How to Network:
For 2003 New Grads
Diane Darling, author of recently published Networking Survival Guide and founder of Digital Eve, shares the following tips for new grads, many of whom are still looking for jobs as we move into mid-summer. Her tips are also relevant (with some modification) to experienced professionals who have been looking for a while. This is a difficult job market, and some basic principles can make the difference between being memorable and a bad memory for prospective employers. Identify Your Network Pull out a file folder and some post-it notes. Start writing the names of everyone you know—one per post-it note. You'll discover how many people you know. Start grouping people—dorm friends, classmates, professors, family, sports, volunteer, community, etc. Some may be in more than one group. It's tempting to say, "They're a student just like me," but they have families, relatives, and friends. Just write down who you know, and we'll evaluate later. Make a special list of the people who helped you get into college or grad school. This is your inner circle list. Those who wrote letters of recommendation or were a special champion. That list should include family, friends, and career counselors from the past. We'll get to them in a minute. Practice, Practice, Practice Your Pitch Remember everyone listens to the same radio station—WII-FM. That stands for "What's in it for me!" A bad pitch is, "I'm looking for a job." Or "I'm looking for something in high tech." A good pitch is, "I'd like to contribute my skills to a high tech company, such as Microsoft. The area I can help the most is marketing—particularly in their Instant Message department." You want it to be as specific as possible. Even if you are looking at several options. Be specific about each one. What you want is for the listener to think about who they know in their rolodex. "You helped me get into xyz school, now help me get out!" Go to your inner circle list. Send them an email with the above headline. It will definitely get their attention. Write something like this: "Thank you for all the help you provided me getting into Xyz School. I couldn't thank you enough. I had a wonderful experience there. As you know this is one of the most difficult times for a new graduate to get a job. I'd appreciate any introductions you could offer me." "Here are some specifics about what I offer. I'd like to contribute my xyz skills...." and continue your pitch. This isn't something you walk up to a total stranger and say. This is something you share with people who know you. They cannot read your mind, so don't assume they know what you're looking for. As you get more comfortable in your networking efforts, go back to the file folder with the names of everyone you know. Start connecting with others and see who they know. ALWAYS ask if there is anything you can do for the other person. Don't make any assumptions that they have everything. Do More Than Network While most people do get their jobs through networking, in this economy you need to network and much more. Post your resume on job boards Share Results Be sure you let people know the results of their help. If someone introduced you and you got an interview, let him or her know. You don't need to wait until the interview is over, let them know right away. This motivates others to help you. Ask for Feedback Very few people do this, and it can be a killer to a job search. At the end of an information interview, formal interview, conversation with a friend/relative, or anyone—ask for feedback. Be willing to hear it! Dress for the Job You Want, Not the One You Have! The workplace dress code has significantly changed. Even if you're off to meet a family member or friend, dress respectfully. Don't put them in the situation of hesitating to make an introduction because they have no idea of what you'll look like. Write Thank You Notes Go out and get some stationery and stamps. Put them in your briefcase, car, or wherever you will have the easiest access to them. At the end of a meeting, sit in the lobby and write a quick note. This doesn't have to be a novel. Just one or two lines, "Thank you for your time and ideas. I enjoyed our conversation. I'll keep you posted on my search."
© Copyright, Diane Darling, networking expert and author of the newly published, Amazon five-star rated, The Networking Survival Guide: Get the Success You Want By Tapping Into the People You Know, lives and works in Boston. She is founder of Effective Networking and Digital Eve. Her web site is: www.effectivenetworking.com. E-mail her at to tell her your networking "war" stories. © 2003 OnTrack Coaching & Consulting, Inc. All rights reserved. |