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NETWORKING SUCCESSFULLY TO FIND A JOB
Have you heard of the employer who pays a bonus to any
employee who makes a successful referral for a job opening?
Employers are hungry for job candidates who
are referred by a trusted source, or whose work and personality traits they
have already observed. For this reason, they invest heavily in employee
referral programs, internship programs, attending job fairs, cultivating
alliances with student organizations and career centers that can help them
meet prospective job candidates.
This is why the practice of networking should play a big role in your job
search strategies. Networking, “the process of interacting with others to
develop relationships, reach a goal, or gather information”, is something to
put into practice early in your academic career. You may believe you have no
network, but your college years afford you many advantages to build one.
Get an internship or volunteer. Getting experience in your
prospective career field is invaluable for your resume. But it also
introduces your skills and talents to a new circle of allies who can vouch
for your abilities.
Join a student professional association. The Science Society,
Accounting Society, and PRSSA are examples of student professional groups
related to a specific career path. Many are affiliated with professional
chapters in the filed. Fellow members share contacts and advice, and
activities frequently include guest speakers at meetings, attending seminars
and conferences, and job shadowing programs—all with the potential to
generate contacts for your network. |
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Find a mentor. A career counselor from Student Development, an
internship supervisor, or a favorite faculty member are examples of people
who can offer you insights into your career path, and leads for future
contacts or employment opportunities.
Attend recruitment events. Job fairs, career mixers, and resume
clinics draw a large concentration of employers to one location. Don’t miss
such opportunities to put a face with your name. Ask questions, collect
business cards, and be ready to hand out your resume.
Get to know your classmates. Classmates are yearning for career
success just as you are. Swap sources and advice. Many already work. Their
employer may have your ideal job.
Plug into your existing network. Share your future plans with Gym
mates, carpool partners, neighbors, relatives, friends, and fellow members
of book clubs, religious organizations, poker groups and softball teams.
They can offer the one referral or connection you need to approach a
particular employer.
Do your homework. While we do not suggest that you take a resume
everywhere you go, do consider all your interactions as moments to sell
yourself. Script a mini-monologue about your professional goals and the
background you bring to the job market. Take time to familiarize yourself
with new faces and learn about their background.
Follow up with a thank you note. If a mentor, recruiter, colleague or
friend has been particularly helpful, don’t overlook the courtesy of a
“thank you” note or email. It’s not only good manners, but can also refuel
their enthusiasm for assisting you to achieve your goal.
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Last updated Tue, Apr 10, 2007, 5:00 pm, by Webmanager |
