When we hear the word "networking," many people think of "doing lunch," selling ourselves, and handing out business cards. If we changed the word to “connecting,” we might feel better about it. Your job search begins with the people you know! Never underestimate their knowledge and influence. Most people really enjoy helping one another when they can. Therefore, if you ask someone for help or information, most people will gladly provide it.
You might not realize it, but you connect with people every day. You can easily use these encounters to your advantage. For example, you have opportunities to network when you:
These are just a few of the many opportunities that you might have for networking. You can use these conversations and connections as ways to learn about business leads, find common areas of interests, and establish a working relationship with a potential mentor or colleague. If you establish a positive, long-term relationship with people, they might be able to refer you to particular job vacancies. Almost 80% of job vacancies today are never advertised! Therefore, most people land jobs based on who they know…not what they know. Networking is a powerful way to get your foot in the door! Don't forget -- you're not asking for a job! You are seeking information, a lead, a contact, or a referral. Think of it as a research project…without a grade.
Check out our Networking Tips (pdf — 199 kb) for more information.
An informational interview is where you interview someone to learn more about their career. Informational interviews are an excellent way to network - event as a freshman. If is your chance to meet with professionals who are working in a career field that interest you. You are not interviewing for a job. You are simply asking questions such as:
For more information about Informational Interviews and how to set one up check out our Informational Interview Handout (pdf — 335 kb). You also can schedule a meeting with one of our CDI staff for assistance with finding a professional to interview.
When approaching recruiters, you only have about 5 minutes to convince them to contact you for a future interview. With that in mind, the more prepared you are, the better you will be able to sell yourself. Preparing a 30 second “commercial” about yourself can help break the ice and get the interaction started in the right direction.
EXAMPLE:
“Hello, my name is Winnie, and I am a senior accounting major at Winthrop University. Last summer I completed an internship in the accounting department of Office Depot. I am interested in broadening my experience, and I read that your company is embarking on a new market in Europe.”
Your introduction should include the following
Tailor your “commercial” to each of the top companies you will approach. When deciding what information to include, consider what is demanded of the position and what skills or traits would allow someone to be successful in that position. Determine how you can fill such requirements (i.e. key skills, characteristics, experiences) and stress those points.
It's often advisable to close with some form of question to transfer the conversation to the recruiter. Still, there are questions recruiters say you should avoid...
Instead, conduct some research ahead of time to gather information about the company. Use this research time to find something about the employer that interests or relates to you (i.e. international customer base, industry relevance, projects, etc ... ), and use that as a base for your questions. For companies you visit that you did not research extensively, follow your introduction with a question such as, ''Could you tell me how someone with my background and could fit into your company?”
Hello, my name is ______, and I am a (year in program/ alumnus of Winthrop University) (majoring in/ with a degree in) ______. Recently, I have been (working/ interning/ volunteering) with ______ in the _____ department to gain experience in ______. My strongest interests lie in (teaching/ management/CIS) ______, so I'm looking for a (summer/currently looking/post graduation) position in ________. I'm particularly interested in (company name) because of ________ and find your companies (enter research findings - new market openings, business strategies, community involvement, etc .. .) particularly interesting. Could you tell me about how this will affect employees in (position of interest)? - or other relevant question.
Once you have prepared your commercial, you need to practice it until you become comfortable enough that you can sell you can exude confidence in its delivery--the recruiter will find you more convincing. Be careful not to cross the line from professional confidence into arrogance or cockiness, as you don't want to push anyone away. Remember to include the basics... maintain good eye contact, good posture, and positive body language, and you should be on the road to success.
Your career consultant can help you practice your elevator pitch.
LinkedIn is the world's largest networking site that allows you to share knowledge and ideas, stay up-to-date on industry and market trends, search career opportunities, and connect with professionals.
Quick Tips
Linkedin profile checklist:
The purpose of an interview is for you to convince employers not only that you can do the job but also that you will be a valuable member of their team. An interview is often the first opportunity an employer has to meet with you, so your first impression is crucial.
Key questions an employer has during an interview:
Stages of an interview:
Case Interview
Sample Case Interview Questions:
Technical Interviews
Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when preparing for a technical interview:
Panel Interviews
Sample Panel Interview Questions:
Behavioral Interviews
Sample Behavioral Interview Questions:
When preparing for your interview, do your research. Know about the company and the position.
1. Researching the Employer
2. Learn as much as you can about the job position and what it requires. The more information you can find, the easier it will be to match yourself to the position.
3. Browse the internet for recent news stories or other information of note. Explore what the news outlets have said, blogs, or general company information sites such as The Riley Guide, Jobweb’s Employer Profiles, or the Atkins Library Databases for Company Research.
4. Check out glassdoor.com or payscale.com for more information on companies and typical interview questions.
5. Contact Alumni found through LinkedIn and Facebook.
Sources:
A mock interview is a practice job interview with a career coach. Mock interviews allow the interviewee to practice effective responses, work on nonverbal communication skills, and become familiar with interview settings. A mock interview can recreate any interview environment, such as in-person, phone, or group interviews.
Interested in a mock interview?