Networking
On this page:
Why network?
What is it?
What are the rules?
Why network?
Personal contacts / networking is consistently the largest single source of accepted jobs
for Virginia Tech graduates.
We ask each academic year's grads; 35% to 48% of grads got their jobs through networking and
referrals.
For more details see our Post-Graduation Report based on our annual survey of the graduating
bachelor's degree class.
The percentages are higher for some colleges and lower for others. The Post-Graduation
Report gives data for each college within the university.
The Report also lets you see the other ways graduates found their jobs, with percentages for each.
Read any article about the job search. You'll consistently hear about "the hidden job market" and
"unadvertised jobs." People find these jobs by networking.
Technology is great, and it is essential to carefully follow instructions for applying for jobs online.
But technology will never replace the personal touch. Before you get hired, people need to get to
know you. Networking is a way of getting to know people, and getting people to know you — and to
view you favorably if you do it correctly.
What is it?
Networking is a little different from directly applying for jobs — but it can lead to one.
Networking is simply talking to people — everyone from your professors to your neighbors to your
friend's sister to your customer at the place where you work. Everyone you talk to may potentially
suggest another person who might help you, and your circle of contacts grows — get the idea?
Students in your major or a similar major who are a year or more ahead of you, or have graduated
are an excellent source for information. Student organizations related to your major or career
interest are a good source for meeting students who are ahead of you.
VT CareerLink is a networking source we offer. Use it to find Virginia Tech alumni who've
volunteered to help students.
Most people who network don't call it networking — they just call it talking to people. Makes sense,
doesn't it?
Keep an open mind. You never know what and who may connect you to a job lead until you get
there.
What are the rules?
Don't ask flat out for a job. Ask for help and advice.
Have good manners and good interpersonal skills.
If you're contacting someone who doesn't know you, introduce yourself succinctly. Tell the
person how, where or from whom you got her name and why you are contacting her. Think about
your reaction to getting a call from a stranger and what you would want to know.
Be positive. Even if job searching is getting you down, don't let it show. No one wants to hire (or
recommend) someone who has a gloomy attitude. On the other hand, enthusiasm and positive
attitude are infectious.
Be articulate. Tell what you know about the career field you're pursuing, and ask intelligent
questions to learn what you don't know.
Be yourself — your best, aspiring-to-be-a-professional self.
Good manners and appropriate conduct will help you build allies.
Thank everyone who helps you and keep people posted on your progress. Write thank-you letters
to people who take time to talk with you. Leave a good impression — someone might remember
you in a few weeks when she hears about a job (internship, co-op, whatever) that you'd like.
Source: http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/Netwk1a.htm