Employment Guide: Networking in college means success down the line

More often than you’d like, getting a job is about who you know. Sometimes, you know the right… More often than you’d like, getting a job is about who you know. Sometimes, you know the right people without even realizing it.

Danielle Scott, networking coordinator in the Office of Student Employment and Placement Assistance, helped two Pitt alumni — one who was looking for a job and one who was looking for an applicant — get in touch.

A Pitt alumnus had called her in search of a gregarious applicant for a job at State Farm Insurance. A week later, another Pitt alumnus contacted Career Services about finding a new job. Scott had passed the State Farm Insurance request around the office and a career counselor was able to put the two alumni together to schedule an interview.

Scott is tasked with getting in touch with employers to help Pitt affiliates find jobs, especially by contacting Pitt alumni with the Pitt Career Network, the database she’s worked on that lists Pitt alumni. Scott offers students tips on how they can use the database successfully..

“I think e-mail is the best way — send e-mail, [or] if there’s a number listed, call,” she said.

You never know who might end up helping you find your perfect job. Pitt hosts seminars on crafting resumés and interview tactics, but sometimes we forget that networking is one of the most basic and important skills for venturing out into the work world.

“It’s amazing the connections that can happen … and that’s what networking is about,” said Cheryl Finlay, director of the Office of Student Employment and Placement Assistance.

Finlay said that even first year students can start networking. New students should make a point to connect with their professors and advisers, get to know other students and join clubs and sororities or fraternities. Networking early means practicing so you can really shine by the end of college.

“You want to separate yourself and you want to make yourself visible,” Finlay said. She explained that some sources claim the number of jobs landed through networking is as high as 70 percent. With numbers of that magnitude, it appears we should spend as much time building relationships as perfecting our resumés. And Finlay said that effort starts before you’ve even met a potential employer.

“I think it’s important for students to get online [to look at the Fall Career Fair directory] and do their strategy for who to approach,” she said.

She also said that for her and for many professionals she knows, seeking someone out is the kind of extra work they notice and appreciate.

“That goes a long way, it really does,” she said.

Tom Baker, a motivational speaker and vice president of production for children mentoring service Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, agreed. He said that students who contact him by e-mail after speeches — even when they weren’t able to speak with him directly — stand out for taking the extra step.

But students must continue to make a lasting impression on a future employer after they send that first e-mail or exchange that first handshake. Networking, after all, is not just connecting with another person — it’s making sure they remember you.

“It comes off a little bit disingenuous when a student comes over and they’re a little robotic about it and it’s obvious they’re just networking to network … it doesn’t make you feel special,” he said.

Instead, students should focus on getting to know the person they’re speaking to. Baker mentioned that when people come over and talk about knowing his wife or engage him in a conversation about one of his favorite hobbies, such as sports, he feels more at ease with them.

“It’s all about just being able to put yourself out there. It doesn’t have to be in a professional setting, just giving off a professional, friendly vibe that’s important,” he said.

Another thing to remember: Even though you’re there to impress employers with all your activities and accolades, sometimes it’s better to ask about the other person instead of talking about how great you are.

“I think it’s really important not to focus as much on yourself in the conversation as much as [on] the person who works at the company you want to work for … People like telling their story,” Baker said.

And when you are talking about yourself, Baker stressed how important it is to just be yourself, quirks and all. Sometimes it’s those little tidbits — like your involvement in a city sports league — that people remember.

“To be honest too, I get to speak all over the country. I’m a motivational speaker, and sometimes even I’m a little quirky … people just kind of remember that kind of thing,” Baker said.

Finally, and most importantly, after you connect with a potential employer, follow up. Even if it’s just an e-mail to tell them you enjoyed speaking with them, it can go a long way. Baker recalls an applicant who, after her interview, went to her car and wrote out a thank you note, bringing it back immediately. He found her attention to detail impressive and it cemented his decision to hire her.

“If nothing else … if students start doing stuff — making sure they follow up … the faster, the better,” he said.

If all this still seems a bit intimidating, Pitt is here to help. On Oct. 28, Career Services will host Pathway to Profession, its annual networking event, where Baker will be a guest speaker.

“We understand networking seems scary. We try to ease that with this event,” Scott said.

But remember: Though networking can go a long way in making big things happen, it doesn’t have to be all business.

“It’s important to not always be selling, build these relationships, build friendships … don’t even be worried if there’s a specific agenda,” Baker said.