Virtual Career Center

Job Search Strategy: Networking

Networking, networking, networking. This is the theme we wrap throughout our services, seminars and suggestions. If you are not networking yet, start with one person and build from there. Intensify your search and tap into the hidden job market by establishing contacts with people in your current field or in a field that you would like to move into. Learn how to connect with others effectively and efficiently.

Networking with Alumni

Members of the Alumni Association can search for individuals who have offered to share information about their careers, their firms and geographic areas through the Online Directory. You can also volunteer to be a networking contact and/or offer assistance to other alumni looking for information in these areas by using the Update Your Info form at the top of every page in our Web site. Make contacts with several thousand University of Illinois Alumni who have volunteered their personal comments and advice about their careers. Talk to the networking contacts about their daily routine, likes and dislikes about their job, trends, tips for changing careers, additional resources, necessary skills and training, and potential obstacles. Make a connection through the Online Directory.

Networking and Informational Interviewing Tips

• Prepare your sound byte: 40 seconds of information, three to four sentences that answer who you are and the strengths, skills and characteristics you have to offer, and the areas in which you need more information.
• Avoid asking for a job or about a specific job opening. This can shut down a conversation quickly. Instead, ask for assistance and information.
• Listen as people tell their stories and share their expertise.
• Use informational interviews to gather information about a particular field, industry or firm.
• Ask what the work is like, the state of the industry, about money and advancement, about skills and experience needed, about fitting in and for other resources and referrals.
• Network with family, friends, and colleagues and all the people they know.
• Identify job clubs and career-related support groups through local colleges, churches and non-profit organizations.
• When sending an introductory letter or e-mail, do not attach a resume. Wait until one is requested.

Additional Tips for Networking via the Internet

• Think before you write your e-mail. Knowing your ultimate goal will help clarify your message.
• Proofread any e-mail you send. Check spelling and grammar.
• Be clear, concise and professional regarding screen names, subject lines and e-mail content.

Networking Examples

• Sample informational interview questions
• Sample networking sound bites
• Sample networking correspondence

How can the Alumni Career Center help you develop a networking strategy and identify potential networking contacts?

• Career Advising — Build a personalized networking strategy; get feedback on your sound bite and process the information you've collected. Career advising is a feature of the Alumni Career Center's Comprehensive Service Package, available for an annual fee of $160 to Alumni Association members. An option to meet one time for one hour with a career adviser for a $40 fee is also available to Alumni Association members.
  
  
• Professional Development Workshops — Network with fellow alumni and participate in career management seminars and events. Fees for individual workshops are $25 and all workshops are offered at no additional charge as a feature of the Alumni Career Center's Comprehensive Service Package. See the calendar at www.uiaa.org/calendar for details.
  
  

• How to Work a Room by Susan RoAne
  
  
• Network Your Way to Your Next Job FAST! By Clyde Lowstuter & David Robertson
  
  
• Why Should Extroverts Make All The Money: Networking Made Easy for the Introvert by Frederica Balzano
  
  

• Execunet — The premier executive network and membership organization for professionals making $100,000 or more.
  www.execunet.com
  
  
• MBA Company — For MBA alumni and students. Offers networking events nationwide and in Chicago.
  www.thembacompany.com
  
  
• Yahoo Groups — Offers the ability to search for groups of interest or start your own.
  groups.yahoo.com
  
  
• Scholarly Societies Project — Access over 800 societies and professional associations, click on "Subjects".
  www.scholarly-societies.org
  
  
• Networking & Support Groups listed on the Definitive Chicago Area Job Guide — Provides links to several lists of networking and support groups in the Chicago Area.
  www.chicagojobs.org/network.html#support

Can't find the resources you are looking for? Have questions about the Alumni Career Center services? University of Illinois alumni can ask our career experts for help with job searching and career questions.