How To Network Your Way To A Job

February 13, 2018

As a student in the last stretch before graduation (right now I’m finishing a master’s, but this is applicable for seniors as well) I’m always panicking a little bit about getting a job. You can apply for a job with a great resume and challenging, relevant experience, but there’s still a good chance you won’t get a call back. Most of the time, that happens because you don’t know enough people. If you know someone in a company that can vouch for how awesome you are, your name at the top of your application becomes more than just a name. From your first brainstorm session to your first call, here are five tips that can help you make the best kind of impression on your future connections:

Have a direction in mindFirst, you need to know what you want. People can’t help you if they don’t know what you need from them. Have career aspirations in mind. Are there certain positions or departments that you’d like to work in? Is there an overall discipline you’d like to explore such as branding or digital media production? Have a feel for who you want to be, and be ready to explain that to network connections in a way that’s relevant to how they can help you.

Build a list of companies and/or peopleOkay, so you know what you’d like to do. Where are you going to do it? Who are you going to reach out to? Is the CMO actually a small dog? It isn’t going to be extremely fun or easy, but you need to do your research. Find out which companies are doing what you want to do, and learn what the people in those companies are doing. It would be super embarrassing to call someone, be asked a question about their company or position, and have no answer. When you compile your list, make sure you’re adding in some variety; comparing another company to the one you’re talking to might generate some engaging conversation for you and your connection (e.g. if you’re calling a creative advertising agency, talk to them a little bit about their interactions with media agencies). Doing this will also show that you’re competent about the industry in a big-picture way. Also, be realistic about who you’re reaching out to. The CEO probably won’t answer your emails, but an Assistant Account Executive just might.

Send those emails (but be strategic about it)Chances are that if you’re calling someone to network, they’re at work and they’re busy. If you can send a concise email to them, they then have the ability to read and respond at their leisure. Also, make it about them. You want to learn from them. As a student, you’re not on their level yet and that’s just the reality. They really don’t want to hear you talk about yourself, especially if they don’t know you. In your email, briefly let them know who you are and why you’re emailing, then give them a preview to what you’re going to ask so they can prepare. Work around their schedule, be patient, and you won’t be dissatisfied.

Don’t hang up without another numberThe biggest part of networking is establishing your network. If you call one person and stop, you’re not setting up anything substantial. By the end of every conversation you have with a network connection, whether you feel you need it or not, see if they can connect you with another person who might be able to give you advice. It can be something as simple as, “Thank you so much for your time, I’d love to stay in touch and update you on my progress,” and following up with an email in which you should ask, “Is there anyone else that you suggest I get in touch with for more perspective on ______?” If you’ve made a good impression, this person will be happy to help and will connect you with someone good, because now their reputation is on the line too.

Follow upLike I detailed at the end of the previous point, it’s crucial to be following up with connections. When you’re steadily approaching graduation and the job hunt window, you should be following up every few weeks with your connections. Do they have clients that they work on? Shoot them a message when you see an article or piece of work done by them or the client. Was there something interesting in your notes from the previous conversation? Ask them to elaborate. If you’re respectful and patient throughout this whole process and beyond, there’s no reason for connections to turn you down (if they do, they’re probably just not nice).