NETWORKING FOR MBA GRADAUTES

One of the most important tools that MBA graduates can use to find suitable jobs is networking. Networking by definition means building contacts and developing genuine relationships with people who can help the MBA graduate either directly or by connecting him to someone who can.

TYPES OF NETWORKING

• Sports clubs and groups
• Religious organizations like churches, temples, and mosques
• Social gatherings
• Alumni club
• Neighbors and relatives
• Friends and friends of friends
• Volunteer organizations
• Professional organizations

DO’S

1. One of the first things that a job-seeking MBA graduate should do is work on his elevator pitch. An ideal elevator pitch is a 30-60 second long summary about the graduate, who he is, what he does and why he is the perfect candidate. Although this sounds easy, it takes practice and should be worked on right from the beginning. It is crucial to have an elevator pitch perfected and ready to go because the candidate never knows who he might end up talking to with all the networking he is engaging in.
2. The candidate must send out networking letters. These are letters where he reaches out to contacts asking them for career advice, job leads, and introductions among other things. Networking letters do not ask for jobs and should be friendly, professional and brief. Even in this technical world of today, one well-written networking letter can be more useful than a hundred tweets.
3. Joining professional organizations is a huge plus point when networking. There are organizations and for every job and these organizations often hold workshops, seminars, and social mixers. All of these are great opportunities to meet other like-minded people, keep up with current trends and even find out about unadvertised job openings. These organizations also help candidates in finding a mentor, where they pair industry veterans with younger members.
4. Candidates should keep their list of contacts updated and refreshed. They should regularly reach out to their contacts with friendly conversation and touch base. Showing genuine interest in their life is an essential part of relationship building and helps greatly in networking.
5. Another important part of networking is conducting informational interviews. This is done by identifying and reaching out to the most suitable professionals who are already working in the candidate’s desired field. By doing this the candidate will gain not only insight and information but also inside knowledge and first-hand insights which they can use later in their resume, cover letter and later interviews. By developing a genuine connection with these people the candidate will make new contacts, get job leads and be introduced to people who might potentially hire him.

 DON’TS

1. The candidate should not make the mistake of not networking constantly and only just when he is searching for a job. By only contacting people when he needs help and advice, he projects an image that his contacts are only good to him when they can help him. By networking ahead of time, however, the candidate will be able to make and develop genuine connections.
2. Being impatient and expecting results from his aggressive networking immediately is another thing the candidate should not do. This will make him look desperate and will be equally frustrating for the people in the professional network, which in turn will be a major turn off. The candidate should be patient and give realize that it takes time to develop meaningful and genuine contacts.
3. A big thing to avoid is not thanking the contact for their time and resources. Every email and letter should end with a genuine thank you note, as this will leave the contact feeling valued and not give him a negative impression about the candidate. Negative impressions can cause the candidate not only to lose the contact but also future contacts through a ripple effect.
4. The candidate should utilize his network properly. This means that not only should he not keep talking about his own career but he should also not only make only small talk with a great contact. He should follow the middle path between discussing his career goals and small talk. It should be a give and take conversation.
5. Lastly, the mistake of not returning the favor for this contact should not be made by the candidate. Networking is a two-way street and is all about give and take. The candidate should be prepared to help out his contacts too and this will make him more likely to be remembered by them.