CORC Guide to Networking

How To Use Networking In Your Job Search
Forget the negative connotations you may associate with the term "networking." When you consider that only a very, very small percentage of job seekers obtain employment by searching classified ads (either in print or online), you have to make networking a positive part of your job search strategy.

A network is a group of resources that you will refer to while searching for a job. Some students feel awkward about networking - asking for help - but Hampshire students have already begun to acquire networking skills by:


 * asking your advisor for help
 * asking a course professor to serve on your Division II or Division III committee
 * seeking on-campus work study positions.

Most people love to talk about themselves and their work and are flattered that you are seeking their advice.


 * Be focused and determined.
 * Be creative.
 * Be organized.
 * Persevere.

The Goals of Networking

 * To let people know that you are available.
 * To discover possible (hidden) openings.
 * To increase your knowledge of requirements for careers in specific industries.
 * To fine-tune your communication and interview skills.
 * To increase your level of confidence.
 * To acquire mentors
 * To establish long term personal and professional relationships.
 * To obtain referrals to expand your network.

Establishing a network is building your personal information database. By learning and practicing essential networking strategies, you can increase your chances for a successful job search campaign.

Networking is not "using" someone; networking is asking for assistance from others who can assist you in your job search or in developing your career plan.

How To Begin

 * Your network is your database; developing the database starts with a dialogue between you and a potential resource. You must be able to present yourself to your contact in order to get useful feedback. Prepare a short presentation about yourself: who you are, what your interests are, your academic, training, or technical experience, and why you are interested in particular fields. Meet with a CORC career counselor if you would like some help with this.
 * Make a list of people you already know: family and family friends, current and former faculty and advisors, friends, classmates, former classmates, and even former employers. Add the names of your doctor or other professionals you come in contact with.
 * Once you have listed people you already know, make a list of Hampshire alumni who are working in areas that interest you. The majority of Hampshire alumni have expressed a willingness to share information about their careers. You can ask for advice on how to get started, suggestions of graduate programs, how to organize your job search, and whatever else is on your mind. Current students can come to the Career Options Resource Center to go through the Hampshire Connect Alumni Network notebooks, organized by field and by geographical areas. Alumni can come to CORC or contact our Alumni Office.
 * Next, do some research to create a list of agencies, companies, and organizations that fall into your areas of interest. You can find names of people to contact in journals, directories, and through professional associations. CORC has directories available to help you locate organizations in a variety of fields.
 * At this point, your overall list will probably be longer than you expected. Here are some additional ways to expand your list: Join community activities, attend workshops, seminars, gallery openings, conferences, and job fairs or career-related events. Remember, though, that even a small network is valuable when used well.

Approaching Your Contacts

 * Letter
 * In person
 * By telephone
 * By e-mail

The purpose of these methods of approaching contacts is to obtain an appointment for an interview. It is essential that you follow principles of business etiquette to get the best response. You take your job search very seriously so you want to make sure there is enough time for you to ask important questions and get thoughtful answers and advice from your contacts. Suggest that you will call to set an appointment time that is convenient for your contact. Always leave your phone number and make sure that your greeting on your answering machine is professional.

Stay Organized and Keep Track of Your Contacts
Maintain A Networking Contact Catalog Name: Title: Phone: Organization Address: City, State, Zip: Date of Contact: Referred by: Summary of Initial Contact: Follow up Plan (thank you note, etc.): Additional Referrals Provided: 1. 2.  3.  Additional Notes:

CORC Library References
Here is a list of some of the references available at the CORC Library. There are many others that will provide information, helpful hints, and even inspiration as you develop your networking strategies.


 * The Encyclopedia of Associations
 * The U.S. Depart of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook
 * Dynamite Tele-Search: 101 Telephone Techniques and Tips for Getting Job Leads and Interviews
 * The Minority Career Guide
 * Networking Skills That Will Get You the Job You Want