STEP-BY STEP NETWORKING WALKTHROUGH

STEP 1: IDENTIFY YOUR CONTACTS. Start with the big four: Family, Friends, Alumni, and Faculty.

STEP 2: CONTACT YOUR CONTACTS. Write, email, or call your contacts and describe your situation to' them (i.e. "I am looking for a job in _____industry, do you know anything about that industry?",' "I've been trying to find a job in ___, do you happen to know anyone in that industry? Do you' have any advice for me?", I'm not quite sure about what I want to do with my life do you have a' few minutes to talk to me about your line of work?")

STEP 3: FOLLOW UP WITH YOUR CONTACTS. Call your contacts to see how they are doing and to update' them on your job search. Ideally, you should create a schedule to ensure that you are constantly checking in with your contacts. Plan on contacting your contacts every few months if you are in the middle of a job search; every 3-6 months if you already have attained a job so that you can maintain those contacts.

WHERE TO NETWORK
EVERYWHERE!
FRIENDS, FAMILY
FACULTY
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS		 BIGGEST NETWORKING MISTAKES:
NOT ASKING FOR HELP
NOT KEEPING IN TOUCH
BURNING BRIDGES
MAINTAINING YOUR NETWORK

CONTACT YOUR NETWORK TWICE A
YEAR
KEEP A RECORD OF ALL THE
CONTACTS WITH WHICH YOU HAVE
SEARCHED FOR JOBS
CONTINUE TO INCREASE YOUR
NETWORK		 HAVE A NETWORKING PLAN:
  • MAKE A LIST OF EXISTING CONTACTS
  • CREATE NEW CONTACTS BY
    CONDUCTING INFORMATIONAL
    INTERVIEWS OR ASKING YOUR
    EXISTING CONTACTS FOR REFERENCES
  • CONCENTRATE YOUR CONTACTS IN
YOUR DESIRED JOB FIELD

STEP THREE: Take ACTION!

Once you've done your research, you can take the information you have and the methods you want to employ and create your own personalized job search!

  • First, create a list of prospective employers. Then narrow that list down to a more manageable number and research those employers more thoroughly.
  • Second, contact those specific employers through whatever job search method(s) you choose. Always follow up on your initial contact with an employer and keep records of your contacts.
  • Third, be persistent and do not give up if some of your contacts fail to produce results.

THE RESUME

Without a good resume, the most successful job search is futile. A superior resume gets your foot in the door for an interview with the jobs you target in your search. If you need some help with your resume, pick up a Resume Guidelines booklet in Career Services or go online to access the booklet. For more information, make an appointment with a career counselor.


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