1. Finding Networking Contacts
The first step, predictably, entails finding names connected to your field. But don’t limit yourself. You can stumble on a relatable story or eager-to-help hand in more places than you think. Craft a list of everyone you know: potential contacts in your field, along with people who can connect you with relevant names. Include career counselors, university dean
s and administrators, favorite professors, and your well-connected parents. Recall past work/internship experiences and the employees that housed neighboring offices and cubicles--by nature relevant career sources.After laying out personal connections, peruse the Tufts Alumni Career Network, a database of more than 8500 names in a variety of fields. Each alumnus/a has made clear his/her willingness to chat with Tufts undergrads. Find a few names whose career destinations speak to your ambitions and initiate a correspondence. A common Tufts name is more than a catalyst of college reminiscing, but a crucial career-connector.
While the idea may scream intimidating, it also can’t hurt to reach out to a name you come across blindly, to who you have no common link. There’s s chance that if you phrase your outreach in a compelling, stand-out way, you might pique the recipient’s curiosity and elicit a promising response.
There’s no harm in bravely initiating connect with well-crafted correspondence. As your contact list grows, outlets for information and exploration grow with it.
2. The Informational Interview
After a welcoming response from your contact, ask to arrange a time to chat. Formally dubbed the informational interview, this encounter is a chance to inquire into the field and/or firm, and connect on a common career path. But, this setup isn’t meant to be a self-arranged interview. Rather, you assume the role of the interviewer, in a sense. It’s your job to direct the conversation, presumably fashioned around what you find most compelling and important. That’s where the informational part comes in. To assure this interaction is valuable not just for the employer, but for YOU, inquire into topics that aren’t so available with the click of a computer mouse. Instead of asking, “What does the field entail” or “What is the firm like?” for instance, use the opportunity to buttress your current knowledge and dive deeper.
This, of course, requires research--of the field, a particular company, and even of your big-shot networking contact. (If he/she is pioneering something important, or just reveled in a moment of glory, for instance, it’s important that you know!) Likewise, be up-to-date with the issues, dilemmas, and prospects currently facing the firm and overarching field. To prime your memory, it’s encouraged that you type up a thoughtful list of questions and topics. This evidences your
preparedness, assures each point is covered, and best encourages a smooth, easy-flowing exchange.As discussed, the informational interview allows students to absorb information from a savvy professional. But, at the same point, it’s not all a structured one-sided Q & A. Rather, the interview becomes an outlet for connection, shared interest, and mutual exchange. Be prepared to answer questions about yourself, casually chat, and ground yourself as a curious, invested personality. Contacts want to know who they’re imparting words or wisdom to, so chances are they’ll inquire into your background, interests, and curiosities. But relax, this isn’t a formal, sweat-inducing interview, but a genuine way of gauging who you are: as both a job candidate and a person. It’s just important to be on- your-professional-game, cognizant of how to admirably present yourself and leave your finest first impression.
When it comes to our career end-goal—actually getting a job--it’s often tricky to suppress that gnawing urge to inquire into open positions. But, as hard as it often is, keep in mind that a strong relationship—and incentive to help—is fostered through connecting on shared interests that surpass the job hunt. Employers would much prefer to talk to you if it’s their insight you crave, rather than their web of professional connections.
This isn’t to say you’re your job interest isn’t at stake, here. The informational interview involves a sort of “subtle self-marketing.” It’s something I like to term, “pitching by not pitching.” By evidencing your knowledge, initiating smart conversation, and reinforcing your genuine interest, you’re marketing yourself more than you know.
3. Sustaining Contact
As in any sort of professional encounter, it’s important to follow up with a thank-you email or handwri
tten note. But even if another meeting has yet to be arranged, your correspondence should be far from over. To nourish your connection and keep your name fresh in mind, it’s important to periodically initiate contact. Finding fresh “reasons” to follow up—subject lines more compelling than “Hi- just checking in!” – isn’t as tricky as it seems. Perhaps you’ll come across something online that piques your interest. Maybe there’ll be an interesting project your contact is heading, or something news-worthy taking shape at the company. Maybe you’ll have a relevant experience that rekindles a memorable part of your conversation. If you look for it, there are loads of smart “excuses” for reaching out and stimulating further conversation. To put it all into perspective, keep in mind that your high-end networking contacts were once in your shoes. They too were frazzled, confused undergrads, struggling to land a job and find their career niche. For the most part, these people really want to help! As countless evidence has shown, taking a little initiative has the potential to make all the difference.
Want more networking advice? Check out these posts:
Ask the Career Counselor: First Impressions Count in Networking Emails
Ask the Career Counselor: Staying in Touch with Networking Contacts
