NETWORKING at a glance

WHAT IS NETWORKING?

Networking is the art of making contacts and exchanging information. The purpose of networking is to give and get information.

HOW DO I NETWORK?

Everybody has several circles of friends, family, and acquaintances with whom they network. Networking should be an integral part of your job search. It is usually a non-threatening activity for everyone involved because you are not asking for a job or a job interview. You are asking them only for their advice, which is something most people are happy to give freely. 

Networking contacts could include: 

• Friends and relatives
• Relatives of friends
• Former and current employers and colleagues
• Community contacts such as doctors, church members and their friends and relatives
• Faculty at Cooley
• Members of professional associations
• Authors of articles in professional journals, newspapers, or alumni magazines
• Subjects of articles in professional journals, newspapers, or alumni magazines
• Cooley alumni
• Alumni from your undergraduate institution
• Attorneys working in fields that interest you

WHAT DO I DO ONCE I'VE MADE CONTACT?

When you have made a contact, consider discussing the following topics: 

• Their job
• Their career field
• Their organization
• Their advice to you on how to break into the field
• Their region of the country

HOW DO I IMPROVE MY NETWORKING SKILLS?  

• Get to know people for who they are, not just for their positions
• Follow up on all leads
• Report back to those who give you a lead
• Ask for exactly what you need. Be focused and succinct in your message
• Don't immediately reject advice
• Don't expect your network to answer all your job search questions
• Make networking a habit