Networking
Networking is the process of talking with people about
what they do and actively seeking career leads through a variety of contacts
(people you know in the industry or people who can refer you to someone
in the industry).
Networking can be one of the most effective ways to find a fulfilling
job in your field of interest, but it can also be intimidating for students.
Fear not! Follow our five simple steps and review our article on informational
interviewing and you'll do fine. We promise.
- Make a List
Keep a running list of possible contacts. Start with friends, family, neighbors, classmates, and professors. Write down everyone you can think of; you never know which contact may lead you to the contact who helps you find a job.
Places you can make additional contacts include the following: - Develop a Plan of Attack
Take some time to thoughtfully develop a plan:- Identify
your objective
Networking will be easier and more effective if you have a clear objective to communicate. - Prepare a one-minute
commercial
Describe your major, career interests, work experience, extracurricular activities, and the type of career information or job you are seeking. - Be prepared to ask for help without asking
for a job.
- Identify
your objective
- Research and Prepare
In order to make a good impression on your contacts, it is crucial that you are well informed about their company, their position, and how you relate to those. You may be able to find what you need in the Center's Researching Employers or Links by Career Interest.
- Follow Through
This is when you take action. Start making phone calls and sending e-mails. Contact as many people on your list as possible. Let everyone know that you are searching for people to talk to about your career.
Request and conduct informational interviews.
**It may help you to remember that most people enjoy talking about their jobs and are flattered to be considered experts in their fields!
- Follow Up
Always send your resume to a contact after an interview or phone conversation.
Always send a thank you note after every interview or phone conversation.
Remember to notify all of your contacts once you find a position and thank them again for their help.
See our article about Networking Basics for additional information.
NEW on-line videos all about Networking
The SJSU Career Center is pleased to introduce you to an excellent series of on-line videos on the topic of Networking. Created by the York University Career Center Team in Ontario, Canada, they have generously given the SJSU Career Center permission to share these award-winning videos with our campus community. The networking information contained in the series is very current, relevant, and extensive. The Staff of the Career Center hopes this series will be beneficial to you in developing and refining your networking skills.
The Networking videos are broken down into three main categories:
- What is Networking? - Click Launch to view video
Learn about three main types of networking and how to identify networking opportunities in everyday life. Understand how networking can give you an advantage in your job search.
- Benefits of Networking- Click Launch to view video
Gain insight into the ways networking can help you achieve your career goals, such as tapping into the hidden job market.
- How to Network- Click Launch to view video
Learn strategies on how to generate, recognize and take advantage of networking opportunities in a variety of settings.
All three of the videos provide great information and examples that can benefit you in learning to network effectively. Keep in mind that these videos were developed for a Canadian-based population and will contain examples of Canadian-based employers, yet the information is 100% transferable to the SJSU population.
Under the How to Network section of York’s CareerCyberGuide you will find some good handouts that complement the video series. On the SJSU Career Center site you will also find additional information about networking and more specifically informational interviewing.
