Career and Alumni Connections
Career Contacts Network
General Information
Networking is the single most effective method of gathering career-related information,
developing contacts within a community or an industry, and uncovering the "hidden
job market."
The "Hidden Job Market"
Getting Started
Additional Ways to Develop a Network
How to Network
Increase Your Networking Success
Cornell's Career Contact Network
The "Hidden Job Market"
Approximately 80% of available positions are never advertised. Most employers
prefer informal and personal methods of identifying employees, and believe personal
contacts result in more in-depth, accurate, and up-to-date information. Networking
does not eliminate the need to use other job search methods, but it will produce
helpful referrals from approximately 60% of your contacts.
Getting Started
The way to develop your network is by talking to people. The networking process
will allow you to tell people about yourself, enlist their support, and help you
gather information about available opportunities. The discussion can be formal,
such as a meeting at the professional's worksite, or casual, as it might be if
you met an acquaintance at a party.
To build confidence and develop networking skills, start with people you already
know: family, friends, parents of friends, professors, and former employers or
colleagues. People on this list whose work is different from your interests may
be able to refer you to others. For example, your family physician or neighbor
across the street may be able to provide several helpful referrals.
Additional Ways to Develop a Network
Do an internship or externship and use that opportunity to interview for information.
Contact an organization's human resource department directly and ask for the name
of someone who works in a department of interest to you. Chambers of Commerce,
community service centers, and membership rosters of professional associations
are sources for career-related information. Cornell alumni are an important resource.
Meet alumni through on- and off-campus career events and social activities. Identify
Cornellians in news articles and request information interviews. Join your local
Cornell club after graduation.
How to Network
Determine the types of referrals you need—are you seeking information about
career options or specific employers and positions? Start by compiling a list
of initial contacts and the questions you would like to ask them, such as:
How does one learn about job opportunities in this field? In this organization?
What skills and experience do you look for when you hire? Can you suggest anyone
else in the field I might speak with? Would you please let me know if you hear
of an opening? Do you know anyone working in this field? May I use your name when
I contact them? If you hear of an opening, would you please let me know?
Increase Your Networking Success
Make courteous initial contact, requesting a reasonable amount of the person's
time. Send a brief letter stating how you got the person's name, why you would
like to speak to them, and that you will call to arrange a meeting time. Include
a copy of your resume, noting that it is for background information only. Ask
for information, not a job. If you make a good impression the contact will let
you know of any openings. Arrange face-to-face meetings whenever possible.
Use affiliations to enhance your networking, such as professional and community-based
organizations, fraternities and sororities. Be politely persistent. There are
many reasons why a person will be unavailable on the first or second try. Try
to obtain several referrals from each person you contact. Organize your contact
information to remind yourself when to make make a phone call, write a letter,
or send a thank you note. Follow up on leads and keep your contact informed of
your progress. If you do not pursue a specific suggestion, let your contact know
since they may have already made a call on your behalf.
Cornell's Career Contact Network
A service of CornellTRAK, the Network includes alumni from Cornell as well as
some employers who are willing to provide advice to students. Alumni are much
more open to helping students IF the student is polite, professional and seeking
advice and information RATHER THAN ASKING FOR A JOB. It is important to thank
alumni if they take the time to assist you.
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