Asking someone for a favor isn’t always easy, and it doesn’t get any easier as you try and utilize the contacts you’ve made throughout college.
One thing you can do to make this process a little smoother is to prioritize your contacts. Create a list and rank them in order of the ones you are most interested in to least. Get in touch with your top contact and see if anything is available. Once you hear back from them you can move on to the next. This keeps you focused on one company at a time and prevents you from rushing through interviews unprepared. The key to networking is maintenance, correspondence and not using them all up at once.
Communication Etiquette
Here are some tips to remember when contacting professionals you’ve built relationships with.
- Call first! Stopping in is always pleasant, but a heads up is definitely appropriate. If actually visiting the professional is difficult, always call before you would send an email. If they don’t answer be sure to leave a message with your contact information and reason for calling.
- If you end up sending an e-mail you must proofread. Believe me if there is an error, they will find it. Be sure to double-check everything you write and check the layout for readability.
- Always dress for success, even for an occasional drop in. Dressing in business casual is absolutely appropriate in any setting. It shows you are put together and on top of your game 100% of the time.
Posted by: Taylor Ray
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