Lehigh University: Alumni

 

     

Making the Most of Networking
Events and Meetings:

Networking Tips to Help You Network with Confidence

Networking is an essential tool that you will need to utilize throughout your career, whether you are happy with your job or embarking on a job search.  It is very important to keep up your networking contacts even in good times, because you never know what could be around the corner six months from now.

As you prepare for the Networking Receptions, here are some important guidelines and tips for you to follow to make your interactions at the events as positive and productive as possible.

Make it personal

    If you attended a networking event in January, please continue to take advantage of Lehigh Links. This system allows you to connect with alumni and student attendees prior to and after the events. To make this system effective for you, make sure you fully complete your profile, so people can get an idea of who you are and what you are looking for in your future. Conduct searches for alumni attending your particular Networking Reception.  Send these people a short e-mail to introduce yourself and let them know you are interested in speaking with them at the event. This takes a little of the awkwardness out of networking, allows alumni to know you would like to spend time with them, and makes the event more productive for all of you. Also, keep in mind that you have access to all of the attendees in all of the event cities; use that to your advantage!

Create your pitch

    Before the event, create your two-minute “commercial.” This commercial, or pitch, can include your college background, your current (or most recent) position, and what you are looking for now, including some skill sets that you have to offer.

Prepare your questions

    What exactly do you want to find out about a career field or a specific company? Prepare a list of questions to help guide you in your conversation and to help you get the information you need.

Create networking cards

    Since these events are not necessarily conducive to passing out resumes, handing out networking cards can be very beneficial. Similar to traditional business cards, these cards would include your pertinent contact information, a job objective and resume highlights (key qualifications or accomplishments), typically on the back of the card. This tactic can be very helpful for current college students just embarking on their search as well as career changers who don’t feel comfortable using their current business cards. Keep your card clean, simple and easy to read. You can easily create these on your own by purchasing blank business cards at any office store and printing them out at home. Here are links to samples of cards for established job seekers and college students.

Beware!

    When asking people about their career fields, companies and jobs, you will be getting subjective information — essentially, their opinions. Not everyone is going to have positive things to say. Don’t let this upset you. It’s good to have that information as you make informed decisions for your next step in your personal process.

Print a list of attendees

    Print a list of people with whom you want to speak from Lehigh Links prior to the events, and bring it with you! Printed lists will not be provided at the events, so utilize this tool to make it a productive evening.

Make the connection

    Take your list of contacts created in the Lehigh Links as your “map” for the event. Seek out each person on your list and plan to spend 10 to 15 minutes with each person. Exchange networking cards for future follow-up. Ask for referrals! Whether or not the person is a “good” contact, make sure you ask for at least two referrals of people with whom it would be good for you speak.

Shy people can network!

    These events can be overwhelming for a more introverted person, which is why preparation is even more important, so you feel more comfortable and ready to speak to people. Remember you will gain just as much at these events through listening.  Practice your networking skills at smaller events on campus, at your workplace, at a social or alumni club event, or simply with a friend or family member. Networking can be done anywhere, so why not at events within your comfort zone?
    If you are a current student, you may want to sit down with a career counselor for some coaching in how to be successful in these events. If you are an alumnus, please contact Alumni Career Solutions for additional coaching. Read more in the article Networking Strategies for Shy Professionals.

Stand out — follow up!

    What you DO with these connections is what will lead you towards your goal. You had an awesome conversation with an alum and he or she works in your dream field. Now what? Follow up with an e-mail within 24 to 48 hours. Thank them for the time spent with you at the event and let them know you would like to remain in touch. Ask if they would consider meeting or speaking with you further for an informational interview. See this helpful list of questions to help you organize this meeting, whether it is on the phone or in person.
    An informational interview is a focused conversation with someone in a career field of interest who can provide you with support, suggestions, and key information needed to break into the field. Why are they important? One out of 12 of these meetings can lead to an internship or full-time position, compared to 1 out of 500 online applications.

Stay connected

    Bottom line: employers prefer to hire people they know over complete strangers who are a potential hiring risk. That's why networking accounts for how about 80 percent of people find their jobs. Small-group gatherings, conferences, trade shows and meetings are excellent ways to make connections and build relationships. Use Lehigh Links and the receptions to network your way into a new field.

Return to main Networking Reception page