• Making connections and exchanging information with other people. Sounds like “I know someone who…”

• +/- 75% of jobs are found via “networking” – including personal contacts, new connections, and social networking

• You’re already doing it!

Networking – what is it?!

Networking Events• Career Fairs, Info Sessions, Meet and Greets

Chance and Planned Encounters• Student Groups, Campus events, Vacations, Trains, Planes,

and Automobiles

Personal, Professional and School Contacts• Alumni, Family, Friends, Faculty, and more!

Where it Happens

What are you looking for?• Info about a position, a field, a company?

Who can help you?• Relatives, Friends, Neighbors, Professors, etc.• Activities/sports you’re involved in• Alumni connections, professional associations, etc.

Take advantage of chance meetings!

Building Your Network

What is it?• Conversation where you have the chance to ask someone

else questions about their profession, career path, etc.• One of the best ways to build your network and learn about

the day-to-day of a job or career• Villanova resources for connecting with professionals:

NovaNetwork & Career Connections

Informational Interviewing

Setting It Up• You may contact them by telephone or email• Tell person who you are and why you are calling/writing• Mention name of reference if someone referred you• Ask if they are willing/able to do an info interview• Ask for their preference (in person, on phone, via email)

Informational Interviewing

hey –i was wondering if u can help me get a internship. i amphilosophy major and i just looking to make some moneynext summer. idk what i could do or what i even want to dobut if u know any internships i can get can u sine me up 4one?

Thanx! kevin

Examples: The Ugly

Dear Ms. Summer,

I found your information through Villanova’s Alumni Career Connections website. I am contacting you because of my sincere interest and curiosity about the field of marketing which I have been learning about through my business minor; I am an English major entering my junior year.

I am hopeful that you might be able to give me some insights into the field of marketing through an informational interview; I would welcome the opportunity to ask you more about your own career path and your recommendations for entering the field. I would be delighted to meet in person if that would be an option, or over the phone; whichever is most convenient for you. Please let me know if this would be possible. I am most easily reached by email at jennifer.beale@villanova.edu or phone at 610-519-4060. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Jenn

Examples: The Good

• You lead the meeting and ask questions• Make sure you do not go over time requested• Overall goal is to learn – it is appropriate to ask for advice

on job searching, resume, etc,• It is NOT appropriate to ask for a job! • Always ask if there is anyone else to speak to• FOLLOW UP! Send a THANK YOU letter!

– Within 24 hours via email or note– Error free!!!

• Keep communication open• Remember reciprocity

Tips For Informational Interviews

• Employers look for students on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc.

• Make the most of these spaces, but remember to maintain professionalism

• Linkedin is becoming network of choice for recruiting• Keep in mind what you post on these sites becomes public;

Google yourself to see what comes up• Building a good reputation online will pay off when you are

searched on the web• Use social networking as the first step to getting an in-

person meeting!

Social Networking

Develop the proper attitude• Overcome negative self-talk and shyness• Talk to as many people as you can• Strike out on your own!• Don’t overlook anyone

Prepare your introduction• Develop your “elevator pitch”• Practice makes perfect!

Networking Events:Learn to Work a Room

• First impressions count when you meet someone new

• Business/business casual attire is appropriate for informational interviews or planned networking events– DOES NOT include: jeans, sneakers, sweats, shorts,

overalls, t-shirts, swooshy/jogging pants, flip-flops/sandals

Appearances

The Career Center is here to help!Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm

Walk-ins, 11am - 4pmAppointments: 610-519-4060

www.careers.villanova.edu

Questions?