What is it?

• Connecting with people and then nurturing the relationships.

• Learning about career fields and jobs.

• Expanding the list of people who are interested in helping you succeed.

• Tapping into the hidden job market and learning about job opportunities that are never advertised.

• One of the most effective strategies for staying on the radar screen when jobs are available!

It is NOT…

• An interview for employment.

• A guarantee of employment or employability.

• Business card swapping at a meeting or conference.

Why do it?

• KNOWLEDGE! Learn about positions, companies, industries, career fields, career

• Get a sense of your “fit” within the field, company, position.

• Get your name “out there” and “open doors.” Your contact may think of you when an opening occurs.

• Gain confidence in your ability to describe your interests, skills, values AND to articulate in subsequent “real” interviews why you are the ideal candidate for a given position.

How to do it?

• Generate a list of everyone you know – personal, professional, academic. Think HUGELY! Do NOT discount someone simply because you think s/he doesn't know anyone.

• Categorize your list and prioritize the categories by significance (most likely to be knowledgeable/helpful) OR by comfort level (most familiar to least.)

• Create a database or file of contacts related to your career interests. Maintain manageable records.

• Do your homework:

• Know yourself: skills, interests, values, personality.

• Inventory your accomplishments.

• Research careers, companies, industries.

• Plan and practice your opener. Discuss this with a friend, colleague, or counselor first if desired.

• Make your move! Send an email or letter first; follow with a phone call. Or simply CALL! Be persistent but not pesty!

• Follow-up! Call again within a week if no response. Arrange a "meeting" in person or by phone. Ask for 20-30 minutes only. You could get even luckier!

• Set the tone. Know why you are calling and what you hope to learn (career exploration and information, mentoring, internship or job search advice, graduate or professional school guidance, etc.) You are NOT asking for a job!

• Most important question: Who else would you recommend that I contact for additional information?

• Send a thank you note within 48 hours - the sooner the better! A letter or Email is OK!

• Maintain connections. Keep those in your network appraised of your new decision, jobs and successes.

• Never stop networking!

• Be patient. Networking takes time.

Whom do I contact?

• Use your prioritized list of contacts.

• Use BRUnet

• Continually develop your networks: friends, family, friends of family, family of friends, neighbors, classmates (Brown and high school), community members, current or former teachers/professors, co-workers, mentors, contacts from your personal medical or legal community, professional memberships, religious organizations, community service volunteers (peers and supervisors), etc

What do I ask? (Tailor and add to these according to your needs)

• How did you get started in this work?

• What was your concentration at Brown? Graduate work?

• How have you managed your career since that first job? (career path)

• What types of internships did you have? What types do you recommend?

• What do you most enjoy about your work? Least enjoy?

• What is a typical day like?

• What is the future for this industry?

• What qualifications/competencies/skills are needed to break into this field/industry?

• What other skills are valued in this industry?

• What types of work/leadership/volunteer experiences do you look for in candidates?

• What next steps do you recommend?

• Would you critique my resume?

• What is your opinion of portfolios?

• Who else (in your company/industry) should I contact?

Related Articles

• Networking Resources from Texas A & M (Outstanding materials!)

• http://www.happycareer.com/html/networking_strategiesfor_shy_pro.asp

• A Good Network is a Circle of Friends - Part One and Part Two

• The QuintCareers Networking Resources

• Networking Doesn't Have to Be “Cheesy.” Just Go with Who You Know

• Brand Yourself in Your Networking Contacts' Minds

• Networking Scenarios

Specifically for International Students

• Business Culture Guides

• Proverbs: Windows into Other Cultures

• Networking Means Different Things in Different Countries

BE 07/11/05