Networking and LinkedIn

Building and leveraging your professional network is crucial when looking for internship or job opportunities and exploring career possibilities. Approximately 85% of jobs are filled through networking, meaning networking is your #1 job search strategy.

Networking for your career is a planned process that can take place in both formal and informal settings. It’s about talking with and getting to know people so that every contact you make is a "warm" contact. A strong network of professional contacts can provide you with referrals, inside information on your career field, and potential employment opportunities.

Before you start contacting people, know why you are networking and the purpose of wanting to meet with a professional. Common initial thoughts are “I don’t know anyone” or “I know someone, but how do I approach them?” The same basic principles that apply to writing a résumé and interviewing also apply to networking: know yourself, your education, your skills, and what you are capable of offering. Present yourself as a confident and competent individual. Have a one-minute introduction presentation prepared to let people know who you are and what kinds of information you are hoping to gain. Create an agenda that includes time for:

A self-overview
Questions and answers
Requesting other referrals or networking opportunities
A closing and thank you

Connect with Alumni

Asking to connect with strangers can feel uncomfortable. Begin networking with people you know then branch out. Connect with Oswego alumni through Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK).

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for connecting with others in your chosen career field. Learn how to tap into the power of LinkedIn to find internships, jobs, and valuable connections.

Professional Associations

Joining a professional association introduces you to other professionals in your field. Benefits can include newsletters and publications, networking events, job boards, and more.

Summer and Break Jobs

Working temporary jobs through an employment agency gives you access to company executives and increases your chances of being hired from within the company.

Informational Interviews

Meeting with someone in your industry or career field can help you gain insights about real-life experiences. Use social media or ask family and friends to help you connect with others.

Job Interviews

Interviewing for any job can be intimidating! Follow these tips and guidelines to set yourself up for success while preparing for, during, and following up on interviews.

Getting Informational Interviews

Setting up an informational interview with a professional in your field of interest is a great way to network and can offer valuable insight. Begin by determining your potential career fields. Ask family and friends for recommendations. Search social media sites for professionals in related industries. Strive to set up 3-5 interviews with professionals from each field. Send an introductory email to each person and include:

Who referred you or where you found out about that person
Your interest in speaking with them
Your potential career path or field
Your résumé (optional)

Request 20-30 minutes of their time, either in person or via phone. Most people will give you that amount and probably more if you are respectful of them and their time. After a few days, follow up with a phone call, if possible, to set up a meeting date and time. Click on the video to hear more about informational interviews from Candid Career.

Guidelines

Be polite and respectful in order to establish a positive and professional relationship with your contact.
If meeting in person, dress professionally and arrive 10 minutes early. Never be late.
Keep in mind you are asking them for advice, not a job.

Ask questions to learn exactly what the career entails, what the employer's expectations are for future candidates and to identify gaps in your course work and experiences. The information you obtain from other professionals will assist you as you define and redefine your career goals. It can also help you confirm or reject job targets.

Getting Other Referrals

When meeting with a contact, thank them for their time and expertise. Ask if they can recommend one or two other people for you to contact. You could say,

"Thank you for this meeting—it has been very beneficial. Is there anyone else you think I should meet?"

When you reach out to these new contacts, mention who referred you (with permission). This step is crucial for building your network.

Always send a thank-you note within 24 hours to both the person you met and the one who referred you. Remember, building a network takes time and effort; it relies on long-term relationships.

Keep in mind that Informational Interviewing and Networking are not job interviews, although they may lead to them. Show an interest in the person and their career, don't just use them to find jobs. Be polite, respectful and professional at all times. These people may be in a position to have a very positive and profound impact on your career. If you would like assistance with this process, schedule a meeting with one of our Career Coaches.

The Elevator Pitch

Knowing yourself, your skills, and what you are capable of offering the field is the key to successful networking. Present yourself as a confident and competent candidate, practice your elevator pitch. Before the conversation ends, ask if you can connect with them on LinkedIn and for any other contacts. Click on the video to hear more about an elevator pitch from Candid Career.

Contact Us

145 Marano Campus Center
Phone: 315-312-2255
Email: [email protected]

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