Networking is an essential part of any job search, and the most interesting and hard-to-find jobs are usually opportunities that are not widely advertised or that people create for themselves. Whether you’re looking for a summer internship or full-time job, making networking a priority will serve you well.
Lots of people hate networking because it makes them feel like they’re “using” people or being fake. I’ve always found networking energizing and fun–but that’s probably also why I want to be a talk show host. From talking to my friends and classmates, I know that making small talk at a cocktail party can be excruciatingly awkward. However, finding and approaching people is a lot easier than it may seem. Being the Facebook generation, twentysomethings are networking all the time (You don’t think all 1134 of those people are really your “friends” do you?). Contacting and communicating with people online is a completely valid way to network. In fact, I’d venture to say that it can sometimes be more effective than trying to run into someone at a function and wrestle for a minute of their time.
I think that Google + Facebook + LinkedIn = Golden Key to Online Success. If you know how to use these three online tools well, you don’t need to have access to an exclusive alumni database to contact heavy-hitters in your industry of choice. Networking is about establishing connections with people, and sharing information. People will give you the time of the day because one day, they’re going to want something from you–or from someone you know. So don’t ever feel guilty about contacting someone for an “informational interview.” The worst that can happen is that they are too busy or not interested and they say no–or don’t respond at all.
By now, anyone with a pulse has a Facebook account. If you’re one of the last people holding out, I would urge you to create an account for the sake of networking even if you don’t care about people’s status updates, can’t stand the “pokes” from random people, and hate receiving five invitations a day for useless applications. Facebook is an outstanding networking tool, and you’re missing out by trying to make a statement.
It took me a while to get warmed up to LinkedIn. However, once I hunkered down and actually filled out my profile and populated my network with contacts, I was surprised at how easy it is to maintain your contacts and your profile.
I am now going to demonstrate how you can find and approach just about anyone using Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Madonna has been in the news a lot lately. Let’s pretend that I want to work for Madonna in some capacity. How can a girl possibly get to Madonna?
On LinkedIn: Search for “Madonna” and “music” under People Search and see what comes up.
Surprisingly, I have a second-degree contact that has worked with Madonna (this is thanks to a very well-connected contact I have in my LinkedIn network). This person who popped up in my search owns a production company and has produced over 200 music videos. Since he’s a second-degree contact, I can request that my first-degree contact introduce the two of us (which is really the LinkedIn equivalent of Facebook’s “Friend Recommendation” tool).
Now, LinkedIn has all sorts of control systems to keep overzealous networkers like myself from contacting people unsolicited. Sometimes if a person is not in your network, instead of people’s full names, LinkedIn will only show their first name and initial. However, you can piece together information from people’s profiles to conduct an excellent Google search. Your Google search with the right keywords will likely provide the person in question’s first and last name, which you can then use to look them up on Facebook and send them a message requesting a short phone chat.
Now, for frequently asked questions.
But won’t I look like a psycho contacting someone I’ve tracked down on Facebook?
I’ve done this dozens of times with influential people, and I’ve always received positive responses. If someone has gone through the trouble of creating a LinkedIn and Facebook profile and made it searchable, they want to be found. And if you look like a psycho, at least eventually you’ll be a psycho with a job.
What do I say when I finally find this person?
Keep it short. Here is what I usually say:
Hi, John. I’m [insert your name here], an MBA student at Harvard interested in learning more about opportunities working for Madonna. I found your profile on LinkedIn and saw that you worked with her on several video shoots in the early nineties. Might you have 15 minutes to speak with me about your experiences? If so, I’m available during the following times:
(all times in EST)
Wed. Apr. 1 3-5:30 pm; Thur. Apr. 2 4:30-8; Fri. Apr. 3 1-3:30.
Thank you!John
555.222.4747
Make sure that your initial networking request does the following things:
1) state what your intention is. There is no need pretending you want to “just get to know someone.” People can help you better when they know what it is you want from them.
2) Gives some memorable fact about yourself. Everyone has something that makes them stand out. I tend to rely on dropping the H-bomb, because it piques people’s curiosity about who I am and what I want from them.
3) Asks to speak for the person during a specific day and time. Do not make them email back and forth with you to set up a time. Give them some choices, so they can choose one and let you know when you’re talking. Always remember to state times in their time zone–not yours.
What do I talk about when I finally get the person to talk to me?
First be sure to thank them, and then ask them questions that you genuinely want to know the answer to. What do they do in their job? How might they be able to help you get closer to Madonna’s inner circle? What skills do you need to be Madonna’s personal assistant? How can you build those skills over the summer or in your current job? Is there anyone else you should talk to?
And then your 15 minutes will be up before you know it.
Google, LinkedIn, and Facebook only work if you are able to piece together the right keywords well (which Gen Y is quite excellent at doing), if your profiles are filled out and your networks are well populated. According to a recent Economist article, the average Facebook user has 120 friends, so that network is probably already well populated. If your LinkedIn profile is lagging behind, log in now, use some of LinkedIn’s nifty uploaders that will scour your email accounts for your contacts that are already on LinkedIn, and start power networking online. Believe me, rejection or being ignored stings a lot less when it’s online. Why do you think online dating is getting so popular?
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