Networking – Your gateway to a good job!

It is said that as a rule of thumb, 70% of the jobs are landed through networking, not through responding to advertisements. You, as a graduate, need to step out of your comfort zone and away from the computer. It is true that job applications these days are sent online, but does it also mean that the person who gets the job just needs to send the application online and then wait for a response? Not necessarily. While many students do that, the intelligent ones set out to make their application count. Networking, therefore, is a practice that you must follow to increase your chances of a job. If you don’t, then there will be someone else pushing for an interview call; while you are busy formatting your CV on the computer.

Start with your ‘Initial Network’

Not many of us are good at networking. But all of us have a small network of our own that we can call the ‘initial network’. This consists of our family, relatives and friends. Keep in touch with your friends so that you know what they are up to and what opportunities they are availing. In addition to that, ask your friends questions like ‘do you know any person who could help me get an internship in this field I am really interested in?’ or ‘do you know anyone who is doing research on a similar topic to mine?’

Meet with the people that matter

People working for big companies always seem busy. They actually are, but that does not mean they don’t have time to meet you. Contact them and tell them you want to meet them for an informational interview. If you are lucky enough and end up meeting that person, make sure you are open to talking about your career goals and objectives. People in such positions have a clear understanding of how students think after graduation. It is possible that the person points out an option for you in the same company, not as a hired employee but just as a helper or internee. An opportunity like this means you have at least stepped into the industry. Money will come later…for now, just consolidate yourself in the industry.

Volunteer

Nearly every university has some good contacts in the industry. And in the industry, events, workshops and training seminars are happening all the time. It is not a bad idea to volunteer towards organizing such events. While the company already has enough staff to organize the event, a letter from your university can help you become a part of the event. At events like these, it is quite easy to get in touch with the high-up’s of the company. Even if you cannot reach the senior staff, just knowing how the company works is in itself a knowledge that will help you a lot in job hunting.

There is a phrase known as ‘the six degrees of separation’. It basically implies that a man is only six people away from knowing everyone. Your first contact is a start that will lead to many more connections. The earlier you start making these connections and creating your own network, the better your chances of landing a good job after graduation.