Getting Started
Start with people you know. Make a list of everyone you know well enough to use their first name (family, friends, parents of friends, and anyone you’ve worked or volunteered with). Set up a meeting with each person on your list (offer to buy them a cup of coffee)
- Tell them what you want to do as clearly as you can. You’re not necessarily asking them for a job; you’re asking for their help in identifying job opportunities, or people who may know of job openings.
- Try to get at least 2 or 3 contacts from them who are more directly linked to a job in your chosen field. Ask them to help you set up a meeting with these contacts.
- Leave them with your resume, and make sure to send them a thank you note.
Once you reach contacts that are in your desired field, you can ask for a networking meeting. That meeting is usually in their office.
Networking Meeting
- Do your homework. One of the most impressive things to a professional is someone who comes prepared. Read everything you can about the person and their organization so you can phrase your questions intelligently.
- Ask for information:
- About the job itself
- Duties/responsibilities
- Necessary degrees/training
- Most important skills
- About job hunting
- Know what organizations hire regularly
- How do they source applicants
- Ask for additional contacts of people in the field.
- Give them your resume.
- Say thank you. Send a thank you note shortly after your meeting.
