How to network

Your network includes people you know who might have information for your job search, or who might know someone else who might have information. Your network could include:

• Friends, family, neighbors
• Former teachers, professors, mentors, and classmates
• People in community groups you participate in such as sports or gaming teams, religious groups, professional associations, clubs
• Current or past co-workers, managers, supervisors from jobs, internships, or volunteering
• Social media contacts – both those you know in person and those you haven’t met

Organize your contacts to keep track of who you’ve reached out to and what you discussed. You might keep a simple list or even make a spreadsheet. Then you can record information you’ve learned and follow up on any recommendations.

Prepare what to tell people about yourself. Write an “elevator speech” to briefly describe your key strengths and what kind of work you’re looking for. For example:

It may be helpful to create a simple business card that includes your name, contact information, key skills/strengths, and your target job search titles. Bring cards with you to give to people you speak with.

In networking conversations, be sure to offer assistance to others if they have a question or need you might be able to help with.

Whether you’re emailing or meeting with someone in person or virtually, the key to networking is to be clear and professional. So, before you reach out, clarify what you’re looking for. What do you want to learn from your contacts?

Try these tips:

• Introduce yourself professionally and note why you are contacting them.  If someone referred you to this contact, mention their name and any connection to them or the company you may have. Use full names (not nicknames) in your e-mail.
• Let them know you are searching for a job. Note your strengths. Tell them how your job search is going, and in which specific areas you could use help. For example:
  • What companies are likely to have job openings? What do those companies look for in candidates?
  • What types of jobs or internships might fit my skills and interests?
  • Is there a best way to find openings in my field or this location?
  • What should I emphasize when interviewing for jobs in this field?
  • Are there other people I should talk with?
• Keep phone or email messages short, specific, and clear. For example, ask for information or ask to schedule a meeting. If you’re emailing, check spelling, grammar, and punctuation before you send.
• During meetings, listen and learn about the person. Think about mutual interests and how you could support them while they help you.
• Take notes during the conversation. If your business is complete, thank them for their time and suggestions. If they agreed to further communication, note your intent to follow up. Offer your phone number and email address and ask how they prefer to be contacted next time.

To get started networking, try some of these ideas.

1. Write an email to friends and family to update them about your job search. Send them a summary of your strengths and the kind of work you’re looking for. Ask if they know anyone they would be willing to connect you with.
   
   
2. Connect with career services and alumni offices of any college or training program you’ve attended. Career services help graduates find work. Alumni services offices can help you find other graduates for informational interviews and networking.
   
   
3. Attend events, such as career or job fairs, conferences, and chamber of commerce events. To find events in your state, you can visit State Resource Finder, select your state, and look for a link called “Job fairs and workshops”. Be brave about introducing yourself to people! Ask about their company or work and be ready to talk about your key strengths and the kind of work you are looking for. Bring copies of your resume to leave with people you meet.
   
   

4. Connect with people who work in businesses that interest you. Join networking websites to connect with potential jobs, colleagues, and events. See Social media for more guidance.

   A good strategy is to go directly to the website of the companies that you're targeting, do a little digging, and pinpoint a few decision makers. Aim for people with “Manager” or “Director” in their job title to ask about available job postings, since they typically make hiring decisions.

   Connect with them on LinkedIn and let them know that you're interested in their company. Communicate why you would love to work there and your enthusiasm for the industry itself. You can do this through email, a phone call, or a face-to-face meeting. Then, ask them if they are aware of any positions that might be a fit. Have a resume ready if they ask to see it. See Targeted Job Search for more.

5. Join an industry or professional association. They are one of the best ways to learn about trends and unadvertised jobs. Many members are eager to help job seekers and often know employers with open positions. Sign up for communications, go to events if possible, and ask about mentors who could provide advice and guidance.

You don’t always have to follow up every time you talk to someone about your job search. But it’s a good idea to follow up with your contact in a few circumstances:

• If someone connects you with another contact, you should email or call to thank them again for the connection and share highlights of the conversation.
• If you have an article or further ideas related to needs or interests they shared, you can include those in a follow-up email.
• When you get a job, tell people you networked with about your new position and contact information, and thank them for their help.