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Networking is commonly regarded as the most effective job search strategy however, it can be intimidating to use. Get a competitive edge by learning what networking is and how to use it effectively.
What is Networking?
Have you ever heard a similar exchange between people you know? "How did you get your job?" "I landed my position through a friend of a friend." This scenario is an example of networking. Many people believe networking is all about using other people to get what you want. This is not the case. It is really about establishing relationships and using these relationships to identify advertised and unadvertised job or internship openings. Talking with people in your target field is the best way to explore your career options, gather information, and understand how to market yourself to potential employers. Regardless of the industry or type of position you are seeking, networking can significantly increase your chances of finding a great opportunity.
If you are like most college students, you may be uncomfortable with this job search strategy at first. You may feel as though you don't know anyone in the work world. You may be hesitant to call people you've never met. You may be unsure of what to say when talking to a networking contact. Once you learn the basics of networking and start making a few contacts, you'll begin to see positive results and feel more comfortable.
Knowing What You Want
Prior to communicating with people in your network, you should answer a few fundamental job search questions.
- What industries are you targeting?
- What positions interest you the most?
- What are your specific career goals?
- What skills are you marketing to potential employers?
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you effectively communicate your career direction to your contacts, thus assisting them to provide more useful feedback. After you have reflected on these questions, be sure to spend some time preparing a brief introduction about your background, experience, skills, and goals. Practice this introduction so you can deliver it with confidence. You are now ready to compile a list of potential contacts. Use these ideas to get started:
- friends
- family
- neighbors
- former co-workers or places you’ve interned
- professional colleagues
- faculty
- contacts from professional organizations
- counselors/advisors in career services
- recruiters/staff you have met at campus presentations
- NU alumni
You should also develop a list of people you don’t know, but wish to gather information from, including employers you are interested in, professional associations, and alumni contacts. These resources can help you to get started:
Making the Connection
You can initiate networking contacts by phone, a letter, e-mail, or in person. One good approach is you can call directly or write a letter/email and then follow-up by phone. When calling a contact, be sure to leave a clear and concise message about your connection to the person and what you would like to discuss. If you have left several messages with no response and haven't already sent a letter, you may want to send a letter outlining your request.
Here are several suggestions to follow when you are communicating with your contact:
- Ask the contact if it is a convenient time to talk or if you should arrange another time
- Prepare a list of questions prior to talking and know what information/advice you are seeking
- Mention how you identified them as a networking resource
- Do some basic research about the contact's employer and industry
- Ask if you can send them your resume
- Gather contact information such as the spelling of their name, mailing address, phone number, and an e-mail address
- Expand your network by asking the contact to refer you to other potential contacts
- Ask if you can keep in touch periodically throughout your search
Keys to Successful Networking
Here are some final tips for successful networking:
- Always send a thank-you letter after someone has helped you
- Organize your efforts by tracking who you've contacted, the date of the contact, and the outcome or action step which resulted
- Notify your contacts when you have found a position
- Be helpful to others when they ask to network with you!
- Consider everyone you meet as a potential networking contact
- Join a professional organization related to your career interests (e.g. a student interested in marketing might join the American Marketing Association)
- Be enthusiastic and professional when talking to your networking contacts
You are encouraged to meet with a UCS counselor or advisor to discuss your specific networking efforts.
Additional Networking Resources
NU Alumni Association’s CareerNet Database - CareerNet is a network of Northwestern graduates who are willing to advise students and alumni on career and employment issues.
Kellogg Mentors Program - Kellogg Mentors Program
- The Kellogg Mentors Program connects undergraduates
with currently enrolled Kellogg students and alumni for the purpose
of networking
and gathering career-related information and advice.
This program is open to undergraduates of all backgrounds and interests,
NOT just business.
A list of Kellogg Mentors is available at 620 Lincoln
Street. Click on the above link to get more information on how the
program works
and how to participate.
Northwestern University Entertainment Alliance (NUEA)
- The NU Entertainment Alliance was established to promote, support
and educate NU students and alumni involved in the entertainment industry.
NUEA –West (Los Angeles) www.nueawest.org or
NUEA –East (New York).
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