Missouri State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 34
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NETWORKING TIPS
• Be Specific: Network with a goal in mind. Know your interests and
skills, and identify questions you would like answered. Ask for
information and advice, don't ask for a job. Explain why you would like
to connect with someone, and if you already have common ground, be
sure to highlight it.
• Say Hello: Introduce yourself and ask questions about the companies
you're interested in. Use your elevator pitch! Ask for a business card so
you can follow up with them later.
• Talk to Everyone: Some of the best networking is informal. It can
happen anywhere, from coffee shops to a bookstore. You never know
who you might encounter!
• Be A Good Listener: Networking is a two-way street. Make sure you're
not doing all the talking! Ask questions and listen actively. Be
respectful of their time.
• Develop a Strong Professional Reputation: Your coworkers can be
some of the most important members of your network. They have had
a front row seat to your professional life, so they can vouch for your
skills as a reference or maybe even a future employer. Therefore, it's
important to always establish yourself as a reliable, hardworking, and
positive coworker
• Follow Up & Maintain Relationships: Just talking with someone once
doesn't make them a part of your network. Follow up: Within 48 hours
of initial contact, send an email to thank the people who spoke with
you. Make your email personal to the conversation you had and try to
set up the next step: a company tour, an informational interview, or a
job application. You don't want to overwhelm a new connection with
constant contact, but it's important to maintain the relationship.
Preparing an elevator pitch allows
you to be ready when you need to
introduce yourself. It's a great way
to answer the common interview
9uestion, "Tell me about yourself."
Although practicing your pitch is
helpful, remember that it's not a
canned speech - it's a starting
point for a two-way conversation.
Make sure to ask guestions and
listen.
•
Include your name, major,
and year in school.
•
State what you are seeking
(job or internship) and in what
field.
•
List one or two experiences
(job, internship, volunteer
service) that have
strengthened two or three of
NEED MORE NETWORKING HELP?
your skills.
•
The Career Center is here to help. Whether you want to prepare for a
Career Fair, develop your Elevator Pitch or Linkedin account, or
update your professional headshot photo, we have countless
opportunities to help you along your expanding networking journey.
Reach out to make a Career Center appointment or learn more about
our services at career center.missouristate.edu
or by calling 417-836-5636.
State what you know about
the organization, such as open
positions, ongoing projects, or
organizational values .
•
End by stating how interested
you are to learn more about
the organization.
Sample Elevator Pitch
"Hello, my name is ______, and I'm completing a _____ degree at Missouri State University.
I'm interested in a (career/internship)
in the _______ field.
I've been involved in ______ and have developed skills in _____.
I have also worked as a __ at __ and discovered that I really enjoy ___.
Could you tell me more about _____?"
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MSU CAREER CENTER
