Some Basic Networking Rules

• Establish a relationship and ask for information, not for a job. (The interaction is about building trust, gathering information/advice, gaining visibility, and creating a favorable, lasting impression.)
• State your intentions clearly. What is the purpose of the meeting? Careful thought should be given in advance as to the purpose and content of the meeting so that time is used wisely.
• Balance your presentation with giving others an opportunity to share their wisdom during your networking meeting. Send a thank-you note within a day or two after the meeting.
• Have a system for organizing contact information, referral sources, and information gained from interviews and conversations.
• Think about how you can assist the other person to provide “mutual benefit.”
• Stay in touch periodically by updating your contacts on your progress and/or by providing resources or information to them if you find a way you might assist them.

Calling a Networking Contact

• Prepare a short introduction of yourself that tells a new acquaintance about you. Write it down and rehearse it until it comes naturally to you. Include who you are, what you do, why you are calling, and the connection between the two of you (e.g. alumni, referred by a mutual contact, etc.).
• Request a 30-minute meeting; clarify the purpose of the meeting and what you hope to learn from them. (e.g. gather information about a particular area of law or career field, ask for advice on how to get into their field and what you can do to make yourself a stronger candidate, learn more about their organization, etc.).
• Suggest a meeting at their place of work to make it convenient for them.

Conducting the Interview

• You will basically be conducting an informational interview with them. Pick up a copy of “Informational Interviewing” in the Career Services Office for suggestions on the types of questions to ask. However, let the life issues and values that are important to you determine what questions you choose to ask.
• Dress in professional attire, as you would for a formal interview.
• When you meet, restate your intentions and purpose for meeting again so that the conversation remains more focused.
• Never ask for a job or for an interview, but it is appropriate to:
• Ask your contact to suggest others in the profession whom you might interview
• Ask for advice for breaking into the profession
• Ask how you would apply for positions with his/her organization, if he/she has stated that there might be openings that would match your qualifications