Personal connection is the key to a successful job search.
When it comes to finding jobs or internships, most applicants limit themselves to the positions only advertised online. Instead, it is more effective to build relationships and arranging conversations with others.
Through these premier interactions, you gain advice about the application process, insider information about the culture of organizations and personal endorsements that enhance the status of your applications. As Undercover Recruiter highlighted, these referrals are the most effective strategy employers rely on to source talent. If nothing else, these discussions permit you to practice professional communication and interview skills.
How to you land these valuable conversations? You simply ask.
Begin by locating prominent professionals in the field, and remember that quality trumps quantity. If your connections are not meaningful, they will bear no benefits.
Share the types of positions that appeal most to you with friends, family, faculty and your campus career center. During these conversations, inquire about individuals they know who have valuable information to offer. Focus on professionals who work in your chosen occupation, industry or organizations. Speak with employers who recruit on your campus. Follow up with graduates and friends who recently launched their career. Connect with local professional associations or join LinkedIn groups popular in your field. Browse the alumni listings on your University LinkedIn page or use the advanced search functions of LinkedIn to locate leaders in the field.
Related: 3 less awkward ways to start a networking email than ‘hey, remember me?’
Once you have located professionals, contact them to arrange a conversation. More than likely, they will accept your invitation. People like helping others, especially because they have probably been the recipient of others’ goodwill and want to pay it forward.
In your invitation, lead with a shared interest or connection. Mention the names of the people who encouraged you to contact them. Share a few details about your background and clearly identify the purpose of your conversation. Be personal, professional and concise, especially to aid recipients’ ability to read the message quickly. Remember to include your contact information and a link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio.
End the message by specifying the amount of time you need. Traditionally these conversations last 30 minutes. Take whatever time you can get. Even five or 10 minutes can transform your search.
Emphasize that you are available at their convenience and can accommodate their schedule or preferred means of communication. If needed, follow up your invitation with a phone call a week later. Do not take delayed responses personally. Professionals are busy juggling many competing priorities.
Related: 5 survival tricks every introvert should know for interviews
You will be expected to guide the discussion. Honor the length you specified in your invitation. If you are meeting for coffee, etiquette requires you to pay for it because you asked for the meeting and serve as host. Typically office appointments are best because it permits you to preview and project yourself into the work environment.
When the conversation occurs, ask meaningful questions. Don’t waste time soliciting information that is readily available online or ask for a job. The very fact that you are arranging the conversation implies that you are looking. Popular questions that bring depth to the discussion include the following:
- How did you first enter the field and secure your current position?
- What do you like most and least about this position or organization?
- What are the attributes of the people who succeed in this organization and of the individuals who struggle?
- What gaps exist in my background or experiences should I pursue to enhance my future applications?
- What common misconceptions do people have about this position?
- As I research the organization or occupation, one concern I had was _____. Is this valid?
- What current challenges is your organization or the industry facing today?
- If you were launching your career now, what would you do differently?
- What professional associations or groups should I connect with?
- What next steps should I take or people should I meet with?
After the interview concludes, send a hand-written thank-you note and stay in touch. Do not contact them only when you need something. Remember, networking is more like gardening than hunting. Congratulate them when they achieve a professional milestone. Retweet an interesting post. Send them an update regarding your activities. Meeting one of their needs and showing interest in their work maintains your rapport.
Genuineness demystifies networking. Even if your contacts cannot help you, they will refer you to someone who can so you can launch your career confidently.
Reprinted from: USA TODAY COLLEGE – http://collegeusatoday.com – 12.20.16
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