build a relationship by having a genuine interaction.
- Cultivate your relationship: There’s often a lot of confusion and concern about how to evolve the relationship, how often to follow up with contacts, and how to do it. Of course, this can vary person to person, depending on each individual’s style, but build a genuine relationship by establishing trust, instead of treating the conversation as a transaction. In your conversations, take notes and be proactive about the next steps. When you get advice or suggestions for your next steps, complete them and then follow up to let them know. If you have exciting news, share it with them. If you know there’s a milestone in their world, check in and celebrate. Track your interactions and engage with your key contacts periodically, according to what feels natural for you and them (probably in the neighborhood of monthly, quarterly or semiannually, depending on stage of the recruiting process and kind of relationship).
- Engage in a public forum: If a contact (person or organization) is posting something on LinkedIn, engage with it! Read it and react to it! By commenting on it, you are engaging with content in a public forum and get a lot of exposure. You’re also showing an interest in whatever they think is interesting, which is the best way to build a bond!
- Be persistent: We often talk about meaningful relationships, mentorships, and advocates as the ultimate objectives of networking but sometimes one conversation is only going to be one conversation. And sometimes it might take more than one outreach to schedule someone or many emails to get someone who is willing to chat. Keep at it! If there isn’t a fit, take your nuggets and keep the party moving. As long as you get one new kernel of information, it was worth your time. And if you don’t even get one kernel, chalk it up as great practice. The more you do, the easier and more natural they get!
- Show appreciation: Always, always, always follow up promptly with a thank you note that references something from your interaction. And look for ways you can add value and show that you value the relationship.
Schedule an appointment with your Career Coach to talk about your approach in more detail!