Networking

What is Networking?

Networking is a process of building relationships. Successful networking is about building your personal brand, learning about best practices in a career field or industry, and identifying and making meaningful connections with individuals with whom you can engage in mutually beneficial exchanges of information. Ultimately, networking is one of the most effective ways to find a job.

Throughout your career (including while in college), you want to build relationships so people know who you are, what you are capable of, and what you have to offer. By networking, you will gather information about career fields or industries that interest you, individuals who are industry leaders, and organizations that may be potential employers.

Even when you have a job, you want to always continue networking! You network to sustain and grow your professional connections and to benefit your existing organization; networking is NOT only about finding a job. However, the more networking connections you have, the better position you are in for your next career move.

When done well, networking is not “schmoozing” – a commonly used term that implies that networking is fake, phony, or completely motivated by self-interest. It is true that some people will quickly introduce themselves at an event, hand you a business card, and then a moment later move on to another person. This is not a good practice.

In order for networking to be effective, you have to find mutually interesting or beneficial topics of conversation. You might feel like you have nothing to offer someone in return, but you might be surprised how you CAN be of assistance to others once good conversation starts happening.

What I Must DO - Important Overall Advice About Networking

Be clear about your career goals and where you are headed professionally. Start by thinking about what drew you to your major? What career options are related to that major?
What is your style? Are you comfortable approaching people over email, as part of a group, one-on-one? Build on your strengths and challenge yourself to try new ways of reaching out to people. Get feedback from friends about what they like about you and makes you good company-those are qualities to remind yourself of as you network with people.
When you attend a meeting or a group, have a goal for talking to at least 3 people before the end of the semester. Volunteer to read the announcements or take minutes. Look into leadership positions. Attend meetings and sponsored events on campus regularly.
Be genuine. If you are talking to people without a genuine interest in who they are, and are rushing to give them your resume, they might question the sincerity of your interest. Why should someone help you out? What do you have to offer them in return for their time and energy spent on you?
Be respectful of other people's time and what they have to offer. Talking about yourself at inappropriate lengths will not open doors. Be sure to send a 'thank you' for referrals or any time a contact invests in you. Ask if it is okay to send a copy of your resume and don't do it right after your first communication with the person.
Observe or talk to people who you think are great at networking and think about what skills or qualities they possess. Maybe even adapt their style to work for you!
Get in the habit of asking for business cards. Make a note on the back to jog your memory about the person or event where you met. Use a professional networking site such as LinkedIn to keep a list of your networks and possibly have access to their networks as well. Remember, professional information only: Tips for Creating a Professional LinkedIn Profile and How to Network Professionally Online.
Don't get discouraged. If someone says that they don't know or have any opportunities, ask them when might be a better time to contact them for possibilities.
DON'T STOP NETWORKING just because you are not job searching or are happy in your current job or internship! It takes work to maintain relationships and it is easier to do that when you are not asking for help.

Who to Contact – Where to Make Networking Connections

Friends of family members, family members of friends
Professors and administrators on campus (e.g., Student Affairs staff, advisors)
Current or past supervisors from your work, internship, or volunteer experiences
Alumni: WCU Online Community, LinkedIn, Facebook (be cautious about your online brand, however!)
Sorority, fraternity, athletic team, and other student organization members and alumni
High school teachers and coaches
Professional Associations – staff members of these organizations as well as members
Career events and programs
Employer presentations on campus
Day-to-day (e.g. on the train, via a place of worship, community centers)

You may also download this handout (click HERE) for more tips on who to contact.

How to Connect – How to Approach People

In this day and age you have so many options for connecting with people: phone, email, snail mail, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.! What is the best way to reach out? There is no one right answer other than, “It depends.”

In general, you will have the best success if you do some advance planning and research. If a professor suggests you contact someone, ask your professor if that individual is most accessible by phone or email; also ask your professor about what this person does, how long they have been in the role, and what types of topics/questions this individual might best address. Look at the Web site of the company/organization where the person works to learn a little more before you make contact.

Most people opt first to send an email of introduction (given that email is fast and considering that most individuals read their own email whereas a mailed letter might be opened by an administrative professional). In the email, explain your interest in the person’s career field or company as well as your interest in talking with her/him about it. If you were personally referred, mention who referred you. Write that you plan to follow up with a telephone call in the next few days to inquire about the possibility of meeting.

If you find the name of a person to contact but were not directly referred to them by someone you know, at least mention how you came across this person’s information: “I read an article recently in The Daily Local that talked about your business in West Chester. I found your new venture intriguing as it is similar to my future goals, so I am writing to see if we might speak some time?”

Before making your phone call, have a clear idea of what you want to say.

“Hello. My name is Jane Doe. I am a senior at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and I sent you an email a couple of days ago. I got your name from Professor Jane Smith, who suggested you would be a good person to ask for advice. I was hoping we might get together for a short meeting sometime soon. I would like to speak to you about the advertising field and the typical entry-points into an organization such as yours.” (adapted from The Smart Woman’s Guide to Interviewing and Salary Negotiation, p.44)

If the individual declines your request, offer a gracious and polite, “Thank you for your time. I appreciate you taking my call.” And then simply move on to the next person you would like to try to contact.

There are numerous online and print resources that delve deeply into other networking communication strategies, so be sure to visit the Career Center in Lawrence 225 for more resources!

Sample Networking / Informational Interview Questions

How did you choose this career field?
What types of experiences are essential to be successful in this field?
What are typical entry-level opportunities in this field?
Describe a typical work week and a typical day.
How would you define the culture of your office? Is that common throughout the industry?
What is the organizational structure of your department/company?
What are the toughest problems you must deal with?
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
What obligations at work affect your personal time?
Tell me about the growth of this career field – where is it going?
What different types of work can you do long term with this background?
How do people find out about job vacancies in this field?
How does this organization compare/differ with its competitors?
What is a reasonable salary range for these positions?
Can you recommend organizations for me to research further?
Is there a person within this organization that I should contact to pursue employment?
May I use your name when I contact them?

"How to Become a Dynamic Networker" ~ VIDEO ~

In this 20-minute video, learn the do’s and don’ts to dynamic networking and how to examine, prepare, and assess your conversations. See if you have what it takes to become a dynamic networker and apply what you learn daily!

Be sure to check our calendar (in the left-hand menu of this page) for events and workshops that are great opportunities to network!