“Build it before you need it.” Keith Ferrazzi, founder and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight, believes strongly that you must begin networking before you need it. Networking and job searching go hand in hand. Research shows that upwards of 80% of jobs are found through networking because a large amount of jobs are never even publicly posted. Networking, while an easy concept, does not come naturally to everyone and there are some tips and tricks that can make the process less daunting. Check out the resources on this page to come up with a networking strategy you can use to fit your needs and make your own.
Need more? Be sure to stop by the Career Hub (SPEA Suite 200) any time Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm for guidance. No appointment needed!
The word “networking” can elicit as much of a fear response as the actual practice of networking, but have no fear. Networking is simply a strategy to help connect you with people who want to help you and share their ideas with you along your career path journey. Networking is simply a conversation. Sometimes the conversation is in person and sometimes it’s virtual. The benefit of these conversations is that they will help you better understand yourself and more clearly define your career goals. Use each of the resources below to help you build the tools you need in your “Networking Toolbox.” Once you have these tools completed, you will be ready to grow your network.
Job/Internship Tracking Form Having a networking plan in place is important before you begin to set up your effective and strategic job/internship search. The Professional Development Tracking Form will help you to develop your strategic search. Brainstorm a list of contacts from your personal connections such as friends and family, previous employment opportunities, online searches of industries and organizations which interests you, as well as LinkedIn and other social media searching. Download this form and begin listing potential connections to help build your network.
LinkedIn might be the single most powerful networking tool available and it is miraculously 100% free to access all over the world. LinkedIn is more than just a social media platform. It’s where motivated professionals come together to share information, promote their accomplishments, and make big career moves. LinkedIn is also where recruiters come to post jobs, scout candidates, and vet applicants. If you’re in the market for an internship or job in the near future, having a LinkedIn profile is a necessary first step. Seasoned career professionals know that having a profile isn’t enough though. Using LinkedIn to create and maintain connections is an invaluable resource for growing as a professional and a necessary networking tool in the job search process.
LinkedIn is where motivated professionals come together and recruiters know it. 87% of recruiters use the platform to find or vet job candidates, more than all other major social media networks combined. If you’re serious about your job search, simply having a LinkedIn profile is not enough.
Use these resources to help you learn how to use LinkedIn for networking.
Your Career Conversation Tips guide. Career Conversations are a great way to learn about a career field of interest to you and to build your network. In a career conversation, you will connect with a professional in a field of career interest and ask them questions to learn about career paths, industries, and/or organizations.
Download this Career Conversation Tips Guide and tailor it for each conversation.
Elevator Pitch, also known as your personal pitch, can be used in networking with professors, employers, and professional contacts in your field of interest. You should always tailor your pitch based on the audience or individual.
Download this worksheet to help you craft that perfect pitch.
Digital Business Card HiHello is a free digital business card and contact manager app designed to help you grow your network.
Business Card for Students gives step-by-step instructions for how to order business cards through IU Document Service.
Networking is an essential element of professional development and career success. Finding new ways to expand your professional network can help you create connections with people who can help you along your professional journey.
How to Use LinkedIn’s Alumni Tool for Networking Within LinkedIn There’s a specific tool that’s called the alumni tool, and it can help you find alumni from schools you graduate from—and then help you build your network. Here is a handy guide on how to approach the LinkedIn Alumni tool!
No matter where you are in your career, we all know it’s hard to get started writing an email. We’re afraid we’ll miss something, or think later that we should have said something else. Use these resources to help you with your networking emails.
Mango Email Writing Tool MANGO is a free on-line tool that coaches you through networking, starting with the outreach email.
How to Increase Your Networking Email Response Rate This resource provides additional information and tips on how to create a top-notch LinkedIn profile including how to craft the very first outreach message for best success.
6 Networking Tips When You Don’t Have a Big Network This resource provides six steps for how to reach out to cold contacts, build relationships, and create career opportunities.
4 Types of Networking Emails—and How to Write Them This resource guides you through how to write effective emails for four specific purposes: the Thank You email, Referral Request email, Check In email and the Application Notification email.
Not sure how to prepare for the upcoming Job and Internship Hiring Fairs? O’Neill Career Focus Fairs? Check out the below resources to make sure you are ready and confident to succeed!
Prepare for Job & Internship Hiring Fairs This guide is a great resource for what to do before the fair, during the fair and after the fair. Use it as a checklist to help keep you on track for success.
Prepare for Job & Internship Hiring Fairs – International Student This guide is a great resource for what to do before the fair, during the fair and after the fair. Use it as a checklist to help keep you on track for success.
Building Your Handshake Profile You want to ensure that each every aspect of your networking toolbox is up-to-date and polished. This resource provides tips and insights on how to ensure that your Handshake Profile measures up.
Elevator Pitch Your personal pitch, also known as an elevator pitch, can be used in networking with professors, employers, and professional contacts in your field of interest. You should always tailor your pitch based on the audience or individual.
Download this worksheet to help you craft that perfect pitch.
Carefully researching companies and organizations before you apply for a job and accept an interview is very important. In some cases, the research will reveal insights that could make a difference in your overall job satisfaction.
Download this research guide to help direct you through the process.
What to Wear – Business Professional Attire Use these photos to help you choose the appropriate Business Professional Attire.
What to Wear – Business Casual Attire Use these photos to help you choose the appropriate Business Casual Attire.
Need more? Check out other relevant resources below. And be sure to stop by the Career Hub any time Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm for guidance!
Connect with IU Alum My IU is a hub of alumni services. Graduates can stay connected, navigate their careers, immerse themselves in IU stories, access the IU Alumni Magazine, join their local chapter, and more. We encourage all of our graduates to create an account and take advantage of everything My IU has to offer.
5 Essential Networking Steps for Undergrads and Grad Students There are some networking strategies that just seem to transcend time. Use these 5 tried and true networking steps to lead you to a more powerful and effective networking experience.
4 Tips for Building Relationships Through Informational Interviews Informational interviews can provide you with insights that can help you improve your resume, cover letters, and interview answers, and sometimes, they can even grant you access to job opportunities that aren’t posted.
6 Networking Tips When You Don’t Have a Big Network This article explains the six steps for how to reach out to cold contacts, build relationships, and create career opportunities.
