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Networking

Networking is the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. It helps you gain inside information, receive job search advice in your field of interest and obtain contacts for informational interviews or work. Become an expert relationship builder and networker through face-to-face interactions and social media networking.

Here are 7 steps to successful networking:

1. Make a List

Make a list of those you know and begin contacting them to see if they might introduce you to someone who can lead you to a job in your area of interest. Think of these people as connectors. Here are ideas to get started:

  • Peers, family, friends, neighbors, church
  • Degree program professors/faculty
  • Career Development Center
  • FPU alumni network
  • Job/career fairs, networking events
  • Social media contacts (LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram)
  • , organizations, clubs
  • Current/former colleagues/volunteers you've worked with
  • Those you've learned of through research
  • Anyone you'd like advice from

2. Determine Your Purpose

Decide what your goal is in contacting your network and what you hope to gain.

Early stage of career planning: Your purpose is to gather information about careers of interest, including job duties, educational preparation, future growth in the field and recommended work experience. 

Later stage of career planning: You鈥檙e currently conducting a job search. Your purpose is to obtain advice on your job search and to get job leads. This includes information about employers in your field, descriptions of various work environments, hiring strategies, preferred qualifications and referrals to employers who have openings.

3. Review, Assess & Reflect

Review who you are, what you have to offer and what you鈥檙e looking to do. Assess your skills, interests and values. What do you do well? What do you enjoy professionally and personally? Reflect on your greatest accomplishments. What is important to you?

4. Craft Your Elevator Speech

An elevator pitch is a concise introduction of yourself covering what you do well and your goals delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator.

Draft your pitch. Writing it down helps you put ideas into simple sentences. Leave your audience wanting to know more about you. Here鈥檚 a sample to help you get started.

If you have time to research your audience ahead of time, customize it to your audience. What questions do you want to ask them? How are you the solution to their problem?

Practice your pitch. An elevator pitch is only as good as your delivery, so make it come to life. Practice out loud, memorizing key points and keep it between 30-60 seconds. Check out this .

5. Practice Networking

Did you know that you are 5 times more likely to be hired if you have been referred by an employee than if you apply to a job without knowing anyone in the organization? The goal of networking is not to find a job, but to connect with people who can lead you to jobs.

Attend networking events. Seek out  or other school alumni groups, get involved in events by  and organizations, and participate in career fairs. Look for alumni groups for past employers on LinkedIn.

Focus on targeted companies and network with a purpose. Your goal is to meet people that you can help and people who can help you. You may not know who they are yet, so mix with several people to improve your chances.

Smile and be friendly. People might see you as threatening if you are too intense and plunge into a heavy topic. Lighten up and give your best smile.

Deliver with confidence because you only get one chance to make a good first impression. People want to know they are talking to a reliable person they can trust. Have great body language, eye contact and excitement about what you are saying.

Make others feel important by remembering facts, complimenting their experience and asking questions. Build in a call to action such as, 鈥淚f you鈥檙e interested in learning more, here鈥檚 my email.鈥 Or, 鈥淒o you know someone who I could connect with?鈥 Or, 鈥淚s it okay if I send you my resume?鈥

Listen to what others say and determine their needs. Strike up friendly conversation, like 鈥淲hat do you do for a living?鈥 鈥淗ow did you get into your field?鈥 鈥淲hat was your college major?鈥 Gradually, the conversation will turn to you to introduce your focus. Then you can request assistance/resources (events to attend, people to meet, etc.).

Exchange business cards or contact information so details aren鈥檛 forgotten. Always have plenty of business cards on hand. Out of work? Have  or  (list your interest industry instead of a job title). 

Circulate. Don鈥檛 stay comfortable with the first group you meet. After a while make a polite excuse: 鈥淚t was nice to meet you.鈥 Move around the room, spending about 10 minutes with each person. Networking means circulating, and most people are aware of this. Check out .

Put your networking into practice at the dining table. Did you know that 80% of second interviews involve a meal? Learn how to feel comfortable and professional while networking during dining: .

Put your network into practice in your job search by applying and interviewing for jobs you are genuinely interested in. Be prepared and on time, calling 24 hours before canceling and reschedule if possible. Don鈥檛 accept a job and continue job searching.

  • Networking Guide | step-by-step face-to-face networking guide.
  •  | discover how to navigate a job fair seamlessly.
  • | find career-focused virtual & in-person networking events.
  • | explore helpful tips.

6. Track Contacts & Follow Up

After networking engagements where you鈥檝e exchanged business cards, prioritize your follow-up with leads and stay in touch by connecting on LinkedIn.

7. Have an Attitude of Gratitude

Always be grateful for those who are willing to help and thank them for their time and assistance. This goes a long way towards future help. Every meeting you get and the opportunities that result will be because of your networking efforts and establishing relationships. Write a thank you note, keep in contact, and pay it forward. These connections might even become your references and recommenders!