You’re about to graduate college and you learn that just sending out your resume will yield low results in finding a job. The combination of applying for jobs and networking is the key to get your foot in the door. Since colleges don’t have a course on how to network, it seems intimidating. The most frequent question from our clients is how to make a networking conversation productive and comfortable for both parties. We recommend you have a well thought out plan before each conversation.
Listed below are some tips to help you get started:
- Start by telling them how much you appreciate their time
- Come with a prefab icebreaker … go on LinkedIn and see if you have anything in common or discuss how you got connected in the first place
- Set the stage by stating your goal of the conversation- to seek their advice on your career
- Have prepared questions to get them talking:
- How did you get your foot in the door(industry and company)?
- What skills are necessary to be successful?
- What is a typical day like?
- What do you like about your job and industry?
- What are some of the challenges you face?
- If you did it all over again what would you do differently?
5. The close…
- Based on our conversation, are there any openings at your company?
- Do you have anyone you can connect me with to further build my network?
- If yes, ask for a warm introduction
