Networking Skills
Tips to Develop Your Networking Skills
Networking requires time, patience and careful observation. Cultivate your relationships now; don’t wait until you need a job. The more you put into the networking relationship, the more you will get out of it. Give yourself plenty of opportunities to practice and refine your skills.
- Learn to talk about who you are and what you are seeking in everyday situations. You never know when a casual conversation might turn into a networking opportunity.
- Make a good impression quickly through an elevator pitch or professional introduction.
- Be brief and to the point about what you are hoping to achieve from the conversation.
- Try to get a business card, phone number, referral, etc. Some method of future contact or follow-up allows you to develop this further. If you say you’ll follow up, make sure you do it!
- Be gracious and send a thank-you note or express your gratitude for the networking assistance.
- Keep records to stay organized and focused; an Excel spreadsheet works nicely!
- Develop a personal brand. Know who you are and the value you bring to the relationship.
Networking Sources
- Family, friends, neighbors.
- Employer presentations and events where you will learn something and where they will be interested in talking to you.
- Informational interview guidance (via Instructure)
- Informational interviews with alumni and other professionals.
- Former co-workers as they migrate to other companies.
- Classmates and professors.
- Professional student groups and associations.
- Student clubs and organizations.
- Volunteer at Career Fairs or community events and let people see you in action.
- Social media tools such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
- Business Career Coaches
Communication Essentials
Social Networks
Elevator Speech
- Be prepared to introduce yourself in a professional manner. You never know whom you will meet on the bus, on the slopes or in a networking event.
- A strong professional introduction is a great way to summarize your professional story and highlight your most valuable skill sets.
- Your elevator pitch should express 1. Who you are 2. Why you are qualified 3. Why you are interested and 4. What you can do for them. Learn more and see examples here.
- Practice in front of a mirror, with friends or record yourself. You can also practice with your career coach and receive feedback on ways to improve. Rehearsing will make it easy for you to approach professionals with confidence.