Networking



What is "networking"? Networking is a way to:

  • Find the "hidden" job market
  • Contact people of all types
  • Build and maintain relationships
  • Make people aware of your career interests and goals


Bradley's BU Mentor Program

  • Student Information Guide
  • Networking groups on LinkedIn that allows Bradley students to connect with professionals in various fields.

Information from LinkedIn

(See more)

 


The Ultimate Linkedin Cheat Sheet from Leisure Jobs


Sources of Possible Contacts

  • "Warm" contacts: (people you know)
    • Friends of parents and parents of friends
    • Professors, friends, relatives, former employers or any professionals these people recommend
    • Members of campus-based organizations you belong to now (advisor, upperclassmen, others)
    • Your career advisor
  • "Cold" contacts: (people you are meeting)
    • Members of professional organizations
    • People in the information business-resource center directors or librarians
    • Human resources directors, public relations officials, or public information specialists
    • Community service agencies and area chambers of commerce
    • BU Mentor, an online network of Bradley Parents and alumni willing to serve as career mentors.
    • BUConnect (User ID and password required. Student access available from the Alumni Relations Office)


How to contact people in a network

  • Contacting by phone:
    • Consider calling before 9:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
    • Offer a personal introduction
    • Identify your purpose for seeking an appointment
    • If you are calling as a result of a referral, state that person's name early in the conversation
    • Arrange a mutually convenient time
    • Indicate that you need only 20-30 minutes of their time
    • Express a need for a personal interview as opposed to a telephone conversation
  • Contacting by letter or e-mail:
    • Offer a personal introduction
    • Identify your purpose for seeking a meeting
    • Type all letters in a business format and double check for good grammar and spelling
    • Always indicate in the closing paragraph that you will either:
      • Call on a specific date (usually one week after you mail the letter) to arrange for a convenient appointment time
      • Follow up with additional questions (e-mail)


Networking and Your Job Search - from the Riley Guide