By Stephanie Sibbett
When you graduate, do you want a job?
This may seem like a stupid question, but if the answer is 'yes,' then the question you must ask yourself is, 'What am I doing right now to ensure I will have a job in the future?'
The most important time to start planning for future positions in the workforce is now.
One of the most powerful ways to build professional relationships, actively foster contacts and disseminate information is through networking. According to the Federal Bureau of Labor, 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking.
'The best thing a person can do is meet as many people as possible in both desired fields and other fields of interest as well,' said Merrett Lam, a recent graduate of BYU in business from, Honolulu Hawaii.
According to the web-site www.networkingforproffesionals.com, networking is a social activity that most of us do daily as we exchange information with others. Yet stress the importance of turning that daily activity into a systematic process.
Harvey McKay, a well-known author and speaker suggests keeping a rolodex of everyone you know and putting a little something about that person on each card. McKay, also suggests that you update the rolodex daily on who you meet daily.
Courtesy of http://www.esquiregroup.com.
Get to know as many people as possible and go out of your way to meet them.
'It''s kind of like a mission, ' said Lorie Macgregor a recent graduate from BYU in Philosophy and Latin America Studies from Ridgecrest, Calif., ' You make contact, and even if they aren''t interested you have to say, ''Okay thanks do you know who is?'''' She explained that you have to introduce yourself to people, tell them what area of work you are interested in, if they cannot help ask them who they know that might be able to. Macgregor found her current job by networking and meeting as many people as possible, she concluded by saying, 'I think if you''re aggressive it will pay off.'
Professor of Communications Rich Long said, 'Networking is different than connections. Networking is not having a well-placed Uncle who can get you a job. Networking involves meeting people, distributing business cards, talking to as many people as you can at conferences and following up with those you were particularly impressed with after.'
'In an entrepreneurial example such as mine I have been able to put together a company by networking. I have also been able to meet various specialists in different areas and able to find qualified individuals in fields I know little about and put them together to lead and direct different areas of the company. With networking you can have future opportunities and options in case your current situation changes,' said Lam.
Networking opportunities are everywhere, learn to recognize them and do not let them pass you by. Networking should start while you are still in school.
1.) Recognize there is more to networking than greeting people. Develop a systematic plan for how you will build relationships and effectively tell your story. Have an idea of how you want people to remember you, and why they would remember you.
2.) Start your contact list now by listing everyone you do know. The list could include, classmates, professors, former employers, friends, neighbors, and family. Include any information that might be helpful about them, including, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
3.) Work on your ability to make small talk. By increasing this ability you will be able to approach people that you meet and feel confident with your capacity to have an intelligent conversation.
4.) Join student organizations, clubs, groups, and associations that will allow you to meet people within the BYU community and without.
5.) Do something constructive with the information that you have gathered. Stay in touch with people you have met through your networking.
6.) Be prepared. Plan now for the future. Have a resume prepared and ready to hand out to people. If finances allow you could even make a business card to hand out with all pertinent information about you listed on it.
7.) Attend as many career fairs as possible.
'Go to every career fair held on campus even remotely related to the field you''re interested in.' Long said. This will allow you to introduce yourself to many people from different companies and start an informal network.
When attending the career fair Long has some ideas to help make it a success.
( Do research on the companies that you are interested in speaking to. Then you will be able to ask the recruiter pointed questions.
Long said, 'I recruited for Dow Chemical a number of times, and many student''s had the opening question, ''What does Dow Chemical do?'' I would think to myself, ''What does Dow CHEMICAL do?''.
? Do not just make idle chitchat. Recruiters will typically talk to many students and interview a dozen a day, what will make you stand out? It starts with that initial introduction.
'Something intangible occurs when a recruiter meets a particular student and they click. Then for whatever reason the recruiter goes away saying, ''We''ve got to pursue that person.''' Long said.
( Go to the career fair with a resume.
Long said, 'There is something different about someone who comes to a career fair and hands a resume to a recruiter versus someone who follows-up a week later and mails one in.'
? Work on your approach. Walk up to the recruiter, shake hands, introduce yourself with your name, major and graduation date and say you would like to leave a resume. If possible ask if they have a couple of minutes to answer a few questions.
It is critical to start the networking process now, but also critical to avoid networking errors.
Long said, 'There is a fine line between assertive and overly aggressive or abrasive.'
? Be sincere and assertive without being aggressive or pushy.
? Respect other people''s time.
? Follow through on promises.
? Use formal and polite speech.
? Introduce yourself, do not wait for introductions.
? Say thank-you.
One of the most important things is to be continually networking even if you are not looking for a job. Networking is a continual process that must occur throughout the rest of your life.
Start now, and take every opportunity to meet as many people as possible.
Long said, 'A tragedy occurs when networking is not done. Some people will go to a professional conference or meeting and sit down and have lunch, exchange pleasantries with four or five people at the table. The problem is that there are 60 other people that they never meet. So those 60 other people don''t get a chance to know a thing about you, like what you have done, what you can do, that you''re in the market for a job change, or your specialty, and so that person you could have talked to, ends up hiring someone else.'