Job Search Strategies - Networking
A deliberate process of establishing a network of connections in order to find
career-related information. Estimates locate the amount of unadvertised jobs at around
80%. These are positions that are filled not be advertising, but by employers using their one "networks".
What you will need:
- Self-knowledge:
- What kinds of positions, industries, companies are you looking for?
- What are the skills/assets that you offer?
- Research on the particular industry.
- A list of contacts to begin with.
- A short introduction of yourself:
- Background
- Career and academic interests
- Tracking method.
- Résumé (and cover letter if you are writing to initiate contact).
What you will do:
- Develop a list of contacts.
- Friends of family
- Family of friends
- Former supervisors
- Faculty
- Recruiters from on-campus information sessions
- Professional organizations
- Review list and prioritize.
- Conduct information interviews to explore career areas, expand the list, start developing the list.
- Make contacts with members of your list. Be honest about your reason for contacting them. Typical reasons:
- You are beginning your job search and need some advice.
- You need some information about a specific job.
- You want to discuss the profession, industry, or future areas of opportunity.
- Could they please look at your résumé?
- Do they know of someone to contact to discover more information?
- If you are telephoning, be sensitive to their time - ask if they have a minute to talk with you.
- Always say how you got their name.
- State clearly how you want them to assist you.
- Send a thank-you letter!!!
- Don't forget this part: Make sure they know how to contact you.
