Networking
Networking is simply making connections and building professional relationships with others. It is a powerful tool that can help you both explore career options and expand your opportunities to secure positions.
A high percentage of jobs are obtained through networking. Connecting with people out in the workplace will help you make better career decisions, write stronger resumes and cover letters, and conduct a more efficient and effective job search. Every day you have an opportunity to network and you never know where a conversation might lead.
Networking is NOT
- Asking immediately for a job
- A quick process
- A one-way process
- For outgoing people only
Networking IS:
- Building relationships
- Planned or unplanned
- Intentional
- A two-way process
- For all types of personalities
- A mindset
Who is in your network?
Your network consists of everyone you know and your potential network is made up of everyone you have yet to meet. This can include, but is not limited to, family, friends, peers, and colleagues. The beauty of connecting is that your network also includes people they know and can expand to alumni, people who used to work for the same organization, and more. Many of these people should have an understanding of the kind of work you want to do, and perhaps know some of your key strengths.
How to Build Your Network:
Career Conversations, a.k.a. Informational Interviews
|
Employer Information Sessions
|
Meet Ups
|
Career & Internship and Graduate & Professional School Fairs
|
Alumni Events
|
|
One Network
|
How to Reach Out to Begin a Conversation
While you network, it is beneficial to communicate clearly and professionally. When reaching out digitally, try drafting your messages ahead of time to ensure they are error free. Always be polite and reasonable with requests and be sure to follow up with a thank you message. Make sure to keep track of who you have contacted so you can follow up if appropriate.
Professional correspondence can show potential connections that you are prepared to succeed in a professional environment. The information and samples provided below can help you communicate well in the professional world. Your new connections might originate through a LinkedIn connection, family or friend referral, or an organization’s contact page from their website.
Initial Outreach Talking Points
|
Sample: Initial OutreachDear Ms. Evans: I am a junior at William & Mary with an interest in wildlife conservation and education, and was excited to see your position of Marketing Director at the Indianapolis Zoo on your LinkedIn profile. I wanted to reach out to a William & Mary alum in this field and was hoping you could provide me with some advice and information. My experience at the Heritage Humane Society has sparked my desire to seek an internship at a zoo this summer. I know this field is competitive, and want to best prepare myself as an applicant. Public outreach is an interest of mine, and I was impressed by the variety of programs in place through your department. Is it possible to schedule a brief (30 minutes) phone meeting with you to learn more about the organization and your career path? I am available Monday and Wednesday evenings after 5:00pm and Thursdays at 12:00pm, and can be flexible for other options if those times don’t work for you. Thank you for your time and consideration. Rebecca Greengold Sample: Initial Outreach (300 character limit) My name is Todd and I’m a senior economics major at W&M. Your professional background mirrors some of my own goals in finance. I’d greatly appreciate it if you’d be willing to set up a time for a short chat via Zoom or phone so I can learn more about your background and advice for a new W&M grad. Sample: Initial Outreach (200 character limit) Hello, I am a senior econ major at W&M pursuing a career in finance. I found your profile and would love to learn more about your experiences. Would you be open to having a quick virtual chat? |
Sample: Staying in TouchHi Susan: I hope you are well, and enjoying the beautiful fall colors. During our conversation over the summer, we discussed my volunteer position at the Heritage Humane Society and the events we were planning. I am happy to report that all three were successful! I further developed my photography and graphic design skills with the "Tails on the Trail" and "Drool in the Pool" events, and enjoyed blogging for the "Animal Camp" program. You can see and read the event highlights at www.heritagehs.org/events. I'm looking forward to my junior year at William & Mary and hope we'll continue to stay in touch. Have a great day! Rebecca |
Your "Elevator" PitchYou should develop and practice saying your 20-second self-branding introduction. In more social situations, you would only pull this out if someone asks you what you do. However, in a more job-focused conversation, such as at a career fair, this will be one of the first things you say after introducing yourself.
|