Since roughly 85% of jobs are obtained through personal contact, it seems your “resume” doesn’t deserve as much attention as it often gets. Rather, more time should be spent on crafting the core message you’d like to send to your network, while building and maintaining authentic relationships.
Here are four ways to make networking work for you:
- Know your message: Think of three words that might best describe you. Write them down. Those three words are going to serve as a foundation in everything you do.
- Be real: In sales, there is a saying, “People do business with those they know, like and trust.” Be someone who others will seek to know and like. The trust will follow when you are authentic in your relationships.
- Give before you get: Consider ways you can help others in your network before thinking what your network can do for you.
- Participate in alumni and professional association activities: Newsletters, magazines, blogs and more can be a great resource to catch up and see what fellow alumni are doing in the workforce. Getting connected with a regional or national professional association will increase your career knowledge and your chances of impressing your future network.
Take advantage of a great networking opportunity and attend the upcoming 5th Annual Students and Alumni Networking Mixer on Thursday, March 26 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, Stony Brook. Feel free to view other Alumni Career Services ‘Archived Webinars‘ or visit our website.
