Step 1: Networking

Step 2: Finding A Job
Step 3: Employer Research
Step 4: The Interview

What? Networking is the number one way people get jobs. “Networking is the time-honored process of using cordial alliances and information referrals to further one's professional advancement and success. Networking is a two-way street. Members call on friends and colleagues for problem solving, information gathering, job leads, gaining access to role models, and for general support. In turn, they provide these services to peers and people on the way up”.

Why? “Because the vast majority of job openings are never advertised, job-seekers need to have a network of contacts that can provide support, information, and job leads” (http://www.quintcareers.com/networking.html).
Additional reasons to network:

  1. to gather information in a low stress environment
  2. to develop a clearer understanding of a specific career field
  3. to begin to establish a network of contacts to hire or refer you
  4. to get connected to information about a particular company or organization
  5. to learn successful strategies for finding employment
  6. to gain experience in interviewing
  7. because “94% of all successful job seekers claimed networking had made all the difference for them” (wall street journal, as cited on msn.com).
How? Create a networking list or a contact list. Include all the people you know, and get their lists of contacts, etc. Be sure to include all of your parents’ friends, your friend’s parents, and friends of other family members

Attend information sessions and events offered on and off campus. Attend career fairs and recruiting events. Speak with your professors and ask them for suggestions. Do an internship or Shadow-a Saint. And…

Use the SLU Career Mentor Network in Career SLUth to access over 3,000 alumni and parents who have volunteered to be a networking resource for YOU!! The SLU Career Mentor Network can sort contact information based on geographic and industry preference, as well as the type of career assistance you seek, including advice, internships, shadow opportunities, and more. The network can also sort by job industry or job title.

How to access the SLU Career Mentor Database: log in to Career SLUth and click on ‘Mentor.

Prerequisites: In order to gain the maximum benefit of the SLU Career Mentor Network, you should research your field of interest before using it. It is not a substitution for career research. If you are interested in advertising, you should know about the advertising industry BEFORE you contact alumni. Nothing turns off an alumnus more quickly than a student who makes an appointment with an investment banker and the first question is "tell me what investment banking is."

How to contact people in the SLU Career Mentor Network:

If the mentor has specified a preferred method to be contacted (i.e. via e-mail), use that method. If they have not specified, follow the steps below.

Step One - Send a cover letter and resume
The intention of the Network is to get students and alumni (or parents) together in a face-to-face meeting for informational purposes. Once you have obtained the names of the SLU Career Mentors you have an interest in contacting, send them a letter. Then you will want to follow up with a phone call. The letter serves as your introduction so they are prepared and expecting your call.

The letter should:
- Explain who you are and why you are writing.
- Mention that you got his/her name from the SLU Career Mentor Network on Career SLUth.
- Include a brief description of your career objective and what you seek from them.
- State in the last paragraph that you will follow up with a phone call within the next week (and then do that).

Make a note of when you said you would call and make sure you do so within the given period of time. The biggest complaint we get from alumni and parent volunteers is that students say they will call and they rarely do. A sample letter is available in the Professional Correspondence Guidebook.

Step Two - The Follow Up Phone Call
- Before you make the phone call:
- Research the organization
- Know what you want from the SLU Career Advisor
- Make a script of the questions you want to ask
- Gather your resume and job search material and find a quiet place to make the call
- Be prepared to set up a mutually convenient time, to meet with them
- Prepare a brief introduction of yourself in case they have not received your letter or can not recall who you are

When you call, introduce yourself, and mention that you are following up your letter and briefly state the purpose of your call. An example is...

“Hello, Ms. Jones, my name is ____________, calling from St. Lawrence University. I am following up on a letter I wrote to you last week regarding my interest in the publishing field. I learned of your willingness to assist SLU students through the SLU Career Mentor Network in Career Services & Leadership Education. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss __________________ (be specific).
Or "Do you have time for a few questions?”

Sometimes they would prefer to speak right then, or they might be too far away to meet in person. In this case, ask if you can talk right then or call back at a more convenient time. Be prepared with questions! If you do not get the alumni/parent on the phone, leave a message and try back in a day or so if the call has not been returned. Many of the volunteers are extremely busy and while they are glad to talk with you, it may not be the most pressing task on their mind. Be persistent, but do not be a pest!

Step Three - Follow up to the phone call
As a follow up to the phone call, write a letter thanking the SLU Career Mentor for their time on the telephone and/or confirming the appointment time you agree upon.

How to prepare for an Informational Meeting or Phone Call.

    1. Dress appropriately, men should wear a suit or a jacket and tie and women should wear a dress or skirt. You should be on time and prepared. If you are asked to join the Career Mentor for lunch, do not assume that s/he will pay for your lunch.

B. Research the industry, the company, and the type of positions (if you know them) in which you are interested. Typical questions you might ask during the meeting are:

1.How did you get started in this career field?
2.What do you do on a typical work day?
3.What are your major responsibilities?
4.How did you select this field?
5.How does your position fit in with the organization?
6.What skills have helped you achieve your current position?
7.What sorts of changes are occurring in the field?
8.What are typical entry-level positions in your field for someone with a liberal arts background?
9.What additional courses/preparation would you recommend?
10.What types of training programs exist?
11.Is there anyone else who might be able to assist in my career search. May I use your name as a referral?

C. ALWAYS write a note thanking the alumnus/a for taking the time to meet with you. Keeping alumni informed of your job search assures them that their time was well spent and helps to strengthen your contact with important network contacts.