Networking:

sharing and exchanging ideas with people whether in a professional, academic or social setting. It is through networking that we build relationships throughout our life.

Networking in the job search process:

telling everyone you know that you are looking for a job, and asking them for advice, suggestions, and contacts.

Each individual that you network with:

• may know someone who is hiring
• may know someone who may be hiring
• may know someone in a company you are interested in
• may know someone who may know someone who fits one of the first criteria

Make a list of the people you know:

• Classmates
• Friends who have recently graduated
• Professors
• Supervisors and fellow workers
• Professionals you have met (presenters in class, your parents' stockbroker)
• Parents, uncles, cousins
• Parents' friends
• CAREER SERVICES - contacts with lots of recruiters and other professionals
• Contacts from career fairs that you have attended
• Ask An Alum and Friends program
• People in professional associations in your area of interest that you join. Some associations can be found here:
  • Associations Unlimited (only current UW-Eau Claire students, faculty and staff may connect to these databases from outside the library)
  • Yahoo: Professional Associations
  • Scholarly Societies Project

How to network

Contact these people and tell them you are graduating soon (or seeking an internship). Have prepared approximately a 10 second explanation of the kind of job that you are seeking.

Example:

"I have experience in visual basic programming and a degree in Management Information Systems and am looking for a programming position in Madison."

Ask if they can suggest someone for you to talk to who has a connection with the industry or position that you have identified. If you have a particular organization in mind, ask if they know anyone within that organization.

Ask them to keep you in mind should they hear of any positions or prospects and offer to send them a copy of your resume.

Develop a prospect list and contact each of the individuals to whom you have been referred, mentioning the referring party's name if you have been given permission to do so.

Ask each of them for a referral and ask them to keep you in mind should they hear of anything. Offer to send your resume.

Rules for networking

• Don't ask ask for a position. Rather, ask for help and advice.
• If you're contacting someone who doesn't know you, introduce yourself succinctly. Tell the person how, where or from whom you got her name and why you are contacting her.
• Be polite and use good manners and good interpersonal skills. Make a good impression.
• Stay positive. Even if job searching is getting you down, don't let it show. No one wants to hire (or recommend) someone who has a gloomy attitude. On the other hand, enthusiasm and positive attitude are infectious.
• Be articulate and ask intelligent questions.
• Thank everyone and keep in contact to let them know your progress. Write thank you letters to anyone who spoke with you. Leave a good impression.