Finding Job Leads:
Networking

What is Networking?

Networking — or making connections — is the process of talking to people to learn about possibilities, to find out about career paths, and to get your name out there. It’s a key element in job-search research and in job finding, too.

Networking is a way to get leads, and networking leads to getting jobs.

Networking is indirect: you are finding out who to talk to.

You have the beginnings of a network: friends, family, advisers, faculty, co-op employers and other past employers.

Networking is a critical life skill. Start developing it now.

Open your conversations with a question that ANYONE can say "YES!" to: would you share your experience? would you give me some advice?


Build Your Network

To build your network, think of:

• People you know: family, friends, acquaintances and work associates, past and present. Each one knows lots of people you don’t know.

• Faculty, advisers and fellow students

• Organizations you belong to: a club, team, church, school group.

• Organizations related to your field: professional associations and trade groups.

• NU Alumni Connections: Seniors can use a Career Services counselor to help find contacts.

E-networking opens a whole new world of possibilities

Develop a contact worksheet .

See the Informational Interviewing handout for more.