Networking
From CareersWiki
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What is networking?
Did you know that at least 60% of jobs are not advertised, and that many students and graduates obtain careers information, work experience and graduate jobs through contacts they have made themselves?
Networking is the use of contacts to gather information about a chosen or considered career path and available job opportunities. In fact networking is seen as vital if you want to succeed in the world of work, not only at the beginning but throughout your career.
By nature most people are happy to talk about themselves and their work – they are flattered to be asked and experience a genuine sense of satisfaction if they have been able to help someone else in their network. You will have contacts yourself, some of whom you are probably not currently aware of, and the strong “St Andrews community” also means that there are hundreds of alumni out there, happy to help students succeed (see “Who is in your network?” below).
Who is in your network?
Careers Alumni Network
The Careers Centre has developed the Careers Alumni Network, a database of St Andrews graduates who have volunteered to offer careers information to existing students. Enter a search term such as job title, sector, employer name, location, or degree discipline to find people who may well be able to help you. Once you are clear about what you want to find out, click the contact box and write a carefully worded email (see “What do you want to achieve?” below). You never know what pearls of wisdom they might have for you!
In fact, this is what one final year student told us recently: "I used the Alumni Network several times in order to seek advice for an interview. I had a great response from those contacted. Alumni phoned me, sent me preparation materials, and even offered to pass my CV to their own companies HR departments. I thought it was great how high powered graduates are willing to make time to help out a St Andrews student.”
Others in your network
Consider people from all sources in your personal network who may have useful information or contacts:-
- extended family
- friends (from school, clubs, societies, sports, church, other leisure interests)
- parents of friends or classmates, neighbours
- academics (many have great contacts and/or have worked outside academia)
- work colleagues, past and present
- careers advisers
- attend employer events, presentations and careers fairs
- join professional bodies or political groups – many have local networks and events
- undertake voluntary work
- join social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIN
What do you want to achieve?
Before you select someone to approach, start to think about what you want to achieve. Do you want to:
- find out what a job or postgraduate course is really like?
- investigate what an interview or assessment centre might involve?
- get some tips on the best way to gain entry into a competitive job sector?
- arrange to visit an employer?
- organize some work experience or a graduate job?
- get some advice about your CV?
Whatever your goal, write down a list of those contacts you think might be able to help and differentiate between those you know personally and those you don’t. Referrals can be highly effective - for example, if your uncle works in an industry in which you’d like to gain work experience, perhaps he can introduce you to someone else who can help?
If you are contacting someone “out of the blue”, including those in the Careers Alumni Network, think carefully about how you will word your introduction and what you can expect from the initial contact. If work experience is your goal, it’s not a good idea to ask for that straight away – wait until a bit of rapport has been established. Here’s an example of an introductory email:-
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“My name is Sara Smith and I’m a third year student at the University of St Andrews studying Modern History. I am seriously considering applying to the Civil Service Fast Stream next autumn and I see from the University’s Careers Alumni Network that you joined the Fast Stream with a Mediaeval History degree in 2004. I am really interested to find out about your experience so far; what kinds of things you do on a daily basis; and any advice you can give me which will help improve my chances of success with my application. I very much look forward to hearing from you - many thanks in advance for your time". |
Do’s and Don’ts of Networking
Do …
- Think of a system for organising your network contacts, notes and follow-up activities, whether a spreadsheet on your computer, a file box of index cards, a folder, or whatever works for you.
- Use a variety of sources to build up your database of contacts
- Prepare ahead by asking yourself who you want to meet and what you would like to achieve from the networking meeting?
- Use formal language when you are contacting someone by email (eg “I” instead of “i”)
- Adopt the right attitude about networking – it’s about meeting people and finding out if you can help them, as well as how they can help you. Listen and learn - many people love to talk about what they do,
- Think before you speak or type – present your thoughts and ideas clearly.
- Develop electronic networking skills. Visit chat groups or message boards that pertain to a career area. Take special interest in those run by professional associations.
- Follow up. Make the effort to follow up promptly after meeting the person you want to get to know. Drop them a note or an email within the same day, if possible, to make a first impression that lasts.
- Be courteous. Thank the person who gave you a referral. A little gesture goes a long way.
Don’t …
- Allow yourself to become discouraged by anyone’s comments, failure to respond, or rejection. There are plenty of other people you have access to, each with an opinion, some information, or an opportunity that may be more helpful.
- Expect instant results from your contacts. Be patient. It usually takes a while before people are comfortable enough to offer you a referral.
- Take short-cuts. A written approach letter (or email, where appropriate) will introduce you more effectively than phone calls to people you don’t know.
- Ask for a job straight away – it is likely to put people off!
Careers Centre resources
For reference
Books
- Brilliant Networking
- Confident Networking for Career Success
- Career Networking
- Networking Works!
Videos/DVDs
Take Away material
Quick Guides
- Speculative Applications
Careers Alumni Network
The Careers Centre has database of St Andrews graduates who are willing to be contacted about their career. Use the Careers Alumni Network to gain behind-the-scenes insights into an organisation or occupation, and to create valuable opportunities for networking.
