As a senior (or a particularly ambitious underclassman), you may be right in the midst of a job-applying frenzy. Or you may not have started yet. Either way, you've probably come across countless articles detailing the merits of networking. Although we all know we should do it, not everyone does. I think there are a few reasons that people are hesitant to start the ball rolling on this (see below). While this weariness is understandable, it's important to move past it, because few job search resources are as valuable as networking.
#1: It's Intimidating
From talking with my friends, it seems as though intimidation is the main reason that students don't network more often (or at all). Reaching out to people that you may not know can be incredibly daunting. However, everyone can remember what it was like to be a confused, flustered college senior and can empathize with what we're going through. That means that they'll probably be more than happy to help you out, just as someone once helped them out. Furthermore, although the initial networking call might be scary, it gets easier and easier with time. You just have to start somewhere! When I came across someone who looked interesting in the Tufts Career Network, I was initially nervous to reach out to her. Then I reminded myself that this person wouldn't have put her name in the Network if she didn't want to make herself available to frazzled students like me. They are offering their help...take them up on it!
#2: Where Do I Begin?
Networking novices may not have any idea about how to begin this whole process. The thought of networking can be overwhelming, but there are many ways to get cracking. First of all, some people assume that 'networking' means starting from scratch, but that isn't necessarily true. You probably already have a variety of useful connections to take advantage of. Do you have any family members you can talk to? Perhaps your professors can help you out, or refer you to someone else who could. Reaching out to people with whom you're already familiar also helps to cut down on the intimidation factor. In addition, they already know your skills and interests, so they can provide specialized advice. In my case, my uncle has helped me out a lot. He provided me with a fantastic group of people that he thought I would be interested in speaking with. I've been speaking with them on the phone, over e-mail, and even have a personal tour at an ad agency scheduled for next week. Everyone is so bright and so friendly that 'networking' has actually been a lot of fun. I have really enjoyed just chatting with them and picking their brains. I also met with the Director of the CMS department, Julie Dobrow, for some career advice, and she suggested some people that I may want to talk to. Just look around - there are plenty of people who are more than happy to help you, especially at Tufts! It's up to you to reach out and take that first step.
#3: What Do I Say?
Yet another reason that students are dissuaded from networking is because they don't know exactly what they want to talk about. Some people assume that if they don't have a concrete plan for their future career goals, then they are wasting the person's time. While you shouldn't go on an informational interview and twiddle your thumbs, it's not necessary to have a full script written out beforehand. A few simple questions like, "How did you get into this line of work?" and "What past experiences do you think prepared you for your current job?" will go a long way. Also keep in mind that most people's favorite topic of conversation is themselves (har har), so you might not even have to do most of the talking. Above all, don't go in with the mindset that the end result of an informational interview should be a job offer. Even if the person you're talking to doesn't offer you a position, you will still benefit from hearing about his/her own experiences and words of advice. And who knows? If there's an opening down the road, maybe he/she will think of you.
#4: It Feels Fake
Another reason that people might avoid networking is because it seems inauthentic. A friend of mine once referred to networking as "glorified brown-nosing." Lovely. It doesn't have to be this way, though. How you approach it is what makes all the difference. Again, if your main objective is just landing a job, then this will come across in meetings. No one likes to feel used, so the person you're talking to might feel resentful if it's obvious that you're just meeting with him/her to get hired. If, on the other hand, you go in with a genuine curiosity about the field and the person's career path, then everything will go far more smoothly. If you are sincere, then the entire experience will feel sincere. It has been said that 80% of available jobs aren't advertised. How do you think the lucky people who filled these positions got them then? Through networking! Yes, it might be a little scary and awkward at first. However, making valuable connections with people in your field is an essential part of the job hunt. Just go for it. After all, there's no one who ever regretted networking.
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