Networking Strategies

Before you jump into building your professional network, create the tools necessary to maximize your impact. Some tools are must-haves, and some are nice but not necessary depending on the type of networking contact you will have.  

Resume

Regularly update your resume so that you are prepared to send it to a networking contact. See our Resume Guide for additional information.

Research

Your academic studies have prepared you well for the research aspect of networking! Whether preparing for an informational interview or a real job interview, it is important to gather specific information about the companies you are targeting. The information could include primary products, culture, industry trends, competitors, job postings, press releases, and any other relevant information from their company website, Internet searches, print articles, online articles, or visual media. 

Here are two steps you can complete as you research a specific position or company:

• Visit the company website and read up on their “About Us.” Additionally, check out the “Careers” or “Opportunities” section of their site, noting which current opportunities they have and how to apply for positions. 

• Check if a company has a presence on LinkedIn and review how they represent themselves. The LinkedIn profiles of current employees—including their profile photos—can tell you a lot about the company culture and values. You can also review the credentials of current employees and see how they compare to your own (where they attended college, what they studied, and where else they have been employed). 

• Name tags should be worn on your right side so they provide an easy sight-line to your name when shaking hands

• Use a firm handshake, eye contact, and smile to convey enthusiasm and interest

• Prepare a quick professional introduction about yourself. It might be as simple as I’m a Human Development major at Eckerd College, and I’m looking to gain hands-on experience in social work before I graduate. 

• Be prepared with updated copies of your resume.

If you’re interested in an organization, ask what they look for in an ideal candidate. Share your skills, interests, and experiences (including coursework!), tying to specific needs of the employer if you can.  Be an active listener to pick up on what they are looking for, and you’ll be able to convey how you can fulfill their needs. 

Professional associations seek to further a particular profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession, and the public interest. They have their own websites, but may also maintain a group presence on LinkedIn. Many of the LinkedIn associations accept members without requiring credentials. Research the associations relevant to your field of study through your mentor, professors, and career service professionals.  

Here are some tips for discovering professional associations in your field: 

• Locate your major(s) in the What Can I Do With This Major? database, then scroll to the bottom of your major’s page: a list of professional associations for your major will be there.

• Research occupation information on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to locate additional associations. Additionally, consider Google keyword searches (ie, “marketing professional associations”). 

• The American Society of Association Executives hosts a Center for Association Leadership site which includes an easy to use Association Directory. This service takes you directly to many of the associations currently operating. 

Image Is Everything

Be aware of your overall online image across all of your social media accounts. Employers and potential interviewers may be able to see what you post and how you respond to others. Therefore, keep all of your posts professional, and put in extra effort to communicate clearly.

Even if you think you are posting to a limited network your friends who see those posts can screenshot and repost your information to their network, making it visible to a fellow employee, your current employer, and perhaps a potential future employer.  

Be mindful, too, of what your profile pictures and other featured photos on your social media accounts say about you. Even if, best case scenario, potential employers cannot see your posts or personal page, they will still be able to see your profile picture. 

Privacy Settings

With all this in mind, the Career Center has one firm recommendation regarding social media and your job search: keep all of your profiles locked with the strictest privacy settings while you are on the job market.

The only exception to this rule is if you are an artist, creative writer, influencer, or future organizer or recruiter for political campaigns; in these situations, your social media profiles may be integral to showing off your work, your brand, and connecting with others in your field. If this is your situation, we recommend working hard to maintain a professional tone, image, and brand