Networking

Interviewing

Resources

JobWeb: Resumes & Interviews
Riley Guide: Network, Interview & Negotiate
International Business Etiquette

Networking is the art and science of building and maintaining relationships. The art has to do with making people feel appreciated and valued. The science has to do with identifying people with whom a mutually beneficial relationship should be built.

When do you use networking? Every day! When you move to a new area, you may ask for advice on doctors or where to live. When you are buying a car, you seek the people in your life who know about cars for advice. This is networking!

Now that you are ready to begin your professional career, networking is an incredibly important way to learn of opportunities and introduce yourself as a person entering the professional world.

What are good places for students to network?

Professional organizations
Student clubs and organizations
Volunteer groups
Alumni events

Classes
Mo-Ex shuttle
Airplane

Develop a Strategy

You've been invited to the Business After Hours, or plan to attend the conference mixer, or you want to pick out an event to attend. Develop some strategies for increasing your personal effectiveness and confidence level.

Before the Event

Try to determine who will be there. What is your objective for attending? Can you get a list of names and titles for those who will be there? Decide who you would like to meet.
Plan your "sound bite," a 10-second introduction that might initiate a conversation. For example, "Hello, I'm Truman Tiger. I am a student in Mizzou's Hotel and Restaurant Management program. Right now, in one of my classes, we're planning to open our own restaurant in a couple of weeks;" or "Hello, I'm Truman. I work to help people figure out what they want to do and how to do it."
Scan the papers a few days before. Be knowledgeable about what is going on in the world and ready to engage in conversations as they arise.
Plan your outfit with comfort, style and professionalism in mind. Make sure you have pockets for holding a pen and business cards!

During the Event

Plan to arrive a few minutes earlier than the designated start time so you can introduce yourself to the organizers of the function before the hoards arrive. Also, it is much easier to scan the room and introduce yourself to one or two people at the start of an event than it is to walk up to a group of people already engaged in conversation.
Wear a nametag on the right side where one's eye most naturally travels during a handshake. If tags aren't preprinted, write legibly and big enough for someone to read from arm's length.
Rules for introductions:
- Always extend your hand when you are introducing yourself to someone or being introduced by someone.
- When introducing two peers, you may say either person's name first. Be sure to add something about the two you are introducing, such as a mutual interest.
- When introducing a superior to a subordinate, you will state the superior's name first.
- Traditionally, if a woman was being introduced to a man of similar rank, the woman's name was mentioned first. This is no longer routinely observed in business settings; however, some more mature persons may still adhere to this rule. Also, women were traditionally expected to extend their hand to a gentleman when they wished to shake. Once again, this doesn't apply in today's business world!
If you forget someone's name the best approach may be to simply admit it:
"Although I remember our meeting last year at this conference and really enjoyed our conversation, I have trouble with names! Would you mind sharing it with me again?"

Another approach is to simply walk up, introduce yourself and provide a context for the prior meeting. Most of the time, the person will reciprocate with his or her name. Remember names by repeating them often!
Open versus closed body language is important. No crossed arms. Smile. Make eye contact.
Be ready to pick up a conversation. Questions such as, "Have you been to this event before?," or about the buffet or weather are always safe. Avoid politics, religion and very personal topics. Observe others for tips as to what to discuss. For example, you could ask someone wearing a unique pin, "What an interesting piece! Is there a story behind it?"
It's really important to listen. You can think around 800 words per minute, but only talk around 150. Ironic, but true, when you are interested in another, he or she ultimately finds you very interesting!
What is your mission? Share it with everyone. Assume that everyone might be able to help you.
Treat business cards with respect. Only ask for a card if you really want one. Write notes on the card to help you remember important discussion points.
You can leave a conversation or group at any time. It can be hard, though. Think of a way to gracefully exit a conversation. Try introducing your speaker to someone close by. Excuse yourself to get a drink, arrange a ride home or say hello to another friend or acquaintance.

The power of networking is incredible. Experts estimate that from 50 to 80 percent of all available jobs are never posted. They are filled by the power of the network.

After the Event

Follow-up. Always say thank you! If you promise to call or e-mail, do it, and do it when you said you would.
Organize your contacts.
Look for items that might be of interest to your contacts. Share them as appropriate.
Keep those who have helped you informed of your progress.
Reciprocate the kindness you have received.

Get Started Now

Check out the CAFNR Connections mentoring program to connect with alumni and friends of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) willing to assist you in making the transition from college to professional life. This program is sponsored jointly by the MU Ag Alumni Association and the CAFNR Career Services Office.