Network to Get Work

Basic Networking Guidelines: How to Build Effective Relationships

1. Focus on the Other Person

The key to successful networking is to think outward rather than inward. Focus on understanding the person with whom you are engaging and their needs. Be genuinely interested in what they have to say and ask questions. This will help you to build rapport and establish trust.

2. Be Prepared

Networking can happen at any time, so always have a ready supply of business cards to share your contact information. Also, make sure to make notes of key items of interest or commitments that you may make during a conversation. This will help you to follow up later and build on the relationship.

3. Offer Value

Effective networking is not about asking people for a job. The most successful networkers work towards identifying opportunities to help others meet needs or solve problems, often through referrals rather than a sale. These win-win relationships create an environment where the other person actually looks forward to follow-up contacts because they benefit from the conversation. Remember that networking is about building relationships, not just getting something from someone.

4. Listen More Than You Talk

Networking is not just for extroverts. Most people in business don’t want to hear your story. They want to solve their problems and grow their business. By listening, you will uncover real rather than presumed opportunities. Effective networking is more about listening than talking. So, focus on listening to what the other person has to say and ask relevant questions.

5. It’s Not About Selling

Networking is not selling. Selling is selling. While networking can lead to sales, it is not the primary goal. The focus should be on building relationships and identifying opportunities to help others. This approach will lead to long-term success and a sustainable network of valuable connections.

By following these basic networking guidelines, you can build effective relationships that will help you to achieve your personal and professional goals. Remember to focus on the other person, be prepared, offer value, listen more than you talk, and remember that networking is not about selling.

Informational Interviews: Solicit Advice, Ideas and Referrals

Start with the Basic Question: Why Would an Organization Hire Anyone?

Answer: An organization hires someone because they have specific work that needs to be performed. Currently, the manager may be taking care of this work on top of their job, or they may be trying to convince team members to take on extra responsibilities. Hiring someone dedicated to that work can help alleviate these issues. To position yourself as a valuable team member rather than just someone looking for a paycheck, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the organization’s needs and present yourself as someone who is prepared to focus on that work.

Identify and Reach Out to Individuals in Your Target Industry

To build a strong professional network, begin by identifying individuals in the industries, organizations, or types of jobs that interest you. These contacts can help you gain insights into organization-specific needs, identify opportunities for growth, and anticipate emerging markets. Remember that effective networking is not just about making quick connections, but rather understanding and engaging with the person you are talking to.

Cast a Wide Net to Increase Your Chances of Success

Many job seekers make the mistake of focusing too much on a small group of key contacts, which can cause their networking efforts to stall. To increase your chances of success, treat your job search as a numbers game. Aim to identify 5-10 contacts per organization where possible, and set a goal of reaching out to 20 contacts per day for 10 days. This strategy will help you build a strong network of contacts within a short period. If you do not hear back from a request in two weeks send a follow-up request  Subject: Follow-up  with the same request in the message.  Managers like team members that follow-up.

Start with Former Students and Alumni Networks

Former students and alumni networks are a great place to start building your network. Research has shown that 5-10% of former students will respond to requests, making them a valuable resource for job seekers. In addition, starting with people who share a common life experience in Aggieland can help you establish a comfort zone and make it easier to connect with others.

Reach Out with a Personalized Message and Request for Advice

Once you have identified a networking contact, send them a personalized email or leave a voice mail requesting an opportunity to hear their advice, perspectives, and ideas. Do not send your resume with the request; instead, focus on building a relationship and learning from their experience. If you plan to call back, let them know the date and time to help you handle gatekeepers more efficiently.

Treat Informational Interviews as a Learning Opportunity

Remember that informational interviews are a learning opportunity, not a time for self-promotion. Avoid the temptation to sell yourself, and instead focus on confirming what you have learned, gathering information, gaining insights, and building relationships. By approaching networking as a two-way street and looking for ways to help others, you will create win-win relationships that benefit everyone involved.

Preparing for an Informational Interview

Networking conversations are best held in person, but phone or Zoom calls can also yield great results. Whether in-person or virtual, keep your research notes handy for reference. For better sound quality, use a landline phone if possible, and consider standing during phone interviews as it can add energy to the conversation.

Review the basic preparations for interviews. The same rules apply to informational interviews, with one major exception: don’t ask if they have any openings.

When the interview starts, thank them for their time and be prepared to explain why you’re interested in exploring their industry and learning from their perspectives. Mention your referral if you received one, and be ready to share your background and elevator pitch focused on the type of work being discussed. For example:

“I became interested in the (industry) field last summer when I worked at (organization name) and had an opportunity to work with the (job type) Director there. Her job provided an opportunity to make a difference with the organization and it really fascinated me. She worked with all aspects of (responsibility) and (responsibility). She was sincerely interested in helping her team (goal). I liked the variety in her job and the fact that she was a very positive influence at (organization name).”

Remember that your focus is to ask questions, listen, and learn. Your contact is the expert, so conduct an informal but business-like interview and respect their time. You asked for their advice and ideas, so never argue with their opinions or perspectives. They are the experts in their world, and you are visiting. Use their feedback regarding industry or company needs and desired characteristics/skills to improve your resume.

Sample Informational Interview Questions

These sample questions are provided to help get you started with your informational interviews. In time you will identify other questions you prefer, or that are more specifically applicable to your areas of interest. We recommend that you not send these questions with your interview request. You are more likely to receive more thorough and candid answers during an interactive conversation. Just make sure you listen more than talk and be sure to respect their time and their perspective. This is the time to learn, not to sell.

• Looking back through your career, what key steps led you to where you are today?
• If you were starting your career today, where would you focus your attention?
• What characteristics/skills make for a good ______? (this is what they are looking for on resumes)
• Where do you see evolving needs or areas of emerging opportunities?
• How would you describe the culture of your organization?
• What can I do to make myself more marketable in your industry?
• Do you know anybody that needs help? Who else should I be talking to?
• What advice would you share to help someone like me prepare?

Maintain a Networking Log

• Company or Organization:
• Address:
• Date of Meeting or Contact:
• Referral Source:
• Key Points I Learned:
• Suggestions from Contact:
• Thank-You Letter Sent:
• Suggested Contacts:
• Next Steps:

Keep in mind that someday in the future an Aggie will contact you for your advice and ideas. Please make the time to help them.