1. Networking Involves: Establishing goals.
Analyzing the type of assistance you will need to achieve your goals.
Developing your people skills.
Building and cultivating your network.
Maintaining your network through the years.

2. Networking Facts: People love to give advice
People like being thought of as “experts”
Networking is not just asking for help, but agreeing to be helpful in return.
75% of people get their jobs through networking.
Many positions are filled before they are even posted!
People like to be “heroes”

3. The Law of 250 Every person knows at least 250 other people.
Each of your contacts knows at least 250 people. So that’s 62,500 at your 2nd level.
Each of your 2nd level contacts knows 250 people - and that’s over 15,000,000!

4. 4 Layers of Separation You Level 1 Contact Level 2 Contact Level 3
Your Friend
Alice
Alice’s Uncle
Bill
Bill’s Friend
Carol
Carol’s Boss
David

5. Corollary to Law of 250
It is typically not your first level contact that eventually hires you - in fact, you’ll probably find that the hiring contact may be 2, 3 or 4 levels deep.
Some sociologists have found that “acquaintances are more likely than family members to give individuals direct information and to recommend them for opportunities.”
Mark Granovetter, “The Strength of Weak Ties”

6. Potential “Level 1” Contacts
Family/Friends
Friends of Family/Neighbors
Classmates/Alumni
Contacts from Special Interest Groups (e.g., Sorority, Fraternity, Student organizations)
Members of your religious congregation
People dependant upon networking (e.g., realtors, insurance agents)
Former employers/co- workers
Recruiters/employers who give presentations on campus.
Other job candidates
LUC Alumni Sharing Knowledge (LUC-ASK)
Professional Associations
Contacts in the Career Center
Former teachers, current professors and staff

7. First Steps!
Assess your own interests, skills, knowledge areas, and personal attributes. Take stock so you can speak about yourself with enthusiasm.
Research information about your potential network contact and his/her field.
Decide what information you would like to obtain from your contact and prepare a list of questions you would like to have answered (see “Guide to Informational Interviewing” for sample questions).
Remember that you are representing yourself and Loyola as a whole.

8. What NOT To Do:
Do not ask for a job or internship (ask for advice, information, and other contacts).
Do not spam with multiple s or stalk with multiple phone calls.
Do not act unprofessionally or negatively.
Do not ask your contact to mass distribute your resume.
Do not share their contact information with others unless you have permission to do so.

9. Keep in Mind:
The same obligations and courtesies that come with traditional face-to-face networking apply to online interactions. Treat people the way you’d like to be treated, both online and offline!
Career-related online networking should eventually lead to other forms of contact like phone conversations or in-person meetings.
Keep an eye out for alumni and student networking receptions which are also a great way to meet with alumni.

10. Making the Initial Contact
Purpose: Set up a meeting to discuss your needs, interests and goals.
Level 1 Contacts: Call, or write a letter.
Level 2, 3, etc. Contacts: Send an “Approach” letter followed by a phone call.
ATTACH YOUR RESUME AND INDICATE THAT IT’S ONLY FOR REFERENCE!

11. Networking (E-mail or Letter)
Your letter should include:
A brief introduction and your affiliation with Loyola
Why you are writing to this individual; why you are interested in this field or organization
A brief statement of your interests and/or experience
That you would like to schedule a minute meeting with them over the phone or in person
That you are asking for information and advice.
Information about arrangements for the meeting or call with suggested dates, times and locations.
Proofread all of your correspondence and be professional in your tone. Even if this is already an “acquaintance” you should be formal and professional with them.

12. Networking Telephone Call
Tell them who you are, why you are calling & what you need. Always ask if this is a convenient time to talk.
Tell them you don’t expect an immediate answer - ask if you can call them back at a later date.

13. Tell Your Contact What You Need
Ask them:
To be part of your personal NETWORK.
For advice & input.
To recommend their tips for getting a foot in the door in this particular field or industry.
To refer you to others who might be able to assist and give advice (ONLY if you are comfortable asking).

14. Act Professionally! Be polite, respectful, and charming!
Dress professionally for in-person meetings.
Have appropriate questions ready to ask for a half hour conversation, (see Networking Guidelines for examples of informational interview questions).
Be prepared for the person to ask you about your interests and experiences.
Be respectful of the person’s time and keep the conversation short; they will let you know if they have additional time to share.
Say “Thank You” at the conclusion of your conversation!

15. Follow Up After the Interaction
Take notes after your interactions. They may be helpful to refer to when reflecting on your conversation and conducting follow-up.
Send a thank you note within hours –either by or handwritten. Include “How can I help you in return?”
Ask yourself: What did I learn from my conversation? How does what I learned fit with my own interests, abilities, goals, and values? What additional information would be helpful to know?

16. Follow Up After the Interaction
If your contact refers you to others, follow-up with them. Make sure to immediately mention your mutual contact and why they thought this new person might be helpful.
Keep your contacts informed. If your original contact referred you to someone who was helpful, share that with her/him. Likewise, if a particular resource or research avenue was fruitful, let the person know.

17. Networking Tips & Techniques

18. Develop Good People Skills
Assert yourself positively and confidently.
Ask good questions.
Be a good listener.
Be viewed as knowledgeable or skillful in a particular area.
Show interest in being of assistance to others.

19. Areas for Common Mistakes
Voic / Answering Machine – have a professional voic message.
Social Networking websites – Keep your profile professional. Many people can access your information, even if your privacy settings are set to the maximum!
address – again, keep it professional! Do not use something like or will not make good impressions.

20. Networking Business Card
A business card creates an impression of professionalism and quickly provides your contact information.
Business cards can be created online or at any printing/copy store.
Your Name Description of Target Career Interest Home Address City, State Zip Phone Address URL (optional)

21. Networking Log
Use a spreadsheet or notebook to keep track of contacts and what you discussed:
Contact name, title, company
Address, Phone # & address
How you met contact
Date last contacted
Conversation summary
Names of referrals
Date of thank-you note for referrals
Other follow up steps you took

22. Keep Your Network Going
Don’t let your “rolodex” gather dust – keep in touch through sending occasional s, updates, links to articles, etc.
Keep your contacts up-to-date on your progress.
Always thank people!
DON’T STOP NETWORKING ONCE YOU GET A JOB!

23. Final Thoughts…
“Remember, part of networking is giving to other people. The best networkers know that networking is much more than passing around resumes. It involves building relationships over time...”
Jack Chapman, “Build Your Network, Now!”