Keys to Successful Networking

By Caroline Parente

When it comes to networking, it can be easy to feel like you are falling behind. It seems like recruiting processes for internships or full-time positions are earlier and earlier these days. Yet when the recruiting processes can begin as early as sophomore year for some career paths, you have to wonder how you will know if you will even like the job you are working towards.

This is where networking comes in. A good networker is not just one who makes it clear she would be a good fit for a future position. She is also casing the industry to see if it would be a good fit for her.

The key to successful networking is to start as early as possible. You do not have to have a submitted application to begin. In fact, start when you aren’t exactly sure what you even want to do yet. Scroll job postings and company LinkedIn profiles, and flag any that speak to you.

Then, scan said company profile on LinkedIn to see if any of your high school or college alumni happen to work there. LinkedIn makes this extremely easy. These are the first key points of contact. Professionals are much more likely to respond if you are somehow connected to them, either through education or location.

Then comes the scary part: cold emailing. Whenever a job or company strikes you as interesting, find the people on LinkedIn who you have that “in” with, or anyone who happens to be in a role similar to the one you are eyeing. You can message them directly on LinkedIn requesting to connect, or you can typically find the company’s email template on a quick Google search. Then send a brief, friendly message looking to set up a 15 minute call looking to hear about their career path and experience at XYZ company.

Then you wait! This can seem like the most frustrating part of the process. You never know if your email went to spam, or your recipient is having a very busy week. It is important to avoid frustration. If a week or so passes with no response, feel free to send a brief follow-up.

Once you have set a 15-minute time slot to chat, this is where the real leg work comes in. You want to be as prepared as possible before the call. Do not script the conversation, but draft a list of questions you want answered at some point during the call.

“What led you to want to work in XYZ industry?”; “What about XYZ company drew your attention?”; “What does your day-to-day look like?”

If the conversation is flowing and it feels appropriate, you can ask if any of their colleagues might be willing to chat with you as well. After the call ends, send a personalized thank-you message for their time. You can follow up with updates on your application process, as well.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to networking is patience. It can take time to establish meaningful connections in an industry of focus. The earlier you start, the more of an opportunity you have to develop a positive professional image before you even hit send on your first application!