Networking Tips & Tricks

Networking often feels like an obscure buzzword. You know you need to do it to get an internship or job or meet the right people to move your career along, but you’re not quite sure how to go about it. Especially living during a time when in-person events aren’t happening, making connections through social media and Zoom calls can feel ingenuine.

Don’t worry, because you’re not alone.

The reality is that 85% of positions are filled through networking. And thinking back, that makes sense right? Applying on a company’s website is like sending a resume into a black hole. By harnessing the power of a network and people you’ve worked hard to establish meaningful connections with, you have a much higher chance of standing out and landing that job or internship you’ve been dreaming of. Follow along for some tips and tricks of how to get there!

1. Create a ‘Networking’ Google Drive folder and start off with two documents:

• Company List: Make a list of the top 10 companies you’d realistically like to work at

• Networking Sheet: Keep track of all the people you have conversations with and any important information (about them, the company, and advice they give) you want to remember

2. Based off of your company list, start looking for people to network with on LinkedIn. Luckily, you can do this very easily by going to that company’s page. Let’s use Facebook as an example. Once you’re there, click on the PEOPLE tab:

This enables you to see everyone who works at the company, their position, and any mutual connections you may have. You can start by going through those mutual connections and reaching out to your friend’s-cousin’s-brother’s-friend who knows them. Or, you can use some of LinkedIn’s filter features.

3. Look up employees by university. People are usually more inclined to help someone who is a current student or an alumni of their alma mater. And if you don’t have any mutual connections but see someone in a role that interests you, reach out! They’ll probably want to bond about the dining hall’s late night quesadillas or the one time your school won the Rose Bowl!

4. Add a personalized note to your invitation. The chance of someone accepting your LinkedIn request is much higher if you add a personalized note. Explain why you’re reaching out, if you have a mutual connection (with their permission), and what your goal is. This is also a great conversation starter for asking for help.

If you need help figuring out what to say, here’s a useful template on crafting your note.

Hi [NAME],

Hope you’re doing well! I saw you graduated from my current university, [COLLEGE]. I’m really interested in learning about your previous experiences and how you got to where you are today at [COMPANY]. If you have 15 minutes, I’d love to chat!

Best,

[NAME]

Use your own tone of voice when reaching out and get to the point quickly since you only have 300 characters. You won’t get a 100% response rate at all, but for the ones that do, follow-up and schedule a call. Then, take out your handy networking sheet that you created and record what you talked about.

I know it may feel mechanical even to take notes during these phone conversations, but I promise it will help in the long-run! You’ll be able to look back months later when you’re applying to their company and remember certain details that would have definitely slipped your mind by then. And if you keep up these relationships, you’ll be on your way to employment in no time!

Follow Cocoon Consulting for more networking tips and tricks!