5 Pre-networking tips

Career experts talk a lot about the importance of networking but they often gloss over what you need to do before you pick up that phone or shoot off that email–the pre-networking. If you want to make the most of the interaction, you’ll need to do a lot of leg work beforehand. Here are some simple tips to help you get started.

1. Know thyself. When you’re meeting with someone for the first time, your ability to concisely and persuasively articulate what type of job you are looking for is crucial. You don’t have to have all of the answers, but you also don’t want to respond by saying you’re considering five different diametrically opposed career paths from landscaper to chief marketing officer.
2. Have a story. Chances are, in the first few minutes of your conversation, you’ll be asked why you want to be a (insert job title here). They’re looking for that aha moment when something inspired you to pursue a particular career path. It can be something as simple as learning about the field while speaking with one of your college professors or from being exposed to it while working at your current job.
3. Over prepare. Visiting the company website is a given. It’s what you do in addition that really matters. Read industry publications, Google them, etc. Incorporate what you’ve learned into your questions. Doing so will 1) show the person you’re speaking with that you’ve done your homework and 2) allow you ask more detailed questions than “What’s a typical day like?”
4. Know your audience. Your questions will vary by the level of seniority of the person with whom you’re speaking. Someone with two years of experience will have an entirely different view of the company and industry than someone working in upper management. Look to more junior people for information on entry-level career paths and more senior people for information on the long-term strategy of the company.
5. Schedule accordingly. Be careful not to overbook yourself. Anytime you’re networking with someone, there’s always a chance they could introduce you to someone else at the company who then introduces you to someone else. Before you know it, your one-hour appointment turns into a half-day marathon.

The amount of effort you put into your pre-networking will go a long way in determining your networking success. Make sure you have your ducks in a row. When you do, you’ll find your efforts will be much more productive. Good luck!