San Jose State University : Career Center

Navigation

Main Content

Networking

How to be an effective networker

Did you know that 80% of jobs are found through the “hidden job market?”  That means that these jobs were filled before they even hit the job boards.  How do people find these jobs?  Through networking!  Networking can seem a bit intimidating if you have never done it before.  But networking can be as simple as having a conversation!

If you want to network with people in a specific field, go to events where you think they’ll be – make your own luck. Opportunities to network may arise from planned events or spontaneously at on- and off- campus functions.

Some on-campus networking opportunities include:

  • Job Fairs
  • Employer Presentations
  • Employer Tables
  • Clubs and organization events, such as panel presentations

Some off-campus networking opportunities include:

  • Professional Associations
  • Volunteer Organizations
  • Religious Organizations

There are many different kinds of networking when you are looking for a job. There is “active” networking, like contacting friends and family, conducting informational interviews, and participating in the events and organizations mentioned above. There is also “passive” networking, where you may not be going out and trying to talk to people who can help you find a job, but you are open to chatting with people that you happen to meet. You never know who might be standing behind you in line at the coffee shop! The most important thing as you begin to network is to be prepared. Follow our 4 Simple Steps to get started, read our article on informational interviewing, and soon you will be networking like a pro!

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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.

Parting Thoughts

Building a network takes time, but it’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself. Maximize opportunities to expand your circle – you never know what can happen from a conversation.