Networking: The Hidden Job Market Pt. 2

With the Founders of ResMe Mia Wittels and Katie Turek

70% of people get their jobs using networking, but it’s often difficult to know where to start especially if you’re a college student. We talked to Mia Wittels and Katie Turek, career experts and co-founders of ResMe, about Networking: The Hidden Job Market.

Read some questions they answered below about networking at in-person events and finding the career that’s right for you in college.

Meet Mia (left) and Katie (right)

I can see why networking is super valuable. Do you all have any advice on how to start the conversation at a Career Fair or other networking event?

Mia:
“You are correct that networking is super valuable as this is how approximately 70% of people find jobs.There are several ways to start a conversation when networking. I typically advise students to use the format present-past-future when organizing their introduction or ‘elevator pitch.’

Here is a template for an elevator pitch:

Good afternoon, my name is________ and I am a ______ major

at XXXX University. I am very interested in __________.

During my academic experience, I have been involved with

__________ at XXXX University. My most recent experience _______ has

helped me to develop strong ________ skills which I would like to

use in the _______ industry.

To tailor this to your experiences consider the following: Address the present: what you are currently doing (internships/volunteer work/research etc…) past: how you got interested in the field your are studying/industry you hope to enter, and the future: what you hope to do in the future and why you are a strong fit for this industry/field.”

Katie:
“One of my favorite tips for an elevator pitch is Simon Sinek’s “Why → What” approach. I think about this whenever I introduce myself and what I do to a group. Start with WHY you’re passionate about what you’re doing (this might take some soul searching and reflection to articulate!) and then go into the nitty gritty of WHAT you do. Here is the TED talk link!”

How should I approach a representative from a company at networking events? The ones I’ve been to have been a good experience in terms of connecting with them during the event but not afterwards.

Katie:
“I would start by being well prepared for the networking event… knowing what you have to offer and also knowing a bit about the companies that will be there, so that you can ask well-informed questions! I cannot tell you how many students have come up to me at recruitment events asking, “So, what is this?” You will really set yourself apart if you are well prepared! I would also say to follow up with the person you met (make sure to ask for a card!), and be specific about your interaction in the follow-up e-mail. If you can, reference something you learned from them or something you’re interested in following up on!”

I’m really passionate about writing but am not really sure what type of career I want to pursue with it. Any tips for networking without knowing exactly what type of job i’m looking for?

Mia:
“Definitely! A lot of people identify their passions but do not know exactly how they might apply in the world of work. My suggestion is to start by networking with your university’s alumni network. You already have an instant connection in that you both went/go to the same school. LinkedIn has an amazing tool that many people don’t know about called the LinkedIn Alumni Tool and this can help you in identifying individuals in various industries you might be interested in learning more about.

As an undergrad I went to the George Washington University and I use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool to connect with alums all the time. I typically click on “Connect” and then “add a note” and let them know I am an alum of GWU and that I would love to set up a 10–15 chat with them to learn more about their work. This is a great way to network and learn more about various occupations. Many people are willing to give up 10–15 min to connect with an alum! Here’s GWU’s LinkedIn Tool if you are interested in using the filters.”

I’ve been a bit stressed about getting a job and am not sure where I should be spending my time. Is networking better than sending in applications?

Mia:
“Getting stressed by the job search is perfectly normal. This happens to everyone! A job search can feel like a full time job sometimes. The answer to your question is both. The most effective way to job search is to put yourself on a schedule that works with your lifestyle. This means that maybe you dedicate one or two days to applying online to jobs and maybe another day you dedicate to seeking out networking opportunities. This could include going to networking events such as networking nights and career fairs, using LinkedIn to connect with alums working in various industries or connecting with your university’s alumni office to find alums.

The best way to ensure success in your job search is to network and apply together. This means that anytime you apply to a job that you are really passionate about you should try to use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool or your personal networks (family, friends, colleagues, professors etc) to find a person that currently works (or has worked) at that organization. This way you can start having networking conversations and get that ‘insider information’ that is not easily found online about a company.”

When do you all think it is a good time to start networking? I wont be applying for jobs for another two years so is it ok to wait?

Katie:
Our mantra for networking is “early and often!” It is never a bad time to start networking, since you never know who you’re going to meet! And, since it takes time to build relationships, you will want to build that connection before you are actively seeking a new job. If a person has known you for some time, they might even think of you when their company has an opening!

It’s not really networking related, but what are your top tips for actually finding good potential jobs that will fit my interests? I don’t really know where to start with this.

Katie:
There are a lot of things you can do to explore your interests as they relate to your career/vocation! There is a quote by Frederick Buechner, which is “Your vocation in life comes from where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.” You can start by thinking about your strengths, what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and what your priorities/values are. Where those things overlap with a need in the world might give you a clue as to your vocation! :slightly_smiling_face:

Some ways you can learn about careers you might not know about:
- Attend as many career events, networking fairs, etc. to hear from people in various fields
- Volunteer in the community! Non-profits often have a very lean staff, so volunteers get great experience helping organizations build capacity (e.g. grant writing, outreach/social media, program evaluation, designing volunteer trainings, etc.)
- Internships are great in a similar way, in that you can try something out in a semi-short-term way!

Better prepare yourself for the modern workplace by signing up for our Online Conference on Careers in Tech or checking out our Creative Careers Fellowship. Check out ResMe here!