Need a job? Targeted networking is the norm, more than ever!
I try to give back by donating my time with three non-profit organizations, one of which is my high school, Rivers. As the chair of the Career Development Committee, we organize selected events to not only provide grads with an opportunity to re-connect, but also current students, and younger alumni, the chance to network for summer internships during high school and/or college, post-college employment and job transitions.
At last week’s event we tried to a new format, which was part breakfast networking, and part panel discussion. I teed up some basic questions for the panelists, intentionally chosen to represent a broad industry range, but the balance of the time, by design, was spent on Q&A for the audience’s benefit. The event was our highest attended one yet, in the three years our committee has been in existence. Here’s a write-up, which contains video footage and picture links.
The feedback we received was very consistent:
1) Targeted networking is the norm now, more so than ever: Affinity groups give you the opportunity to meet people who share a common reference point, but without anyone having to be concerned about credibility issues re: the attendees’ backgrounds.
2) You need a personal introduction when job searching: Resumes are being scanned by computer these days more than ever, and the competition for the same position is intense… unless you have someone referring you on the inside, as a first step.
3) Follow-up is key: If you meet someone who has an interesting job or whose company (or industry) interests you, follow-up with them after an event by inviting them out to coffee or lunch. DON’T ask them for a job, or shill for your background; that can come later. First, ask a lot questions, second, do a lot of listening and third, “try before you buy,” in terms of finding out what their job is really like. If / when you both decide it’s time for a second meeting, either on, or off, site, you can begin discussing your own background and any open positions.
The Rivers School is an independent, coeducational preparatory school in Weston, Massachusetts. Rivers’ Middle School program includes grades 6-8, while its Upper School program includes grades 9-12. As of 2014, 489 students are enrolled from 70 Massachusetts towns. The Rivers School’s endowment was $22.3 million for the 2014-2015 academic year. “Excellence with Humanity” drives everything Rivers does. From its comprehensive advisor program to diversity initiatives, from an innovative interdisciplinary curriculum to programs that enhance student leadership – The Rivers School prepares students for an ever-changing world.
