University of Wyoming Career Guide

The Importance of Networking 70%-80% of jobs ARE NOT advertised on job boards or websites. What is Networking? Simply put, it is developing and maintaining friendships and relationships. You’ve already done it! Examples: • Talking to your fellow classmates in class • Speaking with your advisor about your major and career • Attending a professional student meeting • Asking a professional in your field for advice about how to get your foot in the door Networking Tips 1. Have an “elevator speech.” If YOU don’t have any idea what you want to do, neither will your contact. 2. Become the type of person other people want to meet. Get involved in interesting activities. Form lasting and mutual relationships. Offer assistance and support to others. 3. Be enthusiastic and positive in all networking communications. Take the initiative and remember it never hurts to be nice. You never know where the person working with you on your class project will be working two years from now. 4. Tell EVERYONE you know you are looking for a job. You never know what your mom’s best friend’s sister-in-law’s cousin does for a living. Start with people you know, family, friends, doctors, hairstylists, professors, people who graduated before you, anyone you come in contact with and tell them what you want to do and why. 5. Ask for advice and insight. Don’t just call strangers and say, “Do you have any jobs?” Instead, indicate that they were recommended as someone who has a lot of experience and expertise about the field. Or call and say that you are a student, and you believe they would have a lot of valuable insight. People are very open when they treated like an expert. Ask what advice they have for someone with your skills and background. 7. Talk with Professors. They have interacted with thousands of students who are now out there working for companies. Try LinkedIn and join the University of Wyoming Alumni Group. 8. Follow-up. Once you’ve made a contact be sure to maintain it. Before you leave the meeting ask if they mind staying in touch with you. Smart job seekers know to maintain contacts with people in their field at all times, not just when they are looking for a letter of recommendation, internship or job. 9. Say Thank You! Don’t take people for granted. Let them know you appreciate their time, help and expertise. ALWAYS send thank-you notes.

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