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Introduction
What
is networking? Networking means connecting with people in
a field or organization in which you wish to work, to ask
for information, not a job. Networking, including informational
interviewing, is the job seeker’s equivalent of market research. It
is essential in learning about fields and job functions,
the skills they require, jobs not publicly advertised, ways
to enter a specific field, and inside information about a
particular organization's culture and expectations.
Informational
interviews are NOT job interviews! Job interviews are formal
meetings for the purpose of evaluating and screening job
applicants. That being said, it is true that approximately
40% of graduating Stanford students seeking jobs land their
first position through networking. Informational interviews
are often the way to hear about unadvertised positions and
to gain referrals to those positions which can ultimately
help you get the job. Informational interviews are informal
meetings that can occur at conferences, meetings of professional
associations, social events, or in one-on-one meetings at
your contact's workplace.
Next:
Five Steps to Successful Networking |
