As spring graduation quickly approaches, college seniors around the country are feeling lost and frantic on how to tackle the job-search. The big question looms over every seniors mind: How can I get a job? It’s both terrifying and exciting, but there’s an important tool everyone should know about before entering the real world—networking. These days, it’s not only about your skills, talents and knowledge. It’s also about whom you know, who you’ve met and the impressions you’ve made. University of Oregon Professor Pat Curtin provides all of her public relations classes with the “Ten Golden Rules of Networking.” These words contain of wisdom for everyone in any job field.
Attend as many organized opportunities as possible. It’s important to get your face out there. Any organization, club or meeting that can help you further learn and pursue your career goals is worth attending. The more you are seen at these organizations the more chance you’ll be remembered as an energetic and enthusiastic student.
Do your homework. Learn who will be at these meetings and find out what you can about them. It’s always impressive when you can meet a professional and know about their accomplishments and work.
Dress appropriately. It doesn’t always have to be extremely formal, but appropriate for the occasion. How you look will be the first impression you give potential employers; make sure it’s a good one.
Introduce yourself. It’s important to exude confidence when networking. Make eye contact and shake hands firmly. It’s important to get your name and face out there to as many people as possible.
Talk about them, not you. Ask questions about how they got their career started how they enjoy it, and any advice they have to offer. People are flattered if you show an interest in them and ask them to talk about themselves.
Pay attention. Look interested when they talk and be prepared to respond appropriately.
Know what’s happening in the world and in your field. “Be sure you have common ground for conversation and can exchange ideas and reasoned opinions,” says Professor Curtin. “Being able to talk about current happenings will make you stand out; not being able to respond will give an impression of ignorance and self-absorption.”
Don’t just talk jobs or internships. Show that you are interested after expressing your interest and knowledge.
Make business cards and hand them out. Include your name, major, school, and contact information. Include an url if you have an online portfolio or resume.
Follow up. Always send a thank you note after meeting with a professional. Thank them for their time, reiterate something they said that you found interesting, and express how you’d like to meet with them again.
Networking is a valuable and necessary tool these days; however, don’t look at it as a tedious, intimidating process. With these ten rules, you will make positive, lasting impressions on professionals in your interested field. Go out there, get your face seen, and meet as many people as possible!
–Ashlea Holcomb, Account Supervisor
