Co-operative Education & Career Services: Job Search & Networking

Why Network?

8 out of 10 jobs are found through our networks. Networking can be a rich source of job leads, referrals, and contacts. Many jobs are never advertised. Networking can help you tap the “hidden” job market. Not only will you become aware of what’s out there, potential employers will become aware of you. Networking then can be an important tool to securing your first career-related job. However, networking can be a lifelong way to keep in touch with others in your industry and it can also be the way to securing other, better jobs.

Keep track of who you’ve met and when. Make sure this list is kept up-to-date and keep in touch with your contacts on a regular basis, not just when you need something from them. Networking should be part of your ongoing career plan.

1. Always wear a name tag with your name printed in clear view.
2. Start a conversation with someone you do not know, and introduce yourself.
3. Hand out and collect as many business cards as you can comfortably carry.
4. Avoid too much small talk. Converse with another person with whom you can support each other’s ideas, careers, etc.
5. If a conversation gets stale, end it gracefully.
6. Don’t wait for someone to suggest what they can do for you; instead, propose how you might help your new contact.
7. Don’t talk to one person for too long. If the conversation is productive, make an appointment for coffee or an information interview and move on to another person.
8. Don’t spend time with people you already know, except to introduce them to your new contacts.
9. Set goals for yourself. During each networking event, try to meet a certain number of new people, and set a target number of follow-up appointments.
10. Keep your contacts up-to-date. An occasional phone call or warm greeting at a future networking event will help solidify your new professional relationship.

Published annually since 1992, The Career Directory is Canada's longest-running and best-loved career guide for new graduates. Each year, our editorial team reviews thousands of employers to determine the academic qualifications they actively seek in younger job-seekers. The result is a wonderful resource that helps new graduates find student jobs that make the most of their university degree or college diploma. This guide is online and available free to job-seekers, who can search its contents from this page.

The information interview is an opportunity for you to conduct research in your field of interest without the pressure of a real job interview. In this style of interview, you act as the interviewer. You set up the interview with an employee or employer to obtain information about current and future opportunities.

This is an opportunity to talk to people who are doing the kind of work you think you might enjoy doing. This technique can be used to clarify your career direction. It can also provide you with information regarding the current job market. But not only is it a chance for you to get information about specific jobs and employers, it’s an opportunity to showcase yourself.