Every once in a while, an alum or employer will report back to someone in the Career Strategies and Engagement Center that a student is contacting them in an inappropriate manner. Usually this stems from too much outreach or from outreach that comes across as too aggressive. Other times, this is a result of a student being unprepared or unappreciative when talking to that person. Regardless of the exact reason, you never want to be the student who inspires one of these negative reports.
On the flip side, students are regularly told networking is the key to career success. You’re encouraged to reach out to professionals and ask for coffee chats and informational interviews. You’re reminded that finding an internship or job takes persistence. So what is the line between persistence and pestering? While not always clear, here are some general guidelines to follow.
- Professionalism: First impressions are important. Make sure your initial outreach (and all outreach to follow!) is professional in tone and content. It’s likely you’re not the only student or young professional reaching out to the people on your target list. A mature, affable and to-the-point message, that is both personalized and grammatically correct, will help you stand out from the crowd. Don’t forget to highlight any commonalities you have with that person and briefly explain why you’d like to connect.
- Follow up: People are busy. It’s a fact. People also receive a lot of emails and communications on a given day. If a contact on your list doesn’t respond to your initial outreach, that’s okay. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are unable or unwilling to help. In these instances, wait a week and then follow up with a very brief note (“Hi X, just following up on my outreach from last week. I’d love to connect if you have time. Thanks either way!”). If you still don’t hear back, you may decide to send one last short and polite message, or simply to move on. If you do try that third and final time, make sure you don’t sound desperate, judgemental or irritated. Keep things light!
- Preparedness: If you do get a response and are able to set up a call or coffee chat, make sure you come prepared for a productive conversation. You requested the meeting so the onus is on you to lead the exchange. Come up with questions you’d like to ask in advance of your call based on company, industry, role and/or background. Just try to avoid basic information you can learn on a company website. You only have a finite amount of time – make it count for both of you!
- Authenticity: Preparedness doesn’t mean inflexibility. While you’ll prepare some interesting questions and discussion topics in advance, leave room to really listen to the other person and respond to what they are saying. The point of a coffee chat is to get to know another person and start developing a relationship with them. Don’t forget the human component. Networking is not transactional; it’s about building positive relationships over time through authentic interactions.
- Good judgement: To that end, pay attention to social cues. I’ve found that people can be guarded if they think someone is asking too much of them. Upon a first meeting, most people won’t jump to offer you a referral or reference. They want to get to know you more before they are willing to vouch for you. This is completely understandable so don’t put people in an awkward position by asking for more than they’re willing to give. Instead, focus on building the relationship and let them offer to help if and when they feel comfortable to do so.
- Appreciation: Speaking of help, responding to your outreach and offering to chat in the first place is already extremely helpful and generous. Don’t lose sight of that. Make sure you express verbal and written appreciation. A thank you goes a long way! The same holds true if the person does eventually offer to put you in touch with a colleague, review your resume or refer you for a role. Make sure you respond in a timely, professional and appreciative manner to all assistance you receive both now and in the future.
- Practice: Networking can be nuanced. You often have to read between the lines of each interaction. Learning to do this does not come overnight. It involves practice. When in doubt, make an appointment with your career coach to discuss your approach. It’s also okay to be transparent with alumni and employers. You can say things like, “I’m new to networking. I am so appreciative you’re meeting with me and I want to make sure I’m mindful of your time and comfort level. What is your preferred method or cadence in terms of communication?” As long as you make a good faith effort to follow the tips above, relationship development and management will become easier over time!
Trust me, networking isn’t always easy or straightforward. But when your efforts come together and you establish a rapport with someone new, who can help you grow professionally, you will be happy for the effort you put into your outreach.
For more helpful advice, visit the CSE Resources page on CSE Connect!
Rachel Wasdyke is Director, Corporate Engagement & Strategic Communications. Learn more about Rachel and connect with her here.
