LaSalle Network

In today’s marketplace, over 60 percent of jobs are secured through networking. Use these rules to build a solid network of professionals who can help you achieve your career objectives.

1.   Don’t Expect It to Be Easy

Connecting with the right people in the right way is challenging and time-consuming. It’s important to have realistic expectations when building your network; it will not be an easy or lackadaisical process and it will take motivation, perseverance and follow through. The opportunities and contacts are out there, but they won’t be found without research, time, persistence and a positive attitude.

2.   Start with the Basics

Beginning your networking efforts can seem overwhelming, with so many companies, contacts and industries, it’s sometimes difficult to tell where to start. Make it easy on yourself; start with what, and in this case, who, you know. Make a list of your family and friends, then, send them an email detailing your current employment situation. Keep it upbeat and positive, and outline your most recent role and the career direction in which you’re looking to move. Provide specific job titles and industries that interest you and attach your resume. Be sure to express your gratitude for their help in advance, and tactfully request that they pass your contact information along to any relevant connections.

3.   Don’t Limit Yourself  

When adding to your network, don’t limit yourself to only professionals in your current industry or field. For example, if you’re looking for an accounts payable manager opportunity, do not only network with other accounts payable managers, but with staff accountants, CFO’s, CEO’s, executive assistants, operations managers, human resources professionals, marketing professionals, and the list goes on. Professionals in a variety of fields, and at a variety of levels, can be a valuable resource in your job search. The key to creating a meaningful connection is finding a common thread, no matter what the position, level or industry. To diversify your network, attend a variety of events, both those specifically dedicated to networking and those that are simply social. New contacts are everywhere, and whether you’re at a networking event, church, your nephew’s baseball game or a bar, you never know when you’ll meet your next boss, co-worker or potential referral.

4.   Create a Wide and Deep Network

Quality, not quantity, is important when building your network. One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make when building a professional network is cultivating numerous shallow, superficial contacts and neglecting to develop lasting, deep relationships with a select group of individuals. Remember, at its core, networking is simply learning about, and from, other individuals and then utilizing this knowledge to grow, professionally and personally. The most rewarding and beneficial networking relationships are a result of consistent and meaningful interactions. Employ this way of thinking about your network, execute accordingly, and you are sure to build a solid and diverse group of individuals who will prove a valuable resource in your career, and your life.

5.   Follow Through

In a job search, and in networking, the one thing that separates the good, from the great, is follow through. What good is attending a networking event, collecting 20 business cards, and filing them away in your desk drawer? This type of “networking” will do nothing to grow your personal and professional connections. To capitalize on each formal, and informal, networking opportunity, send personalized “Nice to meet you” cards to every person you met at the event, and with whom you had any sort of conversation. Next, create an Excel spreadsheet outlining all of your professional contacts, their title, company, where and when you met, and what you discussed. Update this spreadsheet after every future interaction or new contact, and utilize this organizational system to remind yourself to connect with your network on a quarterly basis. The objective of networking is to develop long-term, stable relationships, and follow through is the first, crucial step.

6.   Start Now and Always Be Networking

Don’t wait until you are looking for a career change to begin building your network. Networking should be an ongoing and natural process that helps you gradually build a solid, yet constantly growing, group of individuals from which you gain valuable professional and personal information, insight and support. Waiting until you’re unemployed or voluntarily making a career change to begin building your network puts you at an immediate disadvantage, and the sooner you can start sparking and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships with a variety of professionals, the better. You will network your entire career; why not begin honing your skills now?

The Elevator Pitch: One of the Most Important Tools for a Job Seeker

In today’s job market, the elevator pitch is one of the most important tools job seekers need to be using. An elevator pitch is a brief overview of who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re looking to go, most effectively delivered in approximately 30 seconds. In your job search, crafting and perfecting a high-quality and impactful elevator pitch is an essential device to help you get hired faster into a job you’ll enjoy. When creating your personalized elevator pitch, be sure to do the following:

• Decide upon your primary points of marketability
• Keep it concise, but give enough detail so you will be remembered
• Establish a clear goal for the future
• Stay positive

Once you’ve developed your personal elevator pitch, it’s time to practice. Perform it in the shower, to your friends, to your dog, or in the mirror to yourself! The first 30 seconds to two minutes with a new contact is an important time to make a stellar first impression, and a honed elevator pitch will bring you one step closer to securing the job you desire. See below for sample elevator pitches, but remember, tailor them to reflect your own personal accomplishments and goals.

Example Elevator Pitches

Student

Hi, my name is ______________, and I am a (Year in school) at (College/University).  I am a __________ major with a focus in ________ and I am looking to get into __________ after graduation. During my ________ year, I interned at (Company Name) in their _________ department. In addition to my studies and internship, I am an active participant in (Club/Association/Group). From my coursework at (College/University) and time spent at (Company Name), I am excited to get my foot in the door at a company like (Company name(s)) and learn more about how I can contribute from day one.

Recent Graduate

Hi, my name is ______________, and I am a (Year in school) graduate of (College/University).  I was a __________ major with a focus in ________ and I am looking to get into __________ with a growing Chicago company. During my ________ year, I interned at (Company Name) in their _________ department. In addition to my studies and internship, I was an active participant in (Club/Association/Group). From my coursework at (College/University) and time spent at (Company Name), I am excited to get my foot in the door at a company like (Company name(s)) and learn more about how I can contribute from day one.

1-5 Years of Experience

Hi, my name is __________, and I was most recently employed as a (Position Title) at (Company Name) where I (verb: managed, handled, directed, created, etc. + brief description of primary responsibilities.) Prior to that I was (Position Title) at (Company Name). In this role I (verb: managed, handled, directed, created, etc. & brief description of primary responsibilities.)

Ideally, I am looking for a (Position Title) opportunity with a company in the (Industry Name), specifically (Company Name). However, I am open to other opportunities that relate to my background, and look forward to getting my foot in the door at a company like (Company Name) to learn more about how I can add value from day one.

5-10 Years of Experience

Hi, my name is __________, and I was most recently employed as a (Position Title) at (Company Name). I started my career at (Company Names) as a (Position Title) where I (verb: managed, handled, directed, created, etc. & brief description of primary responsibilities.) From there I transitioned to (Company Name) as a (Position Title). In this role I (verb: managed, handled, directed, created, etc. & brief description of primary responsibilities.). That brings us to my most recent position at (Company Name).

Ideally, I am looking for a (Position Title) opportunity with a company in the (Industry Name), specifically (Company Name). However, I am open to other opportunities that relate to my background, and look forward to getting my foot in the door at a company like (Company Name) to learn more about how I can add value from day one.

10+ Years of Experience 

Hi, my name is __________, and I was most recently employed as a (Position Title) at (Company Name). I started my career at (Company Names) as a (Position Title) where I (verb: managed, handled, directed, created, etc. & brief description of primary responsibilities.) From there I transitioned to (Company Name) as a (Position Title). In this role I (verb: managed, handled, directed, created, etc. & brief description of primary responsibilities). That brings us to my most recent position at (Company Name).

I am looking for a (Position Title) opportunity with a company in the (Industry Name), specifically (Company Name(s)). With my extensive experience in ___________, __________, and __________, I believe I would be a valuable addition to any __________ department.