Networking Do's & Don'ts
Only 5%-25% of jobs are advertised - networking helps you to find out about unadvertised openings through talking to as many people as possible and expressing that you are in search of a career.
Do's
- Join a professional organization related to the financial services industry - professional organizations were rated as the top spot for networking
- Think creatively about where to find contacts. You can network anywhere
- Ask for help. Most people will be flattered to be asked for career advice and assistance with your job search
- Ask for referrals, advice and information from your current network contacts
- Volunteer - volunteer work is another top rated way to network
- Cold call - for example: call alumni, start with "I went to such-and-such university and I understand you graduated from there." You will get some rejections
- Create a system to organize your network contacts (computer spreadsheet, rolodex, three-ring binder)
- Conduct informational interviews (talk to people who are currently working in the financial services industry to gain a better understanding the industry or occupation)
- Thank everyone in your network who has helped you (send a thank-you note). Show that you are a likeable, polite person in your letter and that you sincerely appreciate your network contacts assistance
- Stay connected. Keep networking even after you've found a job - you never know when you'll need to utilize your network contacts again
- Visit chat groups, message boards and blogs that deal with the financial services industry (especially those run by professional associations)
- Perfect your telephone skills. Keep conversation to under 15 minutes and follow up with a thank- you letter and a copy of your up-to-date resume instructing your network contact to pass your presume along to anyone who might be interested in your job skills
- Return the favor - be sure to help others when they reach out to you
- Think before you speak. Present your thoughts and ideas clearly
Don'ts
- Go anywhere without your business card or copies of your resume - in case you run into someone that can pass your information along to a hiring manager, you need to be prepared
- Choose a network group by it's size - it's not about quantity, but the quality of your network contacts
- Wait for someone to call you about a job opportunity - initiate networking by yourself
- Let rejections discourage you - accept them and move forward
- Hand out your business card or resume to a contact before a conversation occurs - get to know them first
- Sound like a telemarketer while making your cold calls - be more personable
- Talk about yourself too much - instead ask questions about the company
- Offer voluntary opinions on controversial subjects - remain neutral as not to put yourself in an awkward situation
- Be shy - welcome compliments by saying "thank you"
- Expect instant results - be patient
- Be too aggressive - know when to back off