This article will help you get started and stay on top of all your networking activities; keep track of important contact information and maintain authentic business connections. Below is a document you can download to help get started.
Why should I be networking?
One recent survey of 3,000 job seekers found that 85% of jobs are found through networking, not through online search and application... so balance your time accordingly.
Try to network with people from companies you’re interested in, even when no jobs are available (you gain a lot of knowledge and insight as well as new relationships by going on informational coffees that will pay off if future roles come up!)
Remember the science of career search: people who are proactive in their career search - such as reaching out to companies even when no jobs are posted - are 6x more likely to get a job!
Who should I be networking with?
Start by reaching out to people in your own direct network - think of your family, friends, past classmates/colleagues and your 10KC connections.
Expand your network by asking your direct connections to introduce you to people in their network.
Feeling stuck? Reach out to people with different types of roles that align with the experience and expertise you need to build.
Information that should be included in your tracker
Name of the contact
Their email
Their phone number (if applicable)
Their job title
Their company
The reason you connected with them
How you met
The date of your first meeting
Did you send a thank you message (Y/N)
Key takeaways/action items/reminders
Date of follow-up on action item (if applicable)
The date of your second meeting
Did you send a thank you message for second meeting (Y/N)
Key takeaways/action items/reminders from second meeting
Date of follow-up on action item from second meeting (if applicable)