How do I make the most of networking?
Common questions we have heard from you recently:
- How do I know the recruiting timeline and process of my target firms?
- How do I know what employers are looking for? Whether I am a good fit?
- How do I increase my chances of getting interviews?
- How do I pivot to another path without direct experience?
If you are stuck in the recruiting process, networking can likely give you the breakthrough you need. So how do we network efficiently and effectively to make the most of each conversation?
1) Set your goals: clarify what you need and can realistically obtain through a networking conversation. If you need a referral immediately, it’s best to tap into your existing network for those who already know your skills. For the contacts you meet for the first time, focus on building relationships and gathering information. Write down your specific questions and consider which contact can best provide the answers, based on their role in the company.
2) Focus on quality: personalize your message as much as you can to get the best results. All you need is one crucial contact to make progress. Spend time cultivating the relationship and following up. Avoid copying and pasting the same message and sending it to multiple people at once.
3) Be fully prepared: your networking call is essentially a mini interview. Your contact evaluates you based on the conversation and sees how much they would invest time and energy to help you. Make sure you do research on the person and the firm in advance and prepare thoughtful questions.
Resources:
Who do I network with? Use Contacts & Directories:
- MIT Sloan Student Photobook Directory
- LinkedIn: MIT Sloan Alumni Network
- MIT Sloan Alumni Directory
- Alumni Advisors Hub
- MIT Alumni Database
- Faculty Directory
How do I prepare for networking? Use Networking Strategies:
- Networking Strategies Webinar
- Networking Tracking Spreadsheet
- Sample Networking Questions
- Sample Thank You Email
