| Networking |
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Why network? |
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What is it? |
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What are the rules? |
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| Why network? |
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Personal contacts / networking
is consistently the largest single source of accepted jobs for Virginia
Tech graduates.
We ask each academic year's grads; 35% to 48% of grads got their jobs
through networking and referrals. |
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For more details see our Post-Graduation
Report based on our annual survey of the graduating bachelor's
degree class. |
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The percentages are higher for some
colleges and lower for others. The Post-Graduation
Report gives data for each college within the
university. |
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The Report also lets you see the other
ways graduates found their jobs, with percentages for each. |
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Read any article about the job search.
You'll consistently hear about "the hidden job market"
and "unadvertised jobs." People find these jobs by networking. |
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Technology is great, and it is essential to carefully follow instructions for applying for jobs online. But technology will never
replace the personal touch. Before you get hired, people need
to get to know you. Networking is a way of getting to know people,
and getting people to know you — and to view you favorably if you do
it correctly. |
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| What is it? |
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Networking is a little different
from directly applying for jobs — but it can lead to one.
Networking is simply talking to people — everyone from your
professors to your neighbors to your friend's sister to your customer
at the place where you work. Everyone you talk to may potentially
suggest another person who might help you, and your circle of contacts
grows — get the idea? |
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Students in your major or a similar
major who are a year or more ahead of you, or have graduated are
an excellent source for information. Student organizations related
to your major or career interest are a good source for meeting students
who are ahead of you. |
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VT
CareerLink is a networking source we offer. Use it to find
Virginia Tech alumni who've volunteered to help students. |
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Most people who network don't call
it networking — they just call it talking to people. Makes
sense, doesn't it? |
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Keep an open mind. You never
know what and who may connect you to a job lead until you get there. |
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| What are the rules? |
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Don't ask flat out for a job.
Ask for help and advice. |
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Have good manners and good interpersonal
skills. |
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If you're contacting someone who doesn't
know you, introduce yourself succinctly. Tell the person
how, where or from whom you got her name and why you are contacting
her. Think about your reaction to getting a call from a stranger
and what you would want to know. |
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Be positive. Even if job searching
is getting you down, don't let it show. No one wants to hire (or
recommend) someone who has a gloomy attitude. On the other hand,
enthusiasm and positive attitude are infectious. |
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Be articulate. Tell what you
know about the career field you're pursuing, and ask intelligent
questions to learn what you don't know. |
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Be yourself — your best, aspiring-to-be-a-professional
self.
Good manners and appropriate conduct will help you build allies. |
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Thank everyone who helps you
and keep people posted on your progress. Write thank-you letters
to people who take time to talk with you. Leave a good impression
— someone might remember you in a few weeks when she hears
about a job (internship, co-op, whatever) that you'd like. |
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