Topbluebar

Networking
Few terms are so confused, abused, and misused as “networks” and “networking.” Job searchers have heard that “You have to network” to get jobs. Yet sometimes these job seekers are told that networking involves contacting the people who have the power to hire, as if busy officials in upper management have nothing better to do than be pestered by individuals who are asking for jobs under the disguise of networking! So what is the proper definition for networking? From a career related standpoint, it is the process of interacting with individuals who either have positions or work for organizations similar to those that interest you, who are willing to share information about their position or organization, or provide the names of others who have positions or work for organizations similar to those that interest you. One of the most popular and structured ways this interaction can take place is through an information interview.

 

Printer Friendly Version

 

Set Goals/Objectives
It will be very hard to network if you don’t know why you are networking. It is important to set goals and objectives as a basis for why you are building a network. Otherwise, you will have very poor communication with those individuals you contact. They will have a hard time understanding why you have contacted them and wasted their time. When making a contact, you should immediately be able to state the purpose of your call, and be able to talk about your goals and objectives.
Top
Who Should I Contact To Build My Network?
Contacts for building networks can come from a variety of places. To better understand this idea, think about there being different types of networks. Here are three basic ones:
    1. Individual Networks – These networks include friends, acquaintances, and immediate family (parents, friends, classmates, neighbors, relatives).
    2. Organizational Networks – These networks include groups, offices and departments related to your education or working environment. (coworkers, supervisors, past clients or coworkers, professors, group and club members, professional organization members, related field colleagues).
    3. Community Networks – These networks are any contacts within the community (doctors, dentists, fellow church members, local Chamber of Commerce, insurance agents, bank managers, teachers, hairdressers, etc...
Top
Why Should I Network?

There are many advantages to networking, the two most prominent of which are to learn more about careers in general and to establish relationships that could indirectly result in a job lead. Think about the following points:

    • 80% of job vacancies are never advertised. You may only be exposed to 20% of available jobs.
    • Most employers would prefer to hire a person referred by a colleague, peer or friend and believe they will be exposed to a higher quality candidate in this manner.
    • The referral process can put you in contact with key people you might otherwise never meet.
    • You learn more about your field of interest and various occupations within it, as well as specific organizations, which may help you in choosing a major or career path.
    • Doing information interviews early in your career exploration means you will have a collection of resources to call on when you really are ready to start your job search!
    • Your network can be maintained for years to come and be used repeatedly as you go through job changes later in life.
Top
Informational Interviews

Just as it states, this interview is to gather information, not to gain employment. This is not a job interview. These interviews are a great way to gain realistic information about what you have heard about careers, expand your knowledge of the job market, learn strategies for breaking into a certain career, find out about additional career paths and build your professional network by talking to individuals working in a career field of interest to you. Again, in no way should you ask for a job!

Think about what questions you are going to ask ahead of time, so you don’t waste the time of the person you are interviewing. Figure out what information you are looking for. If the individual senses that you are enthusiastic and interested, they are usually happy to share information with you. Try to keep an interview at 30 minutes or less. The following are some questions to consider while preparing:

    • What is your title?
    • How long have you been in this position?
    • How did you become interested in this field?
    • What are your responsibilities, and what skills are particularly useful to you in fulfilling them?
    • How does your organization compare with others in the field?
    • Take me through a typical day in your position.
    • Do you work closely with other people?
    • What are some problems you must face, and decisions you must make?
    • What do you find challenging in your work?
    • Would it be possible to take a tour of your organization?
    • How do most people get started in the field?
    • Are any degrees or licenses required to enter this field?
    • What academic preparation would you recommend to qualify for this position?
    • What are some of the current changes in the field?
    • What professional organizations are good to join in this field?
    • Where can I get more information on this field?
    • Which skills do you consider important for success in this field?
    • What talents and personality traits do you consider to be necessary for this field?
    • What is the salary range for work in this profession?
    • Are any travel obligations associated with your job?
    • Is this field growing, with opportunities for employment?
    • Are “no experience” college graduates employed in this field?
    • Are there related fields to this?
    • What was your career path from college to present?
    • Can you suggest other people who might be valuable to talk to?
Top
  The Career Services Office encourages students to set up an appointment with a Career Services staff member to obtain more information, tips or ideas about networking.
USCA OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES TERMS/CONDITIONS

To advertise a position with the USCA Office of Career Services or to participate in one of the USCA Career Fairs, employers and their organizations must comply with all equal employment opportunity (EEO) standards. All job postings must contain accurate information about specific positions offered, as well as the organization offering employment. We will not post any job or position that requires a financial investment on the part of our students.

Any interaction with USCA students must be in compliance with the NACE Principles for Professional Conduct. Information you gather here will be for the sole use of recruiting for open positions at your organization and will not be shared outside your organization or used for any other reason. The USCA Office of Career Services reserves the right to edit, delete, or refuse any employer profile, job posting, or login account at any time.

 

Bottombar